SCIENCE

News Facts

• To further its commitment to the Java Community Process (JCP), Oracle announced that it has submitted the first of two Java Specification Requests (JSRs) to update and revitalize the JCP.

• The new JSRs will define the next iteration of the JCP, JCP.next, and involve changes to help broaden transparency of Java technology development, improve procedures, increase agility and encourage new community participation.

• The JCP consists of over 1,200 individual, corporate and user group members who together define Java standards and drive the direction of the Java language and platforms through Expert Groups.

• The suggested JCP.next revisions will go through the same JSR development process that is used for Java technologies and will be voted on by the JCP Executive Committee (EC) before being accepted.

• The proposed JSRs will modify the JCP's processes and "constitution" - the Process Document and Java Specification Participation Agreement (JSPA) and will apply to all new JSRs and to future maintenance releases of existing JSRs for all Java platforms.

• JCP.next JSR 1 will produce a new version of the JCP Process document and a formalized Executive Committee Members' Guide and is expected to be completed and approved within about six months. Some changes include:

Requiring all Expert Group (EG) operations to be carried out in public forums.

Increasing the transparency of the recruiting process for Expert Group members to ensure that all applications are fairly considered.

Exploring ways to enable all JCP members to participate in EC activities through public teleconferences, meetings, e-mail aliases and discussion forums.

Determining how to disclose TCK testing process results, for example publishing lists of compatible implementations on jcp.org and by removing any barriers to the disclosure of test results.

• JCP.next JSR 2, which Oracle will submit to the JCP shortly, will involve modifications to the JSPA and is expected to take 12-18 months to complete.

Supporting Quote

“In the past few months, Oracle and other partners in the Java Community Process have driven a revitalization of Java technology and standards with the approval of the JSRs for Java Platform, Standard Edition 7 and 8, as well as Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 7. Now with the submission of the first JSR for JCP.next, we are ready to begin the evolution of the Java Community Process itself, making it easier for both individuals and organizations to participate in the process,” said Patrick Curran, chair of the JCP and director of the JCP's Program Management Office.