Case Study: Modernization of a Large-Scale Oracle Forms Application with CheerpJ

Overview

A leading European IT service provider needed to modernize a vital Oracle Forms application relied on by customers across finance, healthcare, public services, retail, and manufacturing. The goals of this modernization effort were clear:

• Eliminating reliance on Java Applets and, in general, on Java components on the client

• Improving accessibility for end users

• Enhancing security and compliance

• Minimizing disruption and cost

The Challenge

The application, developed in Oracle Forms, was very high in complexity, comprising dozens of forms, and was deeply embedded in customer workflows, with complex shortcuts and features users depended on. It was used by thousands of end-users in aggregate across the different customers, providing critical functionality that had to be preserved.

The customer explored a full rewrite to HTML5, or a full migration to Oracle APEX — both of which were rejected due to prohibitive cost, risk of disruption, and multi-year timelines.

The Solution: CheerpJ

Instead of rewriting, the company used CheerpJ to support the modernization of the application. CheerpJ enabled the Java-based application to run directly in modern web browsers — with no changes to the backend. Where needed, some parts of the interface were upgraded with HTML5-native technologies to further improve usability.

Key Benefits Achieved

• Rapid Results: Initial proof-of-concept status was achieved in just 1 week, with the full Oracle Forms application running in-browser; full development was completed in under 6 months, representing a 5-10x acceleration over the original timeline.

• Reduced Risk: Because of CheerpJ, core business logic was fully preserved, reducing the risk of errors in the porting process. Also, minimal change management was necessary, due to the majority of the application being preserved, minimizing retraining of end-users.

• Improved Access: Users now launch the application from any modern browser — no longer requiring their organizations to support plugins and Java installs.

• Stronger Security: Eliminated reliance on potentially vulnerable, outdated Java installations.

• User Experience Enhancements: Familiar shortcuts and workflows preserved, with modern UI improvements where needed.

Overcoming Technical Challenges

Overall, the technical migration to HTML5 via CheerpJ proceeded smoothly, with Leaning Technologies working together with the customer to advance the project at a rapid pace. Different technical issues were faced and resolved behind the scenes, including:

• Maintaining Complex Workflows: CheerpJ developers helped ensure support for intricate keyboard shortcuts and mouse modifiers.

• Performance Optimization: Server-side caching and resource preloading ensured fast loading times and smooth user experiences.

The Outcome

This strategic modernization allowed the company to:

• Protect existing customer relationships with minimal disruption

• Improve compliance and security posture

• Position the product for future growth without expensive rewrites

Conclusion

By choosing CheerpJ, the company achieved a faster, lower-risk modernization — proving that even heavily customized Oracle Forms applications can be successfully adapted to today’s web environments without a complete rebuild.

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Note: The specific name of the application has been omitted to protect client confidentiality.