ECMS Knowledgebase

ECMS - Support status for Java and browser plug-in support

Current support status for Java 8 update 101 (8u101) plug-in.

• Windows browsers
  


• Chrome: No Java plug-in support since Chrome 45 released September 2015.
• Firefox: Currently supports Java plug-in.
• Internet Explorer 11: Currently supports Java plug-in.
• Edge: No Java plug-in support.


• Mac Browsers
  


• Safari: Currently supports Java plug-in.
• Firefox: Currently supports Java plug-in. WebNow not supported by vendor for Firefox on Macs.

Future support status for Java and browser plug-in support starting July 2016.

• Java 9

In March 2017, Java 9 will deprecate the Java browser plug-in. While Java 9 deprecates the plug-in, the plug-in will still be available for use. Warning messages will appear and you will need to click through the messages to continue using the plug-in. However, future iterations of Java will likely have the plug-in removed.

Learn more about the deprecation of the Java browser plug-in.

• https://blogs.oracle.com/java/latest-java-9-news
• https://blogs.oracle.com/java-platform-group/entry/moving_to_a_plugin_free
• http://openjdk.java.net/jeps/289

• Windows Browsers


• Chrome: No Java plug-in support.
• Firefox: Firefox plans to drop support for all NPAPI plug-ins, except Flash, in March 2017.
• The next major Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) release, also scheduled for March, will continue to support plug-ins such as Silverlight and Java until early 2018, for those users who need more time for their transition.
• Learn more about future releases.
• Internet Explorer 11: Currently supports Java plug-in. Unknown for how long.
• Edge: No Java plug-in support.


• Mac Browsers


• Safari: Currently supports Java plug-in. Unknown for how long.
• Firefox: Currently supports Java plug-in. WebNow not supported by vendor for Firefox on Macs.
• Mozilla will end support for Firefox on OS X 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8 in August, 2016. At that time, Firefox will continue to function on these platforms but will no longer receive new feature or security updates. Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) 45 will continue to support OS X 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8 until mid-2017, but this ESR release will be the last that supports them.
• Learn more about future releases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the Java compatibility for apps across campus?


• https://wiki.doit.wisc.edu/confluence/display/JREUpdates/JRE+8u101+Testing+and+Validation


• What does this mean?


• WebNow will continue to be supported by Lexmark through 2020; however, to access WebNow users will likely need to have specific versions of browsers and Java available to them to install.


• Whose responsibility is it to make sure users can access WebNow?


• Only the Division/Department employing staff that need to access WebNow can ensure their desktop environment will have the appropriate software tools available to them.
  
• If you rely on WebNow it is your responsibility to alert your users so they may alert their desktop support.
  
• The Imaging team will maintain WebNow and work on providing alternatives (see below) and communicate relevant changes they are aware of.


• Are alternatives to WebNow being examined by the Imaging team?


• Yes. If you are interested in discussing options other than WebNow, please fill out and submit a new work request form using the ECM New Work Request Form. 
  
• Currently no alternatives are in active use and all require additional resources for testing, fixing of issues, and production implementation. Some options may require purchase and implementation by others. More on these options as they develop.