IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS Version 25 is here! This latest version brings a fully certified Java runtime and development kit based on the Java SE 25 long-term support specification. It’s designed to give your enterprise applications a solid foundation for modernization and innovation on IBM Z. Java continues to be a go-to for enterprise workloads thanks to its portability, scalability, and rich ecosystem. With this latest version, you can stay up to date while tapping into new performance, security, integration, and monitoring features.
Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, Version 25 includes the following features and enhancements:
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Standards Compliance: Certified with the Java Compatibility Kit, ensuring full adherence to Java specifications and enabling seamless portability of Java applications across platforms.
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Advanced Development Capabilities: Incorporates OpenJDK class libraries and the Eclipse OpenJ9 JVM, providing a highly optimized environment for building and deploying batch processing, transactional systems, microservices, and cloud-native applications
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Performance Enhancements on IBM z17: Improves throughput for Java workloads, enabled by new hardware instructions. Enhances SSL performance delivering greater efficiency for secure workloads. Accelerates COBOL-to-Java modernization scenarios, providing faster processing of COBOL Copybook data within Java applications.
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Security Advancements: Improvement in security providers such as IBMJCECCA, IBMZSecurity, IBMJCEHYBRID, OpenJCEPlus, SunPKCS11, and JAAS. Integration of IBM Z cryptographic capabilities, including post-quantum cryptography (PQC) support using NIST ML-KEM and ML-DSA algorithms.
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Integration Features: Enhanced JZOS Batch Launcher and Toolkit for executing Java applications as batch jobs or started tasks with direct access to z/OS data and system services. JZOS libraries now accessible via Maven Central, enabling streamlined integration into development workflows and accelerating modernization efforts.
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Monitoring and Diagnostics: JDK Flight Recorder (JFR) provides low-overhead, monitoring and diagnostics for Java workloads on z/OS. Captures JVM and application-level metrics, including CPU usage, garbage collection pauses, and lock contention, with analysis supported by JDK Mission Control (JMC) for detailed visualization and performance tuning.
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Compiler Modernization with OpenXL: Migrated the Java native components from XLC to the OpenXL compiler, delivering improved optimization, reduced build variability, and measurable performance gains for key Java workloads on IBM Z. This modernization also positions the runtime to take advantage of ongoing compiler advancements in future releases.
IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS Version 25 is available at no license charge. It gives you a solid platform to build secure, scalable, and high-performing enterprise applications, while taking full advantage of IBM Z’s legendary reliability and serviceability.
For the first time, all Java-dependent z/OS components are aligned to provide Day 1 support at GA, alongside an expanded set of key ecosystem products—CICS, IMS, Liberty, Db2, MQ, and more. See the latest ecosystem product support on z/OS page.
How to obtain IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, Version 25?
IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, Version 25 is available for zero license charge through Shopz (5655-JB2) SMP/E, or you can download the non-SMP/E Pax version here. Clients can obtain enterprise-level support through a new billable subscription and support offering, IBM SDK for Java and Semeru Runtime on z/OS Support (5655-JBA), which is used for all in-service Semeru or Java on z/OS programs. For details, refer to Ordering information in announcement letter AD26-0015.
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