Spring

Extending Support for Apache Tomcat: Leading the Way with Tanzu Spring Runtime

Written by Michelle Sebek and Mark Thomas

Apache Tomcat stands as the cornerstone of Java application servers, providing support for servlet containers and powering countless applications worldwide. Tomcat’s significance in the Java ecosystem cannot be overstated, as it’s the most widely used servlet container middleware as well ash being the default Servlet container for Spring Boot. We're proud to announce our continued commitment to Apache Tomcat through extended support, paving the way for an offering that provides comprehensive, experienced assistance to our Tanzu Spring Runtime customers. 

Broadcom's legacy of contribution

For over 15 years, members of the Spring team have been contributing to the development of Apache Tomcat, providing over 75% of commits, bug fixes, and security patches. Our dedication to the Apache Tomcat open source community has helped it remain robust, secure, and adaptable to the evolving needs of enterprise users.

Introducing Tanzu tc Server: Secure, supported, and extended 

Tanzu tc Server represents our efforts to provide companies with a secure, supported, and extended Java application server built on Apache Tomcat. Fully compatible with its open-source counterpart, Tanzu tc Server offers unparalleled reliability and peace of mind to businesses operating in demanding environments.

Extended support for Tomcat versions

Tanzu Spring Runtime now includes extended support for Tomcat 7.0.x and  8.5.x as it reaches end-of-life on March 31, 2024.

Tanzu tc Server currently supports tc Runtime instances based on Tomcat 8.5.x, Tomcat 9.0.x, and Tomcat 10.1.x, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and enhancements. Recognizing the unique needs of enterprise users, we have also introduced extended support for tc Runtime instances based on Tomcat 7.0.x, filling the gap left by its end-of-life status in March 2021.

Leading the way with Tanzu Spring Runtime

Tanzu Spring Runtime now includes extended support for Tomcat 7.0.x and will soon extend support to Tomcat 8.5.x instances upon its end-of-life on March 31, 2024. Our goal is to empower users with a seamless transition path to  ensure continuity and reliability in their Java applications.

Unrivaled expertise and security

The extended support releases are curated by individuals who have served as release managers for every major Tomcat version from Tomcat 4 to Tomcat 11. Security remains at the core, with the Spring staff reviewing vulnerability reports and back-porting patches to ensure the integrity of our extended support releases.

Seamless integration and accessibility

Accessing extended support releases for Tomcat has always been a challenge.  Now, with releases available via a Maven repository, users can seamlessly integrate them into existing build and CI systems, ensuring uninterrupted workflow and peace of mind.

Spring remains at the forefront of Apache Tomcat support, leading the way with Tanzu Spring Runtime and Tanzu tc Server. Join us as we extend the boundaries of support and innovation in the Java ecosystem. Discover more, visit us here.