Jakarta EE is one of the leading open‑source platforms for developing enterprise Java applications. Evolving from Java EE under the auspices of the Eclipse Foundation, this technology enables the creation of robust, scalable, and secure applications.
In this review we will examine its features, understand the problems it solves, look at its installation process, and compare it with other market solutions.
What problems does Jakarta EE solve?
Many companies are looking for alternatives to proprietary platforms that are often expensive and rigid. The most common issues are:
- High costs of commercial solutions
- Lack of flexibility for modern architectures
- Difficulty integrating with cloud and micro‑service technologies
- Dependence on proprietary vendors
Jakarta EE provides a concrete answer through:
- A standardised open‑source solution
- Compatibility with modern architectures such as microservices
- A large community and a mature ecosystem
- Independence from specific vendors
According to the official Eclipse Foundation documentation, Jakarta EE aims to deliver a cloud‑native platform that meets today’s enterprise needs.
Key features and capabilities
Interface
Jakarta EE does not offer a traditional graphical user interface; it is a backend platform intended for developers. It integrates with various front‑end frameworks.
- No native graphical UI
- Used through IDEs such as Eclipse IDE or IntelliJ IDEA
Performance
- Optimised for distributed applications
- Efficient server‑resource management
- Compatible with private‑cloud environments
Customisation
- High modularity via specifications such as CDI, JPA, or JAX‑RS
- Support for microservices
Integration with Kubernetes and Docker
Security
- Identity management and authentication
- Support for Java security standards
- Suited for environments requiring strong sovereignty
How to install and configure?
Installation of Jakarta EE generally depends on the application server you choose, such as WildFly or Apache Tomcat.
General steps
- Download a Jakarta EE‑compatible implementation from the official website of the chosen vendor.
- Install a compatible JDK, for example OpenJDK.
- Configure the application server.
- Deploy an application via a WAR or EAR file.
- Tune the settings to match production requirements.
Use cases for Jakarta EE
Jakarta EE is employed in many professional contexts:
- Banking applications requiring high security
- High‑load e‑commerce platforms
- Government systems needing controlled deployment
- Critical business applications that need technical support
Concrete example: Numerous large enterprises rely on Jakarta EE to manage mission‑critical systems that demand reliability and scalability.
Comparison with alternatives
| Fonctionnalité | Jakarta EE | Spring Framework | Node.js |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Source | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Standardisation | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Performance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Écosystème | Large | Very large | Very large |
| Micro‑service ready | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✅ Robust industry standard | ❌ Steeper learning curve for beginners |
| ✅ Free and open source | ❌ Less popular than Spring |
| ✅ Strong enterprise compatibility | ❌ Configuration can be complex |
| ✅ Scalable and secure | ❌ Less flexibility than some modern alternatives |
Conclusion
Jakarta EE is primarily aimed at developers and organisations seeking a stable, standardised and open-source platform for their mission-critical applications. Thanks to its mature ecosystem and governance by the Eclipse Foundation, it also benefits from the dynamism of an active open-source community that contributes to the evolution of specifications, the sharing of best practice and the continuous improvement of the platform.
Although alternatives such as the Spring Framework or Node.js offer greater flexibility or are quicker to get to grips with, Jakarta EE remains a safe bet for enterprise architectures requiring rigour and standardisation.
Within a broader digital sovereignty strategy, adopting Jakarta EE together with services such as those offered by LINAGORA represents a relevant and sustainable choice.