Gen Web Generation applications using Java applets (no modern browser support)

Products

• Gen - Workstation Toolset

Issue/Introduction

Using Gen Java Web Generation clients.

To use external devices like printers and scanners custom JavaScript is used (via window HTML Control) to call required Java applets.

However Java applets are only really still supported under Internet Explorer and are not supported under modern browsers like Edge and Chrome 
What is the best practice or the recommendation to call a printer and scanner from a Gen Web Generation application?

Environment

Release : 8.6

Component : Gen Run Time, Internet Client

Cause

It is noted that Java applet support in modern browsers has been phased out due to the dropping of NPAPI (Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface) support which is the technology required for them to work:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPAPI
https://www.java.com/en/download/help/chrome.html

Resolution

Gen Support checked with Gen Engineering for any best practice advice.
Printing, and especially scanning, from a web browser is a difficult subject. There aren’t any real easy-button solutions that do not require applets or some form of client software to be installed locally. 
However, since printing and scanning support are not features delivered by Gen, Engineering is not really in a position to give the best practice information and in any case further specifics would be needed of what is trying to be achieved with expected outcomes before any advice could be given.
Overall this request would be best handled by a services engagement and therefore the recommendation is to contact Broadcom services via your Broadcom account team.

Additional Information

NOTES:
1. Web Generation runtime itself does not use browser based Java applets: Web Generation Runtime > Applet-Free Approach

2. Additional information found by support after doing online searches which may help:
a. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Microsoft Edge in the enterprise:
"Does Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) support ActiveX controls or BHOs like Silverlight or Java?
Microsoft Edge doesn't support ActiveX controls or Browser Help Objects (BHOs) like Silverlight or Java. However, if you're running web apps that use ActiveX controls, BHOs, or legacy document modes on Internet Explorer 11, you can configure them to run in IE mode on the new Microsoft Edge. For more information, see Configure IE mode on Microsoft Edge."
b. It appears that Edge (Chromium) allows JavaScript in a similar way to Chrome, via "Site permissions" i.e. "Settings > Cookies and site permissions"


3. In addition it may be useful to post a question on the Broadcom Gen EDGE Community to see if any other Gen Web Generation customers using Java applets have advice on the transition to modern browsers with their lack of Java applet support.