We are pleased to announce the release of our latest tool in the Java compatibility space.
The CheerpJ JNLP Runner is a powerful browser extension for Chrome and Edge that enables modern browsers to run Java Web Start (JWS) applications without a Java Desktop installation.
Java Web Start is a deprecated, but still, extremely widespread protocol to seamlessly download and run Java client applications from the web. It still enjoys popularity in the enterprise sector, where Java client components are still common, particularly in the Oracle ecosystem (Forms, E-Business Suite, etc).
With CheerpJ JNLP Runner, modern browsers can run existing, unmodified JWS within the browser in a modern and secure way, without any additional downloads, plugins, native components, or server-side modules.
Years in the making
The CheerpJ JNLP Runner Extension is based on CheerpJ, a JVM replacement solution in WebAssembly for modern browsers, originally released in 2017, with its third major iteration being released in early 2024.
While CheerpJ itself is a tool intended to be used by developers and integrators of Java applications, we have seen a lot of demand for simple compatibility tools to be used by end users who are simply interested in running legacy Java-based content. Our popular CheerpJ Applet Runner browser extension, with over 150,000 users, is an example of these tools.
In late 2023, we set to develop a similar end-user compatibility tool for Java Web Start applications. CheerpJ JNLP Runner was released to beta testers early in 2024 and is now available on the Chrome Web Store and Microsoft Edge Addons.
Key Features of CheerpJ JNLP Runner
CheerpJ JNLP Runner is a one-click browser extension that, once installed, enables your browser to run Java Web Start applications automatically, whenever a JNLP file download is triggered.
The extension is self-contained, does not contact any server (except for license checks), and does not require an installable or server-side component. CheerpJ JNLP Runner does not require a local Java installation and relies on an extension-local instance of the CheerpJ JVM, which runs in-browser.
- Secure, Compliant Java Solution: Run Java Web Start without a local Java installation, all within your browser, enhancing security and compliance within your organization.
- Extensive Compatibility: Supports networking, file systems, clipboard access, Swing/AWT, and most Java 8 features, ensuring a smooth transition for your applications.
- Easy to Use: A one-click solution for end-users and organizations, simplifying launching Oracle Forms and EBS applications.
- Self-hostable and private: CheerpJ JNLP Runner can be self-hosted by organisations, and deployed using Group Policies. It is fully private and does not communicate with any server.
- Cost-Effective: Preserve access to your legacy Java client applications with minimal investment, avoiding costly migration processes.
Enhancing Access and Security
By leveraging CheerpJ JNLP Runner, organizations can improve the security profile of their applications by eliminating the need for a local Java Desktop installation. This streamlines compliance and ensures that your Java Web Start applications are securely sandboxed within the browser, reducing vulnerabilities and maintenance overheads.
Oracle EBS and Forms without Java Desktop
The CheerpJ JNLP Runner is the only solution that can run Oracle EBS and Forms applications directly in your browser, eliminating the need for downloads, plugins, and a local Java installation.
It has been tested extensively on Oracle E-Business Suite, numerous Oracle Forms applications, and hundreds of custom Java Client components.
Self-hosting and Enterprise Deployment
CheerpJ JNLP Runner can be installed from the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Addons. It can also be provided to organizations as a self-hostable package.
Either version of the extension can be deployed and configured with Group Policies.
Licensing
You can explore the features and functionalities of the CheerpJ JNLP Runner with a 14-day fully-featured trial.
After this period, individual user licenses can be purchased as a monthly subscription, which is ideal for personal use or businesses with limited user requirements.
Enterprise licenses are also available, which include self-hostable versions and GPO deployment options tailored for larger organisations.
Get Started Today!
Enhance your browsing experience by accessing legacy Java applications without needing a Java Desktop installation. Install the CheerpJ JNLP Runner for Chrome or Edge and effortlessly run your JNLP applications with unparalleled ease and security.
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