Oracle has introduced important changes that may significantly impact your organization’s Oracle Java licensing strategy. With the recent release of Java 21 in September 2023, there have been shifts in the licensing model for Java 17, which could affect how your business manages its Java environment.
What is Long-Term Support (LTS) and Why is It Important?
In enterprise environments, stability and ongoing support are essential to maintaining secure, reliable systems. Oracle’s Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, such as Java 17 and now Java 21, are designed to provide updates, security patches, and long-term usability. These LTS versions allow businesses to run their systems confidently without the need to immediately upgrade to newer versions.
Initially, Java 17 was available under the No Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC), which meant businesses could use it for free, even in commercial production environments. However, the release of Java 21 has brought significant changes to how Java 17 is licensed.
The End of Free Use for Java 17
With the release of Java 21, Oracle has officially ended free commercial use for Java 17. Prior to this, organizations could use versions of Java 17 up to 17.0.12 under the NFTC, benefiting from free commercial use. However, starting with Java 17.0.13 and beyond (expected soon), the licensing model shifts to the Oracle Technology Network License Agreement (OTN), which requires businesses to purchase a subscription.
This means that any organization looking to update their Java 17 environments to versions beyond 17.0.12 will need to pay for an Oracle Java SE subscription to receive updates and patches. Failing to do so may result in compliance issues, unexpected fees, or potential penalties in case of an audit.
Your Options for Moving Forward
Oracle’s changes in licensing introduce several considerations for businesses still relying on Java 17. Here are your primary options moving forward:
- Stay on Java 17.0.12 or Earlier: If your organization is using versions of Java 17 up to 17.0.12, you can continue doing so under the NFTC. However, this option means you won’t receive any further security updates, leaving your systems potentially vulnerable.
- Move to Java 21: The newly released Java 21 is now the current LTS version and is available under the NFTC until the next LTS is released. This option allows you to remain compliant and continue receiving updates, but it may require testing to ensure your applications are compatible with Java 21.
- Purchase a Subscription for Java 17: If your organization relies on Java 17 and needs future updates, subscribing to Oracle Java SE is necessary. Oracle’s subscription pricing is based on the number of employees, which can be expensive for larger organizations.
- 4. Consider Alternatives: Depending on your needs, you may want to explore alternatives to Oracle’s JDK. Azul Platform Core or Eclipse Temurin are viable options, offering similar functionality at a lower cost. Both provide long-term support and regular updates while avoiding Oracle’s licensing fees.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Oracle’s shift towards a paid subscription model for Java 17 highlights the growing importance of managing software licensing proactively. Businesses that fail to stay compliant with these changes could face unexpected licensing costs and potential risks associated with noncompliance.
Moreover, as Oracle continues to release LTS versions more frequently (every two years), organizations must adapt to this faster cadence by regularly reviewing their Java strategy. Those relying on older versions of Java, such as Java 8 or 11, should also evaluate their compliance status, as Oracle has been gradually phasing out free use across all versions.
Key Steps to Take
To ensure that your organization remains compliant with Oracle’s new licensing policies and avoids unnecessary costs, consider taking the following actions:
- Review Your Java Usage: Determine which versions of Java you are using and whether you will need to purchase a subscription to stay compliant.
- Assess Alternative JDK Providers: Consider moving to an OpenJDK provider, such as Azul or Eclipse Temurin, which can offer similar support without Oracle’s licensing fees.
- Consult Licensing Experts: Navigating the complexities of Oracle’s licensing policies can be difficult. If you are unsure of how these changes will impact your organization, consult experts to develop a comprehensive strategy for managing your Java infrastructure.
Conclusion
The end of free commercial use for Java 17 marks a significant shift for businesses relying on Oracle Java. With the release of Java 21 as the new LTS, organizations must evaluate their options to ensure they remain compliant and secure. Whether that involves staying on earlier versions of Java 17, upgrading to Java 21, or seeking alternatives, now is the time to reassess your Java strategy.
By staying informed and proactive, you can minimize risks, control costs, and ensure that your Java environment remains secure and compliant in the long term.
And as always if you have more questions or discuss your specific situation, book a meeting with our Oracle Java experts.
