Java EE 6 and GlassFish v3 aim to pave the path for the future by making Java EE more flexible, extensible, and easier to develop on. Key aspects include profiles, pruning technologies, embracing open source frameworks, and continued focus on reducing configuration and improving the programming model with annotations. GlassFish v3 is the open source reference implementation of Java EE 6 and includes new features like modularity, embeddability, and light-weight monitoring.