What is GlassFish?
Eclipse GlassFish is an open-source application server designed to run and manage Java‑based applications efficiently. In simple terms, it’s a specialized software that helps Java applications function properly by handling security, performance, scalability, and resource management. Think of it as a foundation that ensures Java applications run smoothly and securely, whether they’re used for web platforms, financial systems, or enterprise-level software.
Originally developed by Oracle, GlassFish is now governed by the Eclipse Foundation and commercially supported by OmniFish. As a leading implementation of Jakarta EE (formerly Java EE), it follows widely adopted Java standards, ensuring compatibility, flexibility, and high performance for enterprise applications. GlassFish has traditionally been the first implementation to provide new versions of the Jakarta EE Platform, driving innovation in the Jakarta EE ecosystem.
The OmniFish company drives the development of the GlassFish open-source server and backs it by commercial support service. This makes GlassFish a production-ready platform for enterprise applications, delivering reliability and performance without vendor lock-in — all at a fraction of the cost of proprietary servers like Oracle WebLogic or IBM WebSphere.
Benefits of Using GlassFish
- Enterprise-Grade Performance: GlassFish is optimized to handle high-traffic applications, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy workloads.
- Open-Source & Free to Use: Unlike some proprietary servers, GlassFish is completely free, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
- Rich Feature Set: GlassFish supports full Jakarta EE capabilities, including servlets, enterprise beans (EJB), and Jakarta Faces (JSF), making it a versatile choice for enterprise applications. On top of that, GlassFish provides several standard MicroProfile features.
- Easy Administration & Monitoring: It comes with a user-friendly web-based console, allowing developers and administrators to easily manage applications, monitor performance, and configure settings. It supports management via a command line tool, JMX, and a REST interface as well.
- Cloud & Container Compatibility: GlassFish integrates well with Docker and Kubernetes, making it an excellent choice for modern cloud-native applications.
- Cross-Server Compatibility: GlassFish is highly compatible with other Jakarta EE servers like Payara, WildFly, JBoss, and WebLogic, making migration or hybrid setups easier for businesses.
- Active Community: Since it is open-source, GlassFish benefits from continuous improvements by the Jakarta EE community, regular releases, open community discussions and resources shared by the community
- Support by OmniFish: The support service by OmniFish ensures that commercial installations of GlassFish stay updated with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature enhancements, and that companies can rely on high quality support by OmniFish experts to help them succeed with GlassFish.
Companies Utilizing GlassFish
Several organizations across different industries have adopted GlassFish for their application development and deployment needs. Notable companies include:
- PayPal: A leading online payment platform, PayPal utilizes GlassFish in its technology stack to manage and deploy Java-based applications.
- Market America: This internet marketing and product brokerage company employs GlassFish to support its extensive e-commerce operations.
- Web.com: A provider of web services and online marketing solutions, Web.com integrates GlassFish into its infrastructure to deliver reliable services to its clients.
- AT&T: As a multinational conglomerate, AT&T incorporates GlassFish within certain divisions to manage enterprise applications effectively.
- Comcast: One of the largest global media and technology companies, Comcast leverages GlassFish for various internal applications and services.
