Multiple Java version conflicts

[mikej28621]

We use dozens of web based java apps by different companies. Some 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 based. Almost all of them conflict with the currently installed version. Even the newer versions won't work with the older ones and vise versa.

We are trying to find a answer but not much sucess. Current thinking is that we install different browser for each version (ex. ie=1.2, mozilla=1.4 etc.). But that becomes very confusing, very quickly. Surly we are not the only ones having these types of problems.

Thanks in advance

MJ

 

[JoelNaten]

You are the only ones having those problems. You are best to update your old programs and move to the newer versions of Java. Many browsers, especially IE cannot handle multiple versions of Java. They just can't do it.

I would have those companies update the Java apps, or tell them you will drop their products like yesterday's newspaper.

http://www.blogeasy.com/

 

[mikej28621]

Thanks JoelNaten, unfortunatly most of the software are from companies that we take advantage of their services and not directly purchase software from.

Other then recommending they update thier apps I don't have much hope.

Thanks

 

[egm2005]

The key problem is serialization changed with each version so RMI or anything else needing serialization won't interact.

Here is an ugly short term solution if data can be obtained as clear text.

1. Write several new apps using legacy Java versions that will read data in that version and convert to XML or some other raw text.

2. Modify current application to read in XML and regenerate objects.

Ed

 

[SamTerrell]

You may want to look into Java WebStart. It has a tag to specify which VM version to use, and it will handle multiple VM's just fine.

 

[mikej28621]

Thanks Sam,

We took a look at that but it appears to only work for applications written to a specification. It appears to download needed files over the net to install a different program, not run different versions of the vm. We are running applets via a browser on pieces of equiptment that require a different vm.

Current thinking is that we either set up some servers with different versions of java and terminal service to the various machines (which I have seen some indication on the net of other people doing). Or attempting registry hacks to install the version we need a the time we need it.

Thanks

MJ

 

[stefanwagner]

mikej, do your apps use RMI or Serialization?

seeking a job as java-programmer in Berlin:

http://home.arcor.de/hirnstrom/bewerbung

 

[jwenting]

All SHOULD work with the most recent JVM from Sun.
If they don't there are serious issues with the applets themselves.

Never expect something to run with an older JVM than what it was compiled against, but newer is usually not a problem.

 

[mikej28621]

stefanwagner,

Unfortunatly no.... They are all third part apps by different companies. Most are on pieces of equipment running (I guess) embedded java versions.

jwenting,

One would think the newest versions would work but they error out unless they have the correct java version.

Thanks Guys

 

[stefanwagner]

Hm. Suspicious.
I have seen poor programs which tested for the correct version to run it with:

String version = ...
if (! version.equals ("1.3")) bailout ("You need 1.3");

to prevent using 1.2 and lower, don't thinking of tomorrow, and "1.4" or "5.0".
They write into the specs 'needs 1.3' and when the problem occurs they're off and away and mentioned it before...

If they don't have recent versions, perhaps the software isn't worth to maintain?
As Manager, I would allways prefer OpenSource, or at least getting the source-code, and the right to keep it up to day, if the producer doesn't maintain it on his own.

seeking a job as java-programmer in Berlin:

http://home.arcor.de/hirnstrom/bewerbung