“Does IBM Access Client Solutions need Java to work?”
One of my clients asked me this earlier today
Nope.
IBM i ACS does NOT need Java to work!
Not strictly speaking – since we can use The IBM Semeru Runtimes instead of Java.
Oracle owns Java. There are many alternatives to Java – some branched from earlier public versions of Java and some written from the ground up.
IBM have their own version of one of these branches and it’s called IBM Semeru.
The IBM Semeru Runtime Open Edition has an open source license (GPLv2+Classpath extension). The only binary JDK distribution that gives you free access to OpenJDK class libraries powered by the Eclipse OpenJ9 JVM.
It’s free. It replaces Java. Sounds Good?
Let’s install it.
First a quick overview of IBM i ACS:
Since IBM i ACS was released back in 2018, this new IBM i connectivity application has caused much scratching of heads. IBM i ACS was created to replace the old Windows suite called Client Access. Personally I think this yet another naming gaff from IBM – access client solutions is too similar to client access and easily confuses people that are unsure of what these application does.
IBM i ACS is supported on Java 8 or higher. Of course, IBM recommend using the current Java Long Term Support (LTS) version.
Since Oracle, changed the licensing rules for Java this caused quite a stir in the industry. Java is Free for personal use – But for commercial use Java 11 and above is available from Oracle under a commercial support agreement. The Java Oracle license change has raised concerns because support costs are expected to rise.
Companies are obviously concerned about this – so what are the alternatives?
Would you like to use IBM i with a free alternative to Java from IBM?
Introducing IBM Semeru
The IBM Semeru Runtimes are free production-ready binaries built with the OpenJDK class libraries and the Eclipse OpenJ9 JVM. They deliver the power and performance of Java including all the latest up-to-date security and performance fixes.
Regularly updated, community focussed, free and it does everything that Java does.
What’s not to love?
IBM Semeru versions and editions
IBM® Semeru Runtimes releases fully implement the Oracle Java™ Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) application programming interfaces (APIs).
The packages are built from the following components:
- OpenJDK class libraries
- Eclipse OpenJ9 Java virtual machine implementation
Release information for the version of each component can be found in the following locations:
- Eclipse OpenJ9: The OpenJ9 release notes summarize any notable changes and limitations in each release.
- OpenJDK class libraries: OpenJDK release information is summarized at the https://foojay.io website.
IBM Semeru Runtimes is available in two editions with different licenses:
- IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition has an IBM license and is a Java Platform, Standard Edition compatible implementation.
- IBM Semeru Runtime™ Open Edition has an open source license (GPLv2+Classpath extension).
Refer to the getting started guide on how to use the package name or java -version command to determine the component version and edition.
Download & Install IBM Semeru Runtime
Introducing the no-cost IBM Semeru Runtimes to develop and run Java applications
Let’s install this thing in realtime: