users@javaee-spec.java.net

[javaee-spec users] [jsr342-experts] Re: Java EE / EJB Interop support

From: David Blevins <david.blevins_at_gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 15:59:22 -0700

I think "Amen" might be the best word. From a Geronimo perspective, we've had significant troubles retaining enough expertise to keep that section certified and meanwhile it's never once been used.

From a TomEE perspective, this is one of the things preventing our "more than web profile" distro from being certified. Tough to motivate volunteers to write an integration for something they'll never use.


-David

On May 10, 2012, at 12:50 PM, Linda DeMichiel wrote:

>
> The Java EE Platform and EJB specifications currently require the
> capability of using RMI-IIOP to export EJB components and to access EJB
> components over a network. This requirement enables interoperability
> between Java EE products.
>
> It has been suggested that we consider removing the requirement for
> such interoperability support from the Java EE Platform and EJB
> specifications.
>
> There are several reasons behind this proposed change:
>
> * RMI/IIOP has been largely superseded by modern web technologies
> that provide interoperability support, such as SOAP and REST.
> Hence, few developers are currently relying on RMI/IIOP for this purpose.
> * Implementing the required support is seen as an unnecessary
> burden on Java EE implementors.
> * There is a perception that this requirement makes Java EE seem
> heavyweight at a time when we're trying to appeal to developers
> who want a lightweight solution.
>
> Removing this requirement would mean that an implementation of the
> Platform would still be required to support remote access to EJBs, but
> would not be required to use IIOP to do so. That is, we would be
> removing requirements that provide interoperability across products,
> but would not be removing requirements that require support for remote
> access within a single product, since other protocols could be used.
>
> Further, please note that because Java EE 7 requires support for Java
> SE 7, we would also not be removing requirements for the ability to
> use the CORBA functionality that is required as a part of Java SE.
>
> If we pursue this direction, the first step, of course, would be to
> designate support for RMI-IIOP interoperability as "Proposed Optional".
>
> Please let us know whether you support this proposed change or not.
>
> thanks,
>
> -Linda
>