Top 3 Java pain points and how to relieve them
Posted by: Browsium Tags: Java, Proton, Top News Posted date: May 18, 2016 
Like a gopher infestation in your lawn, Java updates just keep popping up. Some days keeping up can seem futile but, with your web application compatibility and IT security at risk, you battle on. You’re not alone and there is a solution.
If you’re like our customers, you typically experience three primary Java problems – maintaining application compatibility, staying current with the latest update, and reducing your IT attack surface. Let’s look at these top three pain points:
- Maintaining Compatibility – With so many Java updates (18 since Java 8 was released in March 2014 to be exact) you need to ensure each of your browser-based applications has a compatible version of Java. Sadly, that’s not the end of your Java compatibility issues. To ensure compatibility for all of the web applications in your enterprise, you’ll likely need to run multiple versions of the Java run-time environment (JRE). However, the browser will only load the most current JRE version installed by default.
- Staying Up-to-Date – The rapid cycle of Java updates makes it difficult to stay current with the latest, most secure release. Properly upgrading to each release requires an investment of time and resources. In fact, according to an industry expert, many companies require at least 21 business days to simply complete all steps in their change management process. Also, if you run only the most current and secure release, you will be compromising compatibility for those applications which require a different Java version.
- Reducing Attack Surface – With so many versions of Java floating around, you really need to understand the Java inventory and activity within your browser environment. Without it, there is no way of knowing your security exposure. By identifying and removing unnecessary versions of Java, you can reduce your attack surface and improve your security profile.
Based upon these three Java pain points, your Java battles sure would be a lot easier if you could:
- Determine the inventory and activity of Java in your browser environment
- Run multiple versions of Java side-by-side to maintain compatibility
- Manage or isolate web applications requiring an older version of Java, while defaulting to the latest, most secure version for new applications and the web
Fortunately, there is a solution – browser management. With the paradigm shift to browser-based applications, a new set of management tools are required to manage this highly complex and interdependent environment. Java is a huge part of the enterprise browser landscape and managing it will greatly improve application compatibility and security, while eliminating lots of pain for your IT organization.
Browsium’s browser management suite is that new tool set which enables you to solve your Java pain points. With it you can discover Java inventory and activities, plan your Java environment with analytics and modern solutions, and act to bring increased security and compatibility to your environment.
Java really doesn’t have to be so painful. You can learn more about managing Java and see how the Proton module in our browser management suite queries and reports browser activity, including Java, by taking a Proton Test drive.
