While Java EE8 is on its way and expected by the end of 2017, one of the most-awaited enhancement in Java EE 8 is related to JSON processing, covered by JSR 374 – Java API for JSON Processing 1.1.
With JSON becoming widely used in service-oriented patterns (such as reusable contract and lightweight endpoint), another key feature planned in Java EE8 is the JSR 367 Java API for JSON Binding (JSON-B). Similar to GSON, JSR 367 brings in the capability of marshalling/unmarshalling Java objects to JSON representation. JSON-B will be the standard binding layer for converting Java objects to/from JSON messages, similar to JAXB for XML binding.
Service-oriented patterns cover a variety of design patterns used to address the pain points that inhibit adopting Service-oriented principles. For example, reusable contract pattern avoids tight coupling by having a generic interface. Similarly lightweight endpoint can be applied to expose specific capabilities of an entity consumer in interest, with well-suited patterns for building fine-grained services.