Tomcat Server on CentOS 8.3
Application server software
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What is Tomcat Server on CentOS 8.3
Tomcat Server on CentOS 8.3 refers to deploying Apache Tomcat (a Java Servlet/JSP container) on the CentOS 8.3 Linux distribution to run Java web applications. It is commonly used by IT operations teams and developers who need a lightweight Java application runtime for internal applications, APIs, or legacy Java web apps. The stack typically relies on OS-level package management, systemd service control, and external components (for example, a reverse proxy and database) to form a complete production deployment.
Widely adopted Java runtime
Apache Tomcat implements the Jakarta Servlet and JSP specifications and is a common target runtime for Java web applications. This broad adoption reduces portability risk for standard servlet-based applications and simplifies hiring and knowledge transfer. It also supports common deployment patterns such as WAR files and externalized configuration.
Lightweight and modular deployment
Tomcat focuses on web container capabilities rather than bundling a full Java EE/Jakarta EE application server feature set. This makes it suitable for smaller services and straightforward web applications where full enterprise features are not required. Teams can add only the supporting components they need (reverse proxy, TLS termination, clustering, monitoring) rather than adopting an all-in-one platform.
Strong ecosystem and tooling
Tomcat has extensive documentation, community knowledge, and integrations with common Java build and CI/CD tools. Operational tasks such as log management, JVM tuning, and service supervision are well understood in Linux environments. This ecosystem can reduce implementation time for standard deployment and troubleshooting workflows.
CentOS 8.3 lifecycle risk
CentOS Linux 8 reached end of life, and CentOS 8.3 is no longer supported with security updates from the original distribution channel. Running an internet-exposed application server on an unsupported OS increases vulnerability and compliance risk. Organizations typically need to migrate to a supported downstream or alternative enterprise Linux distribution to maintain patch coverage.
Not a full Java EE server
Tomcat does not provide the same breadth of enterprise services as full-profile application servers (for example, certain messaging, transaction management, and integrated administration features). Applications that depend on those services may require additional components or refactoring. This can increase architecture complexity compared with platforms that bundle these capabilities.
Operational features require add-ons
Production-grade needs such as advanced load balancing, WAF-style protections, centralized management, and high-availability clustering are typically handled outside Tomcat. Teams often pair it with a reverse proxy, external session management, and separate observability tooling. This increases the number of moving parts to configure, secure, and maintain.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apache Tomcat (open-source distribution) | Free (no charge) | Distributed under the Apache License v2; downloadable binaries and source from the Apache Tomcat site; community support via mailing lists and docs; no vendor subscription or paid tiers listed on the official Tomcat site. |
Seller details
Apache Software Foundation
Wakefield, Massachusetts, USA
1999
Non-profit
https://www.apache.org/
https://x.com/TheASF
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-apache-software-foundation/
