title: Reasons and advantages for upgrading to Java 6 for a non-technical decider (at the client)
body: <p>I'd like to upgrade from Java 5 to Java 6.
  We all know about the technical advantages and benefits, but:</p>
  
  <p>I have the problem that a major client refuses to upgrade from java 5 to java 6 because of "the risks" and "no/too few benefits for us" (banking sector).</p>
  
  <p>What can be answered to a non-technical decider at the client what benefits he'll get from an upgrade - or otherwise which problems/consequences may arise if he'll stay with java 5?</p>
  
  <p>It's not a "fire and forget"-product, it's activly extended with new functionality/features - the development is and will be constantly going on - the dev team would definitly benefit from the jdk 6 features/tools.</p>
  
  <p><strong>EDIT:</strong> The reached <strong>EOL</strong> of Java 5 is a valid point indeed, but it <strong>doesn't convince the client</strong> because he is using the <strong>IBM JRE/JDK 5</strong>, which seems that it has <strong>not reached its end of life yet</strong>. And, beside that the client stated: 
  "Java 5 is running fine for years and its unlikely that new, unseen problems arise"</p>