Carrez: The real problem with Java in Linux distros

One issue not mentioned is class path resolution, how do you find the jars you depends on. So even if you get then to use latest versions of libraries in all apps (which would be a good idea where feasible) it will still be looking in hard coded place for that jar. . Maven is good for declaring what you need to compile the app, it does not cover runtime aspect of finding the jars, here this is what OSGI is trying to solve.