Installing IBM JRE on Windows (a non-IBM machine)

Question

I'm developing a Java 5.0 application that connects to Websphere Application Server default messaging queues.

My application will be deployed on Windows server (with sun JDK installed by default), in order to connect to the Websphere queues I have two choices:

1. Using IBM JRE
2. Using sun JRE, copying some IBM JRE's jars, setting some JVM properties, ...

The idea is, the second choice was painful, I'm trying to go with the first choice.

My question is: can I install an IBM JRE 5.0 on a non-IBM windows machine?

Answer 1

There are two "answers".

• Technically, yes, it's possible and it works no problem.

• Legally, I don't know if the IBM JRE is licensed for use or distribution by itself. It was my impression that it was licensed only as part of another IBM product (like WebSphere MQ, or one of the Rational tools), which would mean you would have to license the other product on the machine before installing the JRE, and you would use the installer for the other produce to get the JRE onto the machine.

Best to clear this latter question up with an IBM representative.

Answer 2

The reason the IBM JVM is so hard to get hold of is most likely that they want you to pay some money for it.

The "Easiest Way" to get a IBM JDK for Windows is probably from here: (but that is without support) https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/java/jdk/eclipse/

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Edit: Do the product you want to connect to not include a set of client jar files you just need to add to your application?

Answer 3

I'm not sure if there is a free-to-download-and-distribute IBM JRE. There are certainly IBM Win32 JREs that are not tied to IBM PCs and if you own certain IBM products, you can redistribute the JRE as per their terms.

For example, this excerpt comes from the pithily titled IBM Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software 7.5.2 GA license:

DISTRIBUTION OF JRE REDISTRIBUTABLES

You may distribute the software listed below (the "JRE Redistributables") only in conjunction with Your application and subject to the following terms: (1) Your redistribution of the JRE Redistributables must be in object code and must comply with all technical and user directions provided with the Program; (2) Your application must redistribute other Redistributables identified in this license with the JRE Redistributables unless Your application is designed to run only on general computer devices (e.g., desktops and servers) and not pervasive devices; (3) You may not remove any copyright or notice files contained in the JRE Redistributables; (4)You will indemnify IBM or third parties that provide IBM products ("Third Parties") from and against any third party claim arising out of the use or distribution of Your application; (5) You may not use the same path name as the original files/modules; (6) You may not use IBM's or Third Parties' names or trademarks in connection with the marketing of Your applications without IBM's or Third Parties' prior written consent; and (7) IBM or Third Parties provide copies of these files or modules "AS IS," i.e., You are responsible for all technical assistance for Your application.

In Your license agreement with the recipient, You will notify the recipient that these files or modules may not be 1) used for any purpose other than to enable Your application, 2) copied (except for backup purposes), 3) further distributed without Your application or 4) reverse assembled, reverse compiled, or otherwise translated.

The JRE Redistributables software can be found in the following directory on the installation media:

/jdk/jre

You can lookup/search IBM software licenses at http://www.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf.