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Java modernization

Java modernization for enterprise applications.

Four moves cover most of the work: leave the app server, upgrade the runtime, move to Spring Boot 3 and Jakarta, and sequence them so nothing breaks twice.

The short answer

Java modernization moves enterprise Java applications off proprietary application servers and old runtimes onto supported, open platforms. Typical moves are WebLogic, WebSphere or JBoss to Tomcat or Spring Boot, Java 8 or 11 to Java 21, and Spring Boot 2 to 3. Ace8 does the work with AI-assisted tools and engineer verification.

Overview

The four Java moves

MoveFromToPage
App-server exitWebLogic, WebSphere, JBoss EAPTomcat, Spring Boot or Open LibertySee below
Java version upgradeJava 8 or 11Java 21Java upgrade
Framework upgradeSpring Boot 2, Spring 4 or 5Spring Boot 3, Spring Framework 6Spring Boot 3 migration
Namespace movejavaxjakartaPart of the two above

Runtime

Java version upgrades

Moving from Java 8 or 11 to a current long-term support release removes a growing list of risks: unsupported runtimes, open CVEs and libraries that no longer target the old version. Most of the effort is removed APIs, stricter encapsulation and dependency updates. Read more on the Java upgrade page.

Framework

Spring Boot 3 and Jakarta

Spring Boot 3 needs Java 17 or later and the Jakarta EE namespace. That makes the framework move depend on the runtime move. The mechanical edits can be done with OpenRewrite recipes. The configuration and security changes need an engineer. See Spring Boot 3 migration.

Order of work

How to sequence the moves

The wrong order means touching the same code twice. A usual order is below. The assessment may change it for your estate.

  1. 1

    Baseline and tests

    Measure coverage and write characterization tests.

  2. 2

    Upgrade the Java runtime

    Move to a Java version that the next steps need.

  3. 3

    Move the framework

    Spring Boot 3 and the javax to jakarta change.

  4. 4

    Exit the app server

    With a current framework, server-specific features map more cleanly to open equivalents.

  5. 5

    Containerize and re-architect

    Where the assessment shows a payoff.

Cost

Licence and support cost levers

We put your numbers next to the cost of running the same applications on open platforms, with the formula shown. A worked licence-cost model for each server will appear on its page.

  • App-server licences and subscriptions, which recur every year.
  • Extended-support fees for runtimes past their free update window.
  • Engineer time lost to slow builds, rare releases and manual deployment.
  • Security exposure from unpatchable dependencies.

After go-live

Supported afterward

AceMQ provides support for Tomcat, Java and Spring, 24/7. If you cannot upgrade yet, OSSeva provides extended support for Java 8 and 11 while you plan. See supported after migration.

Source to target

Source-to-target migration guides

Proof

Delivered by the AceMQ engineering team.

Broadcom Expert Advantage Tanzu Services Partner of the Year, AMER, 2025

Awarded to AceMQ. Ace8 is the modernization practice of AceMQ.

AceMQDelivered by the AceMQ engineering team

FAQ

Frequently asked.

Something else on your mind? Ask an engineer.

It is moving enterprise Java applications off proprietary application servers and old runtimes onto supported, open platforms. Typical moves are WebLogic, WebSphere or JBoss to Tomcat or Spring Boot, Java 8 or 11 to Java 21, and Spring Boot 2 to 3.

Know the cost before anything moves.

A fixed-price assessment gives you the inventory, the risk score and a phased plan. Scope and cost are fixed before the migration starts.

Book a Fixed-Price Assessment

Get in touch

Talk to a modernization engineer

Tell us what you run today. An engineer, not a sales script, replies within one business day.

305-204-2607info@ace8.io

66 W. Flagler St. 9th Floor
Miami, FL 33130

What are you moving off? *

Fixed price. Scope and cost before any migration starts.