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VMware Extends Support for Spring Boot 2 Projects with VMware Spring Runtime

Open source support for Spring Boot 2 projects ends November 24, 2023, but you can gain more time to upgrade your projects with our long-term support through VMware Spring Runtime. VMware Spring Runtime provides an extension in the commercial support timeline for Spring Boot 2.x projects, and today we’re announcing that the deadline for this support is extending beyond the previously announced February 2025 to August 2025. This decision is a direct response to valuable feedback from enterprises, including industry giants like Netflix, that have expressed the need for more time and flexibility when transitioning to the newest major versions of Spring Boot and the Java Development Kit (JDK). 

Here are just a few of the benefits of VMware Spring Runtime. 

Bridging the upgrade gap: Upgrading to the latest versions of Spring Boot and JDK is a monumental step forward, bringing substantial performance improvements and migration from Java 8 to Java 17. However, we understand that this leap can pose significant challenges and demand substantial effort. Spring Framework 6.1 is fully aligned with JDK 21, the most recent long-term support release of Java. While the baseline support remains at JDK 17, JDK 21 now stands as a first-class citizen at runtime, alongside continued support for regular JDK releases as well as providing a seamless integration of virtual threads, up-leveling scalability. 

Flexibility for enterprises: Recognizing the intricate nature of these upgrades, VMware’s extended support is a lifeline for enterprises, offering the flexibility to implement these changes on their own schedules. We believe that empowering the enterprise community with a tailored timeline ensures a smoother transition without compromising on the incredible benefits of the latest Spring versions. 

Extended support inclusions: Today, customers with VMware Tanzu Application Service, VMware Tanzu Application Platform, or Azure Spring Apps Enterprise get VMware Spring Runtime as part of the solution and are entitled to the extended support. VMware understands the diverse needs of enterprises, and this inclusive approach ensures that the extended timeline is accessible to those leveraging the VMware Tanzu portfolio and/or Azure Spring Apps Enterprise for their projects. 

Seamless transition, unmatched support: With this extended support, VMware is not just extending a timeline; we’re extending our commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for developers and enterprises. Your journey to the latest and greatest in Spring development just got a whole lot smoother!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to prioritize developer-friendly solutions and respond to the evolving needs of the Spring community. Take advantage of this opportunity and make your Spring Boot 2 project upgrades at your own pace. Learn more about VMware Spring Runtime.