It appears Oracle has finally made the move to Java 8. Last time I checked (a few days ago), Java 7 was still the only version available on Java.com. Java 8 has been a long time in the making and has been available to developers for quite some time via Oracle.com. However, it appears Java 8 Update 25 is now the default choice given to users on Java.com.
The below article says they expected to make Java 8 the default java version on the java.com download page “before the end of 2014”. They say the process of migrating users from Java 7 to Java 8 via the auto-update feature will take place “during the first half of 2015”.
https://www.java.com/en/download/faq/java8.xml
So, Symantec... is Java 8 Update 25 a supported version for SMP console users?
I've not spent any time with Java 8 yet but it sounds like it is time. If anyone has, especially as it relates to using the Altiris console, please share your findings.