An external Java stored routine has the following characteristics:

1. Absence of communication overhead between server and client
   As in the case of SQL stored procedures and SQL stored functions, external Java stored routines are processed at the server, which eliminates communication overhead between server and client.
   
2. Ability to code the procedure or function itself in Java
   The Java coding language provides more sophisticated control than is possible with SQL.
   
3. Ability to operate between dissimilar DBMSs
   Because Java is a platform-independent language, programs coded in Java can operate on dissimilar DBMSs that support external Java stored routines.
   
4. Simple debugging
   The debugging of an SQL stored procedure or an SQL stored function requires actual execution at the server of the procedure or function. By contrast, external Java stored routines can be debugged by providing a Java debugger at the client; moreover, this debugging process can address database access operations as well.