Oracle has submitted the first of two Java Specification Requests (JSRs) to update and revitalise the Java Community Process (JCP).

A Java Specification Request (JSR) usually relates to a feature of the Java language. With JSR 348 (also referred to as JCP.next JSR1) Oracle has taken the unusual step of using this request mechanism to propose changes and adjustments to the Java Community Process intended to speed up the process of introducing new additions to Java.

The expert group charged with producing a new version of the JCP Process document, to be developed and approved within the next six months, includes AT&T, the Eclipse Foundation, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Google, HP, IBM, Intel, Nokia, Red Hat, RIM, Samsung, SAP, Siemens, SpringSource, T-Mobile and Vodafone, along with some user groups and individuals.

The specification lead for JCP.next JSR1 is Patrick Curran, chair of the JCP, who has been on record as wanting changes for some time. He commented:

"In the past few months, Oracle and other partners in the JCP have driven a revitalisation of Java technology and standards with the approval of the JSRs for Java Platform Standard Edition 7 and 8, as well as Java Platform Enterprise Edition 7. Now, with the submission of the first JSR for JCP, we are ready to begin the evolution of the JCP itself, making it easier for individuals and organisations to participate in the process." 

The revised process is expected to require all expert groups to operate in public forums with increased transparency when recruiting members, to expand executive committee participation to all JCP members and rework how compatibility test results are managed to ensure that they are disclosed.

Oracle also expects to submit JCP.next JSR 2 soon which will involve modifications to the Java Specification Participation Agreement (JSPAPDF), which defines the terms by which JCP members participate in creating JSRs.

The JSPA was at the heart of the Apache Software Foundation's dispute with the JCP which led to it resigning last December. Oracle says that  JCP.next JSR 2 is expected to take twelve to eighteen months to develop and approve, but offer no indication of what modifications they expect to be made to the JSPA.

Related news:

Apache quits JCP as a protest against Oracle

JCP approves Java 7 and 8 road maps

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