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IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, version 21 is now available!

By James Tang posted Fri November 22, 2024 07:45 AM

  

IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, version 21, is the latest Java SDK release on z/OS, delivering a high performance Java runtime and development kit that supports Java 21 Standard Edition specification. As clients embark on their hybrid cloud and AI journey on IBM z/OS, Java 21 enables clients to use the latest Java language features, improved performance, and enhanced security for their workloads on-premise and across cloud platforms.

IBM Semeru provides an SDK and Runtime Environment for building highly robust, scalable, and reliable modern enterprise applications, and enables Java developers and z/OS clients to use new Java language features and stay current with the Java community. It supports a wide range of Java applications and frameworks, and integrates with popular Java based frameworks and standards. It provides a consistent hybrid cloud development and deployment experience, leveraging Java APIs, libraries, and frameworks.

Features of IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS 21, include:

  • Java Compatibility Kit (JCK) certification as a fully compliant Java product, enabling porting of Java applications developed on distributed platforms to z/OS.
  • OpenJDK class libraries, Eclipse OpenJ9 Java virtual machine technology, and performance enhancements.
  • Hardware and software stack optimizations to maximize the performance and benefits of IBM Z hardware and middleware.
  • z/OS unique value-add security providers that manage access control, maintain keystores, support failover, leverage hardware cryptography including quantum-safe, and significantly accelerate cryptographic operations.
  • JZOS Batch Launcher and Toolkit enhancements to run Java applications as batch jobs or started tasks, with direct access to traditional z/OS data and key z/OS system services.

Semeru (Java) 21 on z/OS contains a Java Enhancement Proposal (JEP) 400 implementation that makes UTF-8 the default charset for standard Java APIs across all platforms including z/OS. Clients may have to make changes to their applications. For more details, refer to the migration guide in IBM Documentation.

For the very first time, multiple products across the IBM Z platform are simultaneously providing support for developing Java 21 applications on z/OS on the same day as this general availability announcement. See the latest ecosystem product support on z/OS page.

How to obtain IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, Version 21?

IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, Version 21 is available for zero license charge through Shopz (5655-JB1) SMP/E, or you can download the non-SMP/E Pax version here. The subscription and service number is 5655-I48.

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4 comments
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Comments

James Tang
Mon April 07, 2025 11:18 AM

Hello Horata-san, glad to hear you received the required Semeru 21 on z/OS  support/APAR information about IIDR and STS through another channel.

We strive to include as many products in support of latest Java on z/OS as possible. While we made great progress in Java 21 than Java 17/11, there's more work to be done to enable the vast ecosystem of Java usage on the platform. Your comments are valuable, as we plan for upcoming versions of Java on z/OS. Thank you.

SATOSHI HORATA
Tue April 01, 2025 08:15 PM

Hello Tang-san, thank you for your reply and support.

I have already received the following information from a member of IBM Japan's Technical Sales team regarding IIDR and STS's support for Java 21 on z/OS.

IIDR
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/apar/PH64273

STS
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7185451

My request to IBM is that when a new version of Java on z/OS ships in the future, the Java development team and the SW development team that uses Java will work together appropriately to ensure that customers receive a support period that is consistent with the product policy.
I believe that support for Java on z/OS will not begin at the time of the GA of Java on z/OS alone, but when support for the new versions of major SWs using Java on z/OS is completed.

Best regards.

James Tang
Tue April 01, 2025 11:18 AM

Hello Horata-san, sorry for the late reply as I just noticed your message in one of the community inbox. I've contacted the product group on your inquiry about IBM Information Data Replication for z/OS (IIDRz), and their support plan for Semeru Java 21 on z/OS. I've invited the focal to respond to your comment as well.

SATOSHI HORATA
Mon March 03, 2025 08:45 AM

As of March 3, 2025, version 21 support for SQL Tuning Service (STS) used by Query Workload Tuner for z/OS and IBM Information Data Replication for z/OS (IIDRz) has not been completed. 
Even though more than three months have passed since version 21 of Semeru Runtime Certified Editon for z/OS became GA, the fact that version 21 support for STS and IIDRz has not been completed makes me feel that IBM's response is very slow.

Regarding version 17 support, it took until June 2024 to support version 17 of STS and IIDRz. The GA of version 17 was GA on August 25, 2023. In other words, STS and IIDRz have taken less than a year to support version 17, 
and they are very slow to respond. 
In addition, it has been announced that version 17 EOS will be released on September 30, 2026. As a result, STS and IIDRz are only able to use version 17 for 27 months and are not eligible for the 36-month support of the Standard product policy.

As soon as IBM announces its successor, the Semeru Runtime Certified Editon for z/OS, it should finish supporting the new version of the product 
that uses it and ship the necessary PTFs.

It should be corrected that due to the delay in responding to the new version, support cannot be received during the support period (36 months) 
in accordance with the product policy.