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Resolve your Oracle Java licensing confusion

Navigating Oracle Java licensing can be daunting,  especially with the shift to the new Java SE Universal Subscription model, increasing costs and tightening terms. Many businesses now reassess their Oracle Java usage and explore alternatives. Identifying all Java deployments within an organization adds to the challenge, along with the looming risk of audits, which Gartner analysts predict for one in five users in the next three years. Let us help you develop a sustainable Oracle Java strategy.

Oracle Java

publishers

Streamline your Oracle Java licensing with our expertise

Navigating Oracle Java licensing can be daunting,  especially with the shift to the new Java SE Universal Subscription model, increasing costs and tightening terms. Many businesses now reassess their Java usage and explore alternatives. Identifying all Java deployments within an organization adds to the challenge, along with the looming risk of audits, which Gartner analysts predict for one in five users in the next three years. Let us help you develop a sustainable Java strategy.

Oracle Java LICENSE MANAGEMENT

What's your Oracle Java pain point?

Managing Oracle Java licenses involves detailed compliance requirements, continuous updates, and complex deployment environments. Accurately tracking usage, handling multiple Java versions, and navigating Oracle’s audit processes can be overwhelming. At LicenseFortress, we simplify these challenges with expert guidance and effective solutions, making your Java licensing management straightforward and hassle-free. Our dedicated approach and proven strategies ensure you can confidently manage your Oracle Java environment.

Managing Oracle Java licenses involves detailed compliance requirements, continuous updates, and complex deployment environments. Accurately tracking usage, handling multiple Java versions, and navigating Oracle’s audit processes can be overwhelming. At LicenseFortress, we simplify these challenges with expert guidance and effective solutions, making your Java licensing management straightforward and hassle-free. Our dedicated approach and proven strategies ensure you can confidently manage your Oracle Java environment.

Commercial Licenses

Just because Java is free today doesn’t mean it will be in the future. Many organizations start with free versions only to find themselves needing a paid subscription within six months. Navigating this transition can be challenging without proper planning and foresight.

 

Oracle’s Terms

The definition of an employee in Oracle’s licensing terms is very broad, making it difficult to determine who needs a license. Additionally, knowing which terms you can negotiate can save your organization from unnecessary costs and compliance risks.

 

Need for Oracle Java Subscription

Understanding where Oracle Java is deployed within your organization is critical. Limited use licenses may suffice for some deployments, but knowing the exact requirements can prevent unexpected costs and compliance issues.

Third-Party Vendor Licensing

Identifying which third-party vendors include limited use licenses with their products and which require you to obtain separate licenses is essential. This knowledge helps avoid duplicate licensing and ensures compliance.

Preventing Unauthorized Installations

Even when companies make provisions to prevent Java downloads on their corporate network, employees can still download Oracle Java when they are off the network. Ensuring that employees do not independently download and install the software is crucial to maintaining compliance.

 
Proving Compliance

Demonstrating compliance with Oracle’s licensing terms requires meticulous tracking and documentation of your Java deployments and usage. Without proper records, proving compliance can be difficult during audits.

Negotiating with Oracle

Securing the best deal from Oracle involves not just pricing but also favorable terms. Leveraging a pricing database and understanding market rates can significantly improve your negotiation outcomes.

 

Transitioning from Free to Paid

Moving from a free version of Java to a paid subscription while staying compliant requires careful planning. Establishing clear guidelines and processes ensures a smooth transition and avoids potential penalties.

Corporate Policies and Procedures

Establishing and enforcing corporate policies and procedures to minimize compliance risk is essential. These policies should address software installation, usage tracking, and regular audits to maintain compliance continuously.

Timeline of Oracle Java licensing changes

Oracle changed how Java can be licensed

This change may cost organizations that previously deployed Java SE for free, millions in support fees moving forward. If you use Oracle’s Java distribution for commercial use, you must purchase a Java subscription.

Read MoreJanuary 2019

First Oracle Java "Soft Audit"

In the middle of a global pandemic, our first customer received an Oracle Java "soft audit" notice. While it was not an official audit notice of the customer's Oracle Java products the soft audit still came with some major implications — including a $12 million Oracle Java compliance fee.

Read MoreMay 2021

A Glimpse into the Future

A customer was approached by Oracle Java sales team with new "custom metric pricing" for their Java licensing. It increased their Java licensing by over $2 million. What we didn't know at the time is this new metric was going to become the rule in just a few months. 

August 2022

Employee for Universal Subscription

Oracle has introduced a new licensing model for Java which no longer ties the license to usage. Instead, they have created an Employee for Universal Subscription that requires companies to count the number of employees, contractors, and consultants, and purchase a license for everyone at approximately $100/year/employee.

Read MoreJanuary 2023

The Release of Java 21

The release of Java 21 came with some notable feature updates, however, this release means Java 17 is now "on the clock".  As of 18 September 2024, Java 17 will no longer be under the Oracle No Fee Terms and Conditions, but it will switch to the Oracle Technology Network license which may require Java subscriptions for various commercial uses.

READ MORESeptember 2023

Oracle Java Licensing Timeline

Oracle changed how Java can be licensed

This change may cost organizations that previously deployed Java SE for free, millions in support fees moving forward. If you use Oracle’s Java distribution for commercial use, you must purchase a Java subscription.

Read MoreJanuary 2019

First Oracle Java "Soft Audit"

In the middle of a global pandemic, our first customer received an Oracle Java "soft audit" notice. While it was not an official audit notice of the customer's Oracle Java products the soft audit still came with some major implications — including a $12 million Oracle Java compliance fee.

Read MoreMay 2021

A Glimpse into the Future

A customer was approached by Oracle Java sales team with new "custom metric pricing" for their Java licensing. It increased their Java licensing by over $2 million. What we didn't know at the time is this new metric was going to become the rule in just a few months. 

August 2022

Employee for Universal Subscription

Oracle has introduced a new licensing model for Java which no longer ties the license to usage. Instead, they have created an Employee for Universal Subscription that requires companies to count the number of employees, contractors, and consultants, and purchase a license for everyone at approximately $100/year/employee.

Read MoreJanuary 2023

The Release of Java 21

The release of Java 21 came with some notable feature updates, however, this release means Java 17 is now "on the clock".  As of 18 September 2024, Java 17 will no longer be under the Oracle No Fee Terms and Conditions, but it will switch to the Oracle Technology Network license which may require Java subscriptions for various commercial uses.

READ MORESeptember 2023

Oracle changed how Java can be licensed

This change may cost organizations that previously deployed Java SE for free, millions in support fees moving forward. If you use Oracle’s Java distribution for commercial use, you must purchase a Java subscription.

Read MoreJanuary 2019

First Oracle Java "Soft Audit"

In the middle of a global pandemic, our first customer received an Oracle Java "soft audit" notice. While it was not an official audit notice of the customer's Oracle Java products the soft audit still came with some major implications — including a $12 million Oracle Java compliance fee.

Read MoreMay 2021

A Glimpse into the Future

A customer was approached by Oracle Java sales team with new "custom metric pricing" for their Java licensing. It increased their Java licensing by over $2 million. What we didn't know at the time is this new metric was going to become the rule in just a few months. 

August 2022

Employee for Universal Subscription

Oracle has introduced a new licensing model for Java which no longer ties the license to usage. Instead, they have created an Employee for Universal Subscription that requires companies to count the number of employees, contractors, and consultants, and purchase a license for everyone at approximately $100/year/employee.

Read MoreJanuary 2023

The Release of Java 21

The release of Java 21 came with some notable feature updates, however, this release means Java 17 is now "on the clock".  As of 18 September 2024, Java 17 will no longer be under the Oracle No Fee Terms and Conditions, but it will switch to the Oracle Technology Network license which may require Java subscriptions for various commercial uses.

READ MORESeptember 2023

Let's discuss your Oracle Java concerns