webPDF 8 Innovations: Installation and Administration (Part 1)
After the release of webPDF version 8.0, we would like to present several innovations that may be relevant to users. Besides the changes in installation and administration described here, the next parts will also cover the new webPDF portal (webPDF 8 Innovations Part 2) and webservices (webPDF 8 Innovations Part 3).
This article focuses on installation and administration, where webPDF 8 introduces several important changes compared to version 7.
Migration to OpenJDK 11 and integration into installation
As announced here, webPDF 8 introduces a migration to at least OpenJDK 11 for both Windows and Linux, and OpenJDK is now part of the installation package.
In detail:
- webPDF migrates to OpenJDK 11.
- OpenJDK 11 is shipped together with webPDF.
- From webPDF 8 onward, at least Java 11 is required.
- An optimized JRE is installed in the
jre/folder and used by default. - A system-wide JRE is no longer required.
- You can still use your own JRE via the
$jre/folder. - Switching to another JDK/JRE is technically possible, but remains the customer's responsibility.
New webPDF installation option: Linux packages for APT, YUM, and Zypper
In addition to the OpenJDK migration, webPDF now provides packages for common Linux package managers (apt, yum, and zypper) across different Linux distributions. This means Linux packages are now available alongside Windows packages. In addition to the usual Windows link, you can now use the Linux package URL.
Docker and VMware images based on Debian 10
As a simple and high-performance option, webPDF is also available via container technology. You can run the webPDF container with Docker as a fast deployment option. Since version 8.0, Docker and VMware images are provided based on Debian 10 (Buster).
New administration features in webPDF 8.0
The portal's administration area has also been enhanced. Important server functions can now be configured directly in the portal, and server logs are displayed there with automatic updates. The new webPDF portal includes practical dialogs for fast server administration, such as editing existing server connections or creating new ones. The same applies to proxy settings.
In addition, the portal now provides a revised information area, giving a quick overview of server information, webservices, and license details.
More detailed background information is available in the user manual:
