CheerpJ leverages modern HTML5, WebAssembly, and JavaScript technologies to enable access to legacy applications on modern browsers, including mobile devices. It offers support for all versions of Oracle Forms and is suitable for organizations using third-party applications as well.
With major browsers discontinuing support for Java Applets and NPAPI plugin technology, Oracle Forms have faced challenges in running seamlessly. Here are some alternatives to consider for launching Oracle Forms moving forward:
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What you should know
There are several options to consider:
- Using Internet Explorer Mode in Microsoft Edge.
- Leveraging Forms Standalone Launcher (FSAL) and Java Web Start for 12c users.
- Migration to Oracle APEX.
- Exploring CheerpJ as a tool developed to preserve access to Java Applets, including those from Oracle Forms.
While Microsoft Edge includes an Internet Explorer mode to run Oracle Forms, it is not enabled by default and may lead to a cumbersome user experience. Edge IE mode still requires a Java Desktop installation to be present on the end-user machine. Additional steps and potential security issues associated with Internet Explorer are also a concern with this method.
Users of Oracle Forms 10g or 11g who cannot utilize the aforementioned alternatives would need to upgrade to Oracle Forms 12c to take advantage of these options. The upgrade may require a local installation of Java and its associated maintenance and licensing requirements.
Yes. CheerpJ is used by many organizations worldwide to run Oracle Java-based products, such as Oracle Forms and Oracle EBS, on modern browsers. This includes several Fortune 500 companies as well as local and federal government agencies.
What are your options?
Internet Explorer Mode
- Internet Explorer mode is NOT enabled by default. This has to be manually enabled in the Edge browser settings for each user, usually via GPOs.
- The only way to run a webpage including Oracle Forms is to first run the Oracle Forms URL in Edge which will present a blank page. The user has to manually go into the menu for Edge and go into More Tools. The user must then click on “Reload in Internet Explorer mode” to re-load the application using Internet Explorer mode. The Oracle Forms application will now run normally.
- If the end-user either closes out of the Forms application or is kicked out due to an error (FRM-92103, FRM-93652, etc.) and then tries to run the URL again to go back into Forms, the user has to experience the blank page again and then re-do the step to reload the page in Internet Explorer mode.
- Your organization will continue to have to rely on a local Desktop installation of Java, usually Oracle Java or OpenJDK, with its consequent maintenance and security implications.
So not only is this a a poor user experience, but it also leads to security and maintenance issues.
Forms Standalone Launcher and Java Web Start
These methods allow end-users to either launch Oracle Forms applications using modern web browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox or launch the applications using a script accessible on the desktop.
Unfortunately, these options are not available to those using Oracle Forms 10g or 11g, therefore you would need to upgrade to 12c to take advantage of these options. This method also requires a local installation of Java, its regular security maintenance, and its licensing. Java Web Start is usually only available as part of Oracle Java.
Migration to Oracle APEX
This option, which is not viable for third-party applications, can be impractical, due to cost and timeline implications.
CheerpJ
So not only does this approach work with any version of Oracle Forms (6i, 10g, 11g, or 12c), but it is also available for Organisations that rely on third-party applications.
CheerpJ replaces the local Java Desktop installation with a browser extension that enables any modern browser to run Java Applets and Java Web Start applications.
CheerpJ can be added to Chrome and Edge browsers either manually, or using Group Policies, and does not rely on a local installation of Java, which can then be eliminated from all Desktops. CheerpJ is compatible with all modern browsers (including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) and all Desktop operating systems.
Try before you buy with the CheerpJ Applet Runner
The CheerpJ Applet Runner extension allows you to run legacy Java Applets on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge without having to install Java. Try it for free.
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