Help Move Java EE Forward

If you recall my post entitled Java EE 8:  What is the Current Status, it is apparent that the progression on Java EE has certainly slowed down over the past several months.  There are definitely some JSRs under the Java EE umbrella that have more activity than others, but Java EE as a whole has seen little to no movement forward since JavaOne 2015.  This is not something to be taken lightly by anyone in the IT industry.  Java EE is a critical part of the industry, as there are thousands of web applications that have been built using the Java EE stack.  There are probably even more applications that have not been built using the full Java EE stack, but still rely upon some of the Java EE technologies..such as the Java Persistence API (JPA) or Java Message Service (JMS).

Why is it so important to move things forward?  Why not just leave things how they are and let Java EE fade away?  Plainly put, these technologies need to move forward in order to remain secure and make use of the current API technologies of today.  If one wishes to simply let Java EE stagnate, that means that all of the applications and services utilizing all or part of Java EE (much of the internet as we know it) are also stagnating, and cannot be moved forward to stay current with today's technology and security concerns.

What can we do to try and help?  Move Java EE forward via the community.  If you have a few moments to spare, help move Java EE forward by sharing your expertise and contributing to one or more of the Java EE JSRs.  This can be done by joining the JCP (Java Community Process) and beginning to work on the code.  Work can be categorized in a number of ways...one can test existing code, document, debug, repair issues, or even develop features and enhancements for a Java EE 8 JSR.  Become a part of your local JUG and give a talk on Java EE 8, or get your JUG involved via the Adopt-a-JSR program and work with the JCP to help make improvements towards the Java EE 8 effort!

What can you do right now?  Sign the petition that has been proposed by the Java EE Guardians group to try and persuade Oracle to begin working on Java EE 8, once again.  The Java EE Guardians are a group of individuals/JUGs that are actively involved in trying to vocalize the current status of Java EE 8, in an effort to get the community involved and to make Oracle hear or opinion.  In the end, if Oracle is not interested putting forth effort internally and moving Java EE forward, hopefully they will be open to working more with the community, and hand off some of the specifications to those who are interested.

https://www.change.org/p/larry-ellison-tell-oracle-to-move-forward-java-ee-as-a-critical-part-of-the-global-it-industry

Thanks for reading the post...your time and participation is certainly appreciated!