Keeping up with the Javas

 


Another important Semeru (Java) milestone has been met for z/OS 3.1! Today, we are happy to indicate that we have provided support for z/OS 3.1 functions to run with Semeru 21*!  

Recognize, this statement is for z/OS 3.1 functions and is different than the dependencies which your own customer Java applications have. As a reminder, any supported level of Semeru (Java) is able to run with z/OS 3.1 for your applications or for other product dependencies.  While testing with Semeru 21 and z/OS 3.1, we recommend that you minimally use Semeru 21 level 21.0.6.0, which is PTF UO02118 (APAR PH65063). 

As you likely have been aware, we're now in a new phase where our Semeru dependencies for z/OS functions have been changing when newer Java levels are released.  

  • z/OS 3.1 had an initial dependency on Semeru 11 at GA (September 30, 2023).
  • z/OS 3.1 then moved to a Semeru 17 dependency on April 1, 2024.
  • z/OS 3.1 now, we've moved to a Semeru 21 dependency on March 31, 2025.

As always, the location where this is always officially documented is in the z/OS 3.1 Planning for Installation book, in the "Software requirement for running z/OS 3.1" section.  (Read here, on why the IBM Software Compatibility website does not contain the z/OS functional depedency list. ) As our dependencies change, this book is refreshed.  

Here's the graphic I created which helps to explain how and why this dependency has been changing.


Probably the most important question you are asking is "when must I have my dependency on Semeru 11 or Semeru 17 moved to Semeru 21 for z/OS 3.1?"  The answer is the deadlines are coming from the End of Service (EOS) dates for Semeru.  Looking at the graphic, you can see that the planned EOS dates are:

  • November 30, 2025 for Semeru 11
  • September 30, 2026 for Semeru 17 

To identify the PTFs necessary for z/OS 3.1 functional usage of Semeru 21, use SMP/E FIXCAT IBM.TargetSystem-RequiredService.Semeru.21 After the necessary PTFs have been installed, ensure your JAVA_HOME environment variable correctly points to the path which contains Semeru 21 for the functions you are using.  By default, Semeru 21 resides in /usr/lpp/java/J21.0_64.  

If you need to acquire IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, Version 21 (5655-JB1), you can order it from Shopz.  I do recommend ordering it as a z/OSMF Portable Software Instance as that is the fastest (and easiest) way to install it.  Note, you might want to keep it in separate SMP/E zones - but you can add those Semeru SMP/E zones to your existing z/OS 3.1 Software Instance global zone, if you wanted to deploy those two products together.  Note some ideas of how to structure your software instances and SMP/E zones for this moving Java dependency here.  

If you are upgrading from IBM Semeru Certified Edition for z/OS, Version 17 to Version 21 for your own applications, follow the Semeru migration actions that are found in Migrating from earlier releases of IBM Semeru Certified Edition for z/OS

*There is only one "exception" function still remaining in z/OS 3.1 which does not have dependency on Semeru 21:  the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) function of Infoprint Server needs 31-bit Java V8.



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