Hello Web Viewer r12.1 customers:
Java 8 Support for WV 12.1 Ends Spring 2026 - Why this matters now
Imagine the Spring of 2026: Your production system hits a critical bug that's disrupting operations. The fix exists and Broadcom released it immediately. But if you're on Java 8, you're completely blocked – you can't apply this fix or any update until you complete a platform upgrade. What should be a quick patch deployment becomes an emergency infrastructure project while your systems remain broken.
We're providing early notice, so you have ample time to plan this critical transition.
What's changing in Spring 2026
Web Viewer r12.1 will require Java 11 minimum (64-bit) on all platforms, along with a supported application server version. Java 8 will no longer be supported, meaning no updates of any kind – including bug fixes or PTFs – can be deployed without upgrading.
Application server support (Spring 2026)
· IBM WebSphere (WAS) will no longer be supported.
· Apache Tomcat 9.0.111 or newer (with PTF LU18452) is required
· Apache Tomcat 10.x is NOT supported and must not be used at this time
Java versions and build requirements
Java 11 (64-bit) is the minimum supported version and requires Web Viewer 12.1 Build 180 or later. However, we strongly recommend JDK 17 (64-bit), which requires Build 255 or later. Java 17 is a recent long-term release, giving you a longer runway before the next Java upgrade. Newer Java levels may be supported as they become certified.
Your upgrade path (high level)
1. Identify your current Java and Web Viewer build levels
2. Plan upgrade to Java 11 or (recommended) Java 17
3. Ensure required Web Viewer build for your target Java
4. Upgrade Tomcat to 9.0.111+ (LU18452)
5. Apply LU18671for general Java 17 support
6. Test in non-production before applying Spring 2026 PTFs
Why jump straight to Java 17
While Java 11 meets requirements, moving directly to Java 17 eliminates doing multiple upgrades in quick succession. You'll avoid the 8→11→17 progression and gain years of stability on a modern LTS baseline.
Critical timing consideration
You can continue running pre-Spring 2026 builds on Java 8 indefinitely – they won't stop working. However, once Spring 2026 maintenance begins, you cannot deploy any new PTFs, including critical fixes, until you meet the new requirements. Planning this upgrade now prevents emergency situations later.
Questions?
We're here to help you plan and validate your specific transition. Please reach out if you need assistance with your environment or upgrade path.
Ed Blazejewski
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Product Manager
Broadcom
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