Java 8 has to be patched and licensed
Java 8 has to be kept up to date on users' computers, commercial Java 8 updates need an Oracle subscription, and security teams are increasingly restricting desktop Java on managed computers.
Run JNLP Applications with CheerpJ
CheerpJ lets you easily access JNLP applications in the browser without installing Java, relying on cloud virtual machines or using replacement launchers.
What you probably already know
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Java Web Start is no longer part of Java
Oracle deprecated Java Web Start in Java 9 and removed it from Java 11. Java 8 is the last release that includes it.
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Many business applications still launch from JNLP files
Oracle Forms, internal business tools and vendor applications built years ago still launch through Java Web Start. Many come from third parties, so their deployment method can't be changed.
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Today they're kept running with workarounds
A Java 8 installation that still includes Java Web Start, a replacement launcher such as OpenWebStart, or a virtual desktop such as Citrix, VDI or RDS that streams the application to the user.
Why workarounds for JNLP applications won’t work forever
Replacement launchers still need Java on the desktop
OpenWebStart replaces the Java Web Start launcher, but the application still runs on a Java runtime installed on the user's computer, which IT has to deploy, update and secure.
Virtual desktops are expensive to run for one application
Users need a remote session on a server, sized for the number of people working at the same time. The session hosts need their own maintenance and licensing, and clicks and keystrokes travel over the network to the server and back.
Why CheerpJ for JNLP applications
The application runs in the browser tab
CheerpJ is a Java runtime built from OpenJDK and compiled to WebAssembly, so JNLP applications run in current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.
Your application stays as it is
CheerpJ runs the existing JAR files from their bytecode, so you need neither the source code nor a rebuild.
Java comes off users' computers
CheerpJ delivers the runtime to the browser along with the application, and you update it centrally.
Applications run on Java 8
CheerpJ runs JNLP applications on Java 8, the last release that included Java Web Start.
How CheerpJ works in an enterprise environment
There are two ways to deploy it.
<script src="https://cjrtnc.leaningtech.com/4.3/loader.js"></script>
<script type="module">
await cheerpjInit();
cheerpjCreateDisplay(-1, -1);
await cheerpjRunMain(
"com.example.Main",
"/app/example.jar:/app/lib/library.jar"
);
</script>
Security
The application runs inside the browser’s sandbox, under the same security model as your other web applications. Files, clipboard, printing and audio go through browser APIs and their permissions.
Networking
The application connects to its back-end services and databases over your network, governed by the browser’s security policies and your own network controls. For connections a browser doesn’t normally allow, such as direct database access, CheerpJ uses a Tailscale VPN that you can host on your own network.
Licensing
Technical evaluation is free and unlimited. Business use needs a licence. See licensing and pricing.
Get started with your JNLP applications
Talk to us
Tell us about your applications and how they’re used today, and we’ll help you plan an evaluation.
Talk to us
Get the browser extension
A CheerpJ browser extension lets you try your applications in Chrome or Edge.
Get the browser extension