News

Payara Launches Alpha Preview to Advance Jakarta EE 11 Adoption

• By John K. Waters
• December 3, 2024

Payara, a leader in enterprise Java application server technology, has announced the alpha release of Payara Platform Community 7 Alpha 2, offering developers a first look at Jakarta EE 11 (currently under development). With this release, the company aims to deliver an early preview of the next-generation platform designed to modernize applications and improve developer productivity.

This alpha release provides developers with the opportunity to explore Jakarta EE 11 Milestone 4 capabilities ahead of the final specification, the company says, which is expected to introduce a simplified framework, enhanced performance, and compatibility with Java 21 features like Virtual Threads.

The Payara Platform Community 7 Alpha 2 integrates most of the mandatory Jakarta EE 11 specifications, offering developers a hands-on opportunity to experiment with the future of enterprise Java. Notable advancements include:

Security Enhancements: Implementation of Jakarta Authorization API 3.0 and ongoing work on Jakarta Authentication API 3.1 align the platform with modern enterprise security requirements.
Servlet Modernization: Jakarta Servlet API 6.1 introduces improved web container technology for better performance and capabilities.

Upgraded Core Components: Enhancements include Grizzly 4.1.0 for network performance and HK2 4.0.0-M2 for dependency injection, streamlining system efficiency.

Louise Castens, Senior Product Manager at Payara Services, highlighted the importance of early adoption. “We are thrilled to help developers prepare for the official launch of Jakarta EE 11," she said in a statement. This release aligns with Payara’s mission to empower businesses with modernized application frameworks."

Payara’s alpha release reflects its commitment to facilitating smooth transitions for development teams readying for Jakarta EE 11 adoption. Developers can use the platform to test applications for compatibility, explore new features, and plan migration strategies.

Payara Platform Community 7 Alpha 2 also focuses on security, with communication safety mechanisms like over-the-air updates and secure boot ensuring robust protection in modern applications.

The Jakarta EE 11 platform, currently under development, is expected to simplify enterprise Java while addressing growing demands for enhanced productivity and security. With the inclusion of Java 21’s features, Jakarta EE 11 aims to solidify its relevance in enterprise-grade applications.

Payara’s early access release underscores its role in advancing Jakarta EE’s ecosystem, allowing developers to adapt to modern Java standards seamlessly. "We encourage developers to explore this alpha release and contribute feedback, helping us shape the future of enterprise Java together," Castens said.

The Payara Platform Community 7 Alpha 2 is available for download at Payara’s website, with usage intended for testing and experimentation rather than production environments.