Published on 05 Feb 2018
Thanks to Sun Microsystems, Java has an open source history dating back over ten years.
In 2006, the OpenJDK project was announced. It took a while to remove some lingering proprietary components but, with build 53 of OpenJDK 7, we finally had a fully open source version of the JDK. This also became the source code for the reference implementation of the Java SE standard as of Java SE 7.
On the enterprise Java side of things, the GlassFish open-source application server project was launched back in 2005. In 2006, this also became the reference implementation for the Java EE specification (starting with Java EE 5).
Giving people access to the source code of projects like this is an excellent way to promote adoption of these technologies. Deploying them into an enterprise environment, however, with defined service level agreements requires more than just source code. Most organisations, whilst happy to develop and maintain their application code, do not want to take on this kind of task for the infrastructure their applications run on.
Things like the Java runtime and application server consist of millions of lines of code with complicated build processes. Just setting up a build environment for these can be a significant challenge and require skilled engineers to keep up with changes.
Then there’s the whole aspect of how to deal with updates necessary to address security issues, improvements and bug fixes.
This is where Payara and Azul can help.
Both Payara and Azul provide services essential to deploying mission-critical applications on the enterprise Java platform:
- Binaries built from open-source then rigorously tested to ensure compliance with relevant standards and rock-solid stability.
- The backporting of fixes to older releases where approriate or necessary.
- Rapid availability of security patches to ensure your systems are as secure as possible.
- Long-term support for releases. If your software works with a particular distribution, there’s no reason to upgrade for the sake of upgrading.
- A support organisation that’s contactable 24x7x365. If you hit a problem with a mission-critical system, you want people who will pick up the phone anytime, day or night.
- Skilled staff to ensure a high-quality service. Payara and Azul have staff who’ve previously worked for Sun Microsystems, Oracle and IBM (in the WebSphere team). Both companies also have strong ties to the developer communities for Java SE and Java EE in the form of Java User Groups and the GlassFish User Group.
If your business uses applications that run on a Java application server there’s no better, or more cost-effective solution than using Payara and Azul to support your infrastructure - find out more.
Payara Support & Zulu JDK - FAQ
Do I have to use Zulu JDK with Payara Server?
No, you can use any other supported JDK with Payara Server and Payara Micro. However, if buy a Payara Support Subscription, you can benefit from Payara’s partnership with Azul, providing you with access to Zulu Enterprise– Fully Supported Builds of OpenJDK – with Payara Server and Payara Micro, for no extra cost.
Is Payara bundling Zulu Enterprise with Payara Server?
The Zulu JDK will not be bundled in the same downloadable artefact, but Payara will make Zulu Enterprise available as a separate download for all Payara Support customers.
As a Payara Support customer, where do I download Zulu from?
Payara Customers with Payara Support contracts should download Zulu and Payara Server directly from Payara to be sure that they are getting all the latest security updates and fixes.
What Java versions does Payara support?
Private, updated builds of Java 7 will be available through Payara Support for the lifetime of Payara Server 4.x and updated builds of Java 8 will be available for the lifetime of Payara Server 5.x, so customers can plan for the future safely. Since access to Zulu Enterprise is one of Payara's Support features, Payara Support customers will maximise their support investment by downloading those builds from Payara's repository.
Can I raise JDK tickets in the same way as Payara Server?
Yes, we provide full support for Zulu Enterprise backed by Azul support. Our Support Engineers will work with you and Azul support to resolve any JDK issues.
Can I use Zulu Enterprise on systems without Payara and get support?
No, support for Zulu Enterprise is only provided under your Support Contract when used with Payara Server or Payara Micro.
Java Support - What's changing and how this will impact your business
In late 2017, Oracle announced a faster release plan for new Java features which contained quite a few surprises. In this webinar, Azul Systems Deputy CTO and Java Champion Simon Ritter places this new schedule into context and explains what these changes mean to you in practical terms. Get the inside scoop on JDK 9 and beyond, and learn how you can obtain better Java support on YOUR schedule – for less!
Watch the webinar on-demand here.