Firmware as read by one of the the glossary is ,
Software that is embedded in a hardware device that allows reading
and executing the software, but does not allow modification, e.g.,
writing or deleting data by an end user. (188) Note 1: An example of
firmware is a computer program in a read-only memory (ROM) integrated
circuit chip. A hardware configuration is usually used to represent
the software. Note 2: Another example of firmware is a program
embedded in an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip,
which program may be modified by special external hardware, but not
by an application program.
So I agree with golagolu in JVM being a software then a firmware.