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What Java Runtime (JRE) version should be used to install IBM Content Cortex 26.0.1?

Question & Answer


Question

A Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is required to run many of the IBM Content Cortex components and tools.  IBM Content Cortex does not package a JRE with the traditional OnPrem installers.  Instead, customers must supply their own JRE.  This technote provides guidance on the JRE versions that can be used when installing, upgrading, or running the IBM Content Cortex components listed in the following compatibility table.

The attachment at the end of this technote explains how to configure the required environment variables so that the installers and components use the intended JRE.
 
The containerized components of IBM Content Cortex use a JRE that is included in the container base image.  For the 26.0.1 release the JRE used is IBM Semeru 25.

Answer

The table shows the versions of Java that can be used with the various components of IBM Content Cortex. 

OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) provided by several different vendors.  IBM's OpenJDK implementation is called IBM Semeru.  You can download the IBM Semeru Runtime from the following site: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/semeru-runtimes-getting-started.  Functionally, the Open and Certified editions of IBM Semeru Runtime are the same.  However, to open an IBM Support ticket against IBM Semeru Runtime, you must be using the Certified edition.

 

ComponentIBM or Oracle Java 8OpenJDK
8		OpenJDK
11		OpenJDK
17		OpenJDK
21		OpenJDK 
25 
Content Platform Engine (CPE) and Content Cortex Search Services (CSS) installers  YesYesYesYes
Content Platform Engine (CPE) - RuntimeYes     
Content Platform Engine ClientsYesYesYesYesYesYes
Content Cortex Search Services (CSS) - RuntimeYes YesYesYesYes
Configuration Manager for Content Platform Engine (CMUI)Yes YesYesYesYes
Content Cortex GraphQL API Configuration and Deployment ToolYes YesYesYesYes
Content Cortex GraphQL API - RuntimeYes     
Content Cortex CM8 Compatibility APIYesYesYesYesYesYes
Content Cortex AI Services and ToolsYesYesYesYesYesYes
FileNet Deployment Manager (FDM)   YesYes 
Content Engine Bulk Import Tool (CEBIT)YesYesYesYesYesYes
Process Designer, Process Administrator, and Process Configuration ConsoleYesYesYesYesYesYes
vwtoolYesYesYesYesYesYes
pelogYesYesYesYesYesYes

Notes:

  • Content Cortex 26.0.1 release requires an OpenJDK-based JRE to run the CPE and CSS installers.  Java 8 is not supported with the CPE and CSS installers.

  • FileNet Deployment Manager 26.0.1 no longer supports Java 8 and Java 11.  If you attempt to launch FileNet Deployment Manager with either of these Java versions, an error dialog appears. Additionally, the following error is logged in the Eclipse log file that is located within the <FDM_installation_directory>\configuration directory:

    org.osgi.framework.BundleException: Could not resolve module: org.eclipse.equinox.common [79]
Unresolved requirement: Require-Capability: osgi.ee; filter:="(&(osgi.ee=JavaSE)(version=17))
  • When using OpenJDK 21 and above, warnings related to sun.misc.Unsafe might display when running tools that invoke the XStream library. For example, utilities such as shutdown and configTool print usage warnings. These warnings are expected and do not affect the normal operation of the tools. See Technote https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7272389 for more details.
  • Content Cortex Search Services (CSS) might experience reduced performance when used with recent versions of IBM Semeru on Windows. IBM recommends using Semeru 11.0.27.0, 17.0.15.0, or 21.0.6.0 with CSS on Windows until this issue is resolved.
     

Recommended versions of Java

Following are the recommended minimum versions of Java:

  • IBM Java 8.0.8.71
  • OpenJDK 11.0.32.0
  • OpenJDK 17.0.20.0
  • OpenJDK 21.0.12.0
  • OpenJDK 25.0.4.0
     

Security Fixes

If using the JRE provided with an application server, contact the application server vendor to get the latest Java updates (including any security fixes).

Additional Compatibility Information

For more information, refer to the IBM Content Cortex software compatibilty reports (SPCR) for details on the JREs that are supported with custom applications that use the Content Platform Engine's APIs.  Use the following link to generate the reports: https://www.ibm.com/software/reports/compatibility/clarity/index.html

Procedural Information
 
Use the information in the attachment to:
  • Identify which Java is available on your system.
  • Set environment variables to ensure that the software you want to install and use finds the appropriate Java version.
 

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Document Information

Modified date:
29 September 2026

UID

ibm17288905

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