On January 23rd, Oracle released a new Java license, Employee Java SE Universal Subscription. With Oracle’s recent changes in the licensing of Java SE (Standard Edition), companies are facing new challenges and risks regarding the usage of the popular programming language.
To help organizations navigate these changes, this analysis provides an overview of the key points and offers recommendations for effectively managing the licensing changes.
Overview of Changes
- Oracle recently announced that it would no longer provide free public updates for Java SE 11, starting January 2019.
- Customers needing updates and support for Java SE 11 will have to purchase a license from Oracle.
- Existing customers may renew on existing terms and pricing, but it’s important to know Oracle’s restrictions on taking customers’ orders.
- Companies have three options for managing their Java SE licenses: a. Do nothing and hope not to be audited by Oracle. b. Try to migrate away from Oracle JDK to alternatives like Azul or OpenJDK. c. Purchase Java SE licenses at the lowest cost possible through a negotiated Employee Java SE Universal Subscription agreement.
Understanding Your Java Usage
- It is crucial to find out which servers and end-users require a Java license, as most organizations tend to misunderstand what requires a license.
- For instance, older versions or the usage of commercial features of Java may require a license, even if the company has not upgraded to Java 11 or later or applied security patches.
- Companies need to have a full picture of their Java licensing position to avoid the risk of being audited.
- Organizations should know that some Java usage is free, such as restrictive usage and part of Oracle software products.
Creating a Java Licensing Strategy
- After a clear picture of the company’s Java usage, it is essential to design a strategy to manage the licensing changes.
- Suppose a company cannot migrate away from Oracle JDK soon. In that case, they must consider purchasing Java SE licenses at the lowest cost possible through a negotiated Employee Java SE Universal Subscription agreement.
- If a company decides to move away from Oracle JDK, it must ensure it fully understands which deployments require Java and has a plan to handle the migration process.
- Negotiating with Oracle for the best market prices requires leverage, and not knowing the company’s Java usage decreases that leverage.
- You can read about the previous Java licensing changes.
Preparing for a Java Audit
- Companies need to have an audit defense plan ready in case of an Oracle audit.
- The risk of being audited is three years of backdated usage plus the years forward, which can lead to significant costs.
- It is important to prepare for an audit by having accurate records and a clear understanding of the company’s Java usage.
Employee Java SE Universal Subscription expert advice
- To manage the changes in Java SE licensing effectively, companies must: a. Find out which servers and end-users require a Java license. b. Get a full picture of their Java licensing position. c. Design a strategy to manage the licensing changes, whether purchasing licenses or migrating away from Oracle JDK. d. Negotiate with Oracle for the best market prices if you are purchasing licenses. Prepare for an audit by having accurate records and a clear understanding of their Java usage.
In conclusion, Oracle’s changes in the licensing of Java SE have created new challenges and risks for companies that use the popular programming language.
By following the recommendations outlined in this analysis, organizations can effectively manage the licensing changes and minimize the risks associated with the changes regarding Employee Java SE Universal Subscription.
