The following is relevant to all users of Contact Pro’s System Configurator.
We will discontinue support for Java 8 and move to Java 11 and 17 with the Contact Pro 23Q2 release. We encourage all customers to move to Java release 11 or 17 as Java 8 is already at end of active support and receives only security updates. We are taking this action to ensure data security and to maintain software performance.
For release schedule, please see Release Schedule (sinch.com).
What do I need to know and why is this information important for me?
After the 23Q2 upgrade you won’t be able to open System Configurator (SC) if you have Java 8 installed on your workstation. We recommend you start adapting to the change early enough to avoid problems.
What do I need to do before the 23Q2 upgrade?
To ensure flawless operations after the upgrade we recommend you approach your IT administrator already now to schedule necessary installations on your workstation early enough.
The action your IT department is required to perform at the latest when Contact Pro is updated to 23Q2 release is to install Open Web Start (https://openwebstart.com) on your workstation. This application is required as Oracle has removed the Web Start feature from newer Java releases and SC relies on the feature.
Note: You may be able to perform the installation yourself, if you have administrative rights on your workstation.
Can I install and use Open Web Start before the 23Q2 release?
Yes, with the current 22Q4 and the upcoming 23Q1 releases we support Java releases 8 and 11. Therefore, you can already now configure your Open Web Start to use Java 11. As Java 11 remains supported, you don’t need to change anything after the Contact Pro upgrade.
- Install local Java 11 JRE or JDK either from Oracle or Azul.
- Install Open Web Start https://openwebstart.com/download/ .
- Open Web Start automatically downloads Java 17 which is not yet supported by Sinch. You therefore need to either to deactivate or remove the automatically-installed version 17. Launch the Open Web Start console, navigate to JVM Manager page and click the three dots to do the action (purple square on picture below).
- To discover a local version on your workstation, click Find local button. Installed versions should appear on the list.
Done! Now you are ready to launch SC again!
How about macOS users?
Support for SC on macOS and SC will be introduced in the 23Q1 release. Since macOS users already use newer Java versions, no actions are required. Note that Java 11 version is the preferred version with macOS for now.
How about on-premise?
We will discontinue support for Java 8 in FP20, which has no scheduled release date yet. However, on-premise customers who are on FP14 and later can already now start using Java 11. The guidance above on how to use Open Web Start and Java 11 is valid for on-premise customers as well.
For application server the recommendation is to start using newer Java as well.
- FP14 to FP18: the recommended Java is 32-bit or 64-bit Oracle Java, either version 8 or 11
- Upcoming FP19: the recommended Java is 64-bit Azul Java, on version 8 or 11. Oracle Java is supported as well.
Questions?
We are happy to answer questions in this community thread.
