Azul, a leading provider of Java software solutions, has introduced a new service aimed at optimizing the performance and startup times of JVM-based applications. The service, called Cloud Native Compiler, is a cloud-based compilation solution designed to enhance the efficiency of Java Virtual Machines (JVMs) and languages like Java, Scala, Kotlin, Clojure, Groovy, and JRuby. Unveiled on December 15, as part of the Azul Intelligence Cloud platform, the Cloud Native Compiler promises to significantly improve both the performance and responsiveness of JVM applications.
One of the key features of Cloud Native Compiler is its ability to scale dynamically, optimizing JVMs by reusing previously optimized compilations. This capability boosts performance across all connected JVMs, making it compatible with virtually any Java application. By decoupling just-in-time (JIT) compilation from the JVM itself, Cloud Native Compiler operates in synergy with Azul’s Platform Prime Java runtime—previously known as Zing—providing a streamlined and efficient solution for running Java applications at scale.
Running as a cloud-native application within a full Kubernetes environment, the Cloud Native Compiler is versatile enough to be deployed in any cloud infrastructure. Azul highlights several operational benefits of the service, such as reducing costs by shifting JIT compilation to cloud-based resources and improving overall application performance. The service delivers enhanced throughput and responsiveness for a variety of use cases, including frontend, backend, API gateways, containerized applications, and microservices.
In addition to performance gains, Cloud Native Compiler also addresses infrastructure challenges. It helps optimize JVM-based workloads for Java applications like Apache Cassandra, Solr, and Kafka, by ensuring that resources are appropriately sized, thus avoiding the pitfalls of overprovisioning. This results in faster startup times and more efficient resource utilization, with containers reaching peak performance much quicker than traditional approaches. With Cloud Native Compiler, Azul aims to offer a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to improve the efficiency and scalability of their JVM-based applications in the cloud.