The Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) is integrated into the software development kit (SDK) Version 1.4.x and is no longer an optional package. However, the default JCE jurisdiction policy file shipped with the SDK enables you to use cryptography to enforce this default policy.
Due to export and import regulations, the default JCE jurisdiction policy file shipped with the SDK enables you to use strong, but limited, cryptography only. To enforce this default policy, WebSphere Application Server uses a JCE jurisdiction policy file that might introduce a performance impact. The default JCE jurisdiction policy might have a performance impact on the cryptographic functions that are supported by Web services security. If you have Web services applications that use transport level security for XML encryption or digital signatures, you might encounter performance degradation over previous releases of WebSphere Application Server. However, IBM and Sun Microsystems provide versions of these jurisdiction policy files that do not have restrictions on cryptographic strengths. If you are permitted by your governmental import and export regulations, download one of these jurisdiction policy files. After downloading one of these files, the performance of JCE and Web services security might improve.
The Unrestricted JCE Policy files for SDK 1.4 Web site is displayed.