25 years ago, IBM delivered its first release of an SDK for Java on IBM zSystems – the first release was even available on magnetic tape. After a quarter century of development, improvements, and name changes, the impact of IBM’s SDK for Java on IBM zSystems has been pervasive.

IBM continues to maintain its commitment to staying at the forefront of Java development. For example, in 2016, IBM reaffirmed its commitment to the open source Java ecosystem by contributing its flagship J9 JVM to the Eclipse Foundation to create the Eclipse OpenJ9 and Eclipse OMR projects. This was a mammoth effort, contributing more than 5 million lines of code.

In 2021, IBM rebranded the Java SDK to IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS. With this new release, the IBM Semeru Runtime will continue to be an integral part of the solution for the most difficult client problems, using the latest in Java and IBM zSystems technology. For example:

• The 64-bit Java SDKs support interoperability with 31-bit JNI libraries, allowing 31-bit native libraries to communicate with 64-bit Java applications.

•  Improving scalability and resilience, the IBM Semeru Runtime on Linux on Z supports JITServer technology, decoupling the dynamic Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation activity from the Java application process.

• The new IBM Semeru Runtime uses the OpenJDK class libraries and the Eclipse OpenJ9 JVM that is highly optimized for containers, the cloud, and IBM Systems and Software. By aligning our Java distribution with open Java communities, we have enhanced cross-platform Java application compatibility for our customers without sacrificing the enterprise level quality, full stack performance optimization, and world-class support our customers expect and depend upon for their Java workloads on IBM zSystems.

Combining the performance and agility of Java with the security of IBM zSystems, users can:

• Take advantage of the enterprise qualities of IBM zSystems, such as increased performance and low-latency integration, by co-locating Java workloads with core data and traditional applications.

• Develop robust batch applications using popular Java batch frameworks and standards, with access to key z/OS services and data using the JZOS toolkit and record generator.

• Deploy and manage transactional applications on z/OS with choice of middleware, such as WebSphere Application Server, CICS, IMS, or Db2 for z/OS.

• Secure Java-based micro-services and API endpoints with the latest security features, leveraging cryptographic acceleration and protection with hardware CP Assist for Cryptographic Functions (CPACF) instructions and Hardware Security Modules (HSM)

• Modernize their applications cost-effectively, using Java code that can run on the IBM Z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP)

Join our growing group of satisfied clients running Java who value and benefit from Java’s integration, cross-platform support, reliability, and ease of use. Learn all about IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS®.

Congratulations to the IBM Semeru team for 25 years of achievements and milestones in Java and IBM zSystems technology!

Check out a short video featuring 25 years of innovation with Java on IBM zSystems: