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 # logstash-forwarder-java
-Java log shipper
 
-This is a java version of [logstash-forwarder](https://github.com/elasticsearch/logstash-forwarder) by jordansissel.
+## What is this ?
+
+Logstash-forwarder-java is a log shipper program written in java. This is in fact a java version of [logstash-forwarder](https://github.com/elasticsearch/logstash-forwarder) by jordansissel.
+Here are a few features of this program :
+  - compatible with Java 5 runtime
+  - lightweight : requires only a few dependencies and few system resources
+  - configuration compatible with logstash-forwarder
+  - lumberjack output
+
+## Why ?
+
+Logstash-forwarder is written in go. This programming language is not available on all platforms (for example AIX), that's why a java version is more portable.
+
+Logstash runs on java and provides a lumberjack output, but the file input doesn't run on all plaforms (for example AIX) and logstash requires a recent JVM. Moreover Logstash is heavier : big package and more system resources.
+
+So logstash-forwarder-java is a solution for those who want a portable, lightweight log-shipper for their ELK stack.
+
+