Since the release of the Java SE 1.4.2 platform in 2003, an increasing number of enterprises with in-house applications want longer-term access to critical Java SE fixes. Many software vendors are looking to extend the support life of Java applications they distribute onto new operating environments. While continuing to provide support for standard Java SE releases, Sun now offers Java for Business, a subscription support offering combined with fixes, security patches and platform updates.

In this paper, we explore Sun's Java for Business offering: what it provides; the flexible options available for developers and businesses; how enterprises are using Java for Business today; and guidance on how to get started.