Overview
Extend IBM Bob with purpose-built AI workflows for upgrading, migrating, and modernizing enterprise Java applications at enterprise scale.
The IBM Bob Premium Package for Java Modernization extends IBM Bob with guided, automated workflows that reduce the complexity, risk, and time involved in modernizing enterprise Java estates. It is designed for Java engineers tackling real-world challenges — from version upgrades and runtime replatforming to UI framework migrations and test generation.
Available workflows
Java upgrade workflow
Upgrade from Java 8 or 11 to modern versions (17, 21, or 25) with AI-driven validation and agentic fixes.
Liberty replatforming workflow
Migrate from traditional WebSphere to Liberty runtime, integrated with the IBM Application Modernization Accelerator.
UI modernization workflow
Modernize legacy UI frameworks to modern alternatives with component-by-component migration and validation gates.
Unit test generation workflow
Strategy-first test generation with generate–run–fix loops and JaCoCo coverage integration.
How it works
The Java Modernization package is optimized for deterministic, repeatable modernization workflows across large Java applications. It aligns analysis, transformation, and validation into a single developer-driven experience.
Enterprise context
System-level understanding of large Java estates, including dependencies and architectural relationships.
Agentic transformations
Multi-step refactoring cycles (Build → Test → Diagnose → Fix) that iterate until the application runs successfully.
Stable guardrails
Validates changes early, catching concurrency risks, configuration drift, and performance regressions before integration.
OpenRewrite integration
Deterministic recipe automation for code transformations, ensuring repeatable outcomes across large codebases.
Operational impact
Migration outputs are reused across modernization phases without re-analysis, saving time on large migrations.
IBM enterprise trust
Built on IBM's enterprise-grade reliability model for governance, auditability, and traceability.
Build tool support
The package supports both Maven and Gradle build tools.
Getting started
Review prerequisites
Ensure your environment, system, and project meet all requirements before starting.
For more information, see Prerequisites.
Choose a workflow
Review the four available workflows and identify which one fits your modernization goal.
For more information, see Workflows.
Start the workflow
Initiate your chosen workflow using the Start Workflow button in the Bob chat panel, or use the /start-java-mod skill command.
For more information, see Getting started.