Understanding Oracle Java 8 licensing can be complex, especially following significant changes in licensing policies introduced by Oracle.
This article explains how Oracle licenses Java 8, detailing when licenses are required, clarifying available patches, and offering practical examples to help businesses navigate Java compliance effectively.
Licensing Model for Oracle Java 8
Oracle Java SE 8, initially released in March 2014, has been one of the most widely adopted Java versions globally.
However, significant licensing changes in January 2019 drastically altered how businesses use Java SE 8 in commercial environments.
Before January 2019: Free to Use
Until January 2019, Oracle Java 8 was freely available under the Binary Code License (BCL). This allowed:
- Free use is available in both personal and commercial environments.
- Access to security patches and public updates at no charge.
- Limited Oracle enforcement on commercial licensing, creating minimal licensing risk for businesses.
After January 2019: Paid Subscription Model
Oracle shifted to a paid subscription model for Java SE 8, targeting commercial users specifically.
Under this model:
- Businesses must have an active Oracle Java SE Subscription to receive ongoing updates and patches.
- Oracle ceased providing free public updates for Java SE 8 used commercially.
- Free updates continue only for personal (non-commercial) users and specific Oracle-approved uses.
How Oracle Defines “Commercial Use”
Commercial use broadly includes:
- Using Java SE 8 in business applications, internal IT environments, or external-facing applications.
- Deploying Java for commercial products, services, or internal business operations.
- Using Java in cloud-based services provided to third parties.
Example:
A retail company uses Java-based inventory management software internally. After January 2019, this qualifies as commercial usage, requiring the company to purchase Oracle Java SE subscriptions to remain compliant.
Security Patches and Updates for Oracle Java 8
Security patches and updates are critical to maintaining secure Java environments. Oracle provides periodic Critical Patch Updates (CPUs) that address vulnerabilities discovered within the Java platform.
Below is an overview of Java 8 security updates and licensing implications:
Types of Java 8 Security Updates
Oracle Java 8 has two main update categories:
- Public Updates (Until January 2019):
- Provided free security patches and bug fixes for all Java 8 users.
- No license or subscription is required.
- Ended for commercial users in January 2019.
- Subscription-Based Updates (Post-January 2019):
- Provided exclusively to commercial users with an Oracle Java SE Subscription.
- Security patches, updates, and support are available continuously.
- Non-subscribers no longer receive any official updates or security fixes from Oracle.
Timeline of Security Patches for Java 8
Oracle Java 8 received quarterly Critical Patch Updates (CPUs). Here is a summary of significant security patch releases and licensing requirements:
| Patch Release | Release Date | License Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java 8u201 | Jan 2019 | No (Final Free Update) | Final free public update for commercial use. |
| Java 8u202 | Jan 2019 | Subscription Required | First update requiring a paid subscription. |
| Java 8u211 & 8u212 | Apr 2019 | Subscription Required | The subscription model continued. |
| Java 8u221 | July 2019 | Subscription Required | Security patches are provided only to subscribers. |
| Java 8u231 | Oct 2019 | Subscription Required | All subsequent updates require a subscription. |
| Subsequent updates | From 2020 onward | Subscription Required | All subsequent updates require subscription. |
Consequences of Not Licensing Java 8 Correctly
Organizations failing to comply with Oracle Java licensing face several risks:
- Oracle License Audits: Increased likelihood of Oracle audits targeting Java deployments.
- Security Risks: Lack of access to essential security patches exposes organizations to vulnerabilities.
- Compliance Penalties: Potential fines or legal fees resulting from licensing violations.
Example:
Oracle audited a global bank and found it running Java SE 8 update 231 without a subscription. Oracle required the bank to retroactively pay subscription fees plus penalties, significantly increasing licensing costs.
Oracle Java SE Subscription Pricing and Terms
Oracle offers Java SE Subscriptions through a yearly or multi-year subscription model, based primarily on:
- Processor-based licensing (for servers and virtual machines).
- Named User Plus (NUP) licensing (for identified users accessing Java applications).
Subscription Models Explained:
| Licensing Model | Description | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Processor-Based | Charged per processor/core running Java SE | Datacenter applications running on multiple cores |
| Named User Plus | Charged per named user accessing Java SE | Desktop-based business applications |
Typical Costs (Approximate):
- Processor-Based License: Approximately $300 per processor per year.
- Named User Plus: Approximately $30 per user per year.
Example:
A medium-sized business with 10 servers (2 processors each) running Java SE would pay approximately:
- 10 servers × 2 processors = 20 processors
- Annual Cost: 20 processors × $300 = $6,000/year
Read if Java 17 is free or not.
Alternatives to Oracle Java 8 Subscription
Organizations often seek alternatives due to the increased cost and complexity of Oracle Java licensing:
Popular Alternative Java Distributions:
- OpenJDK:
Free open-source Java platform providing regular updates and community-driven support. - Amazon Corretto:
Free Java distribution provided by Amazon with long-term security updates. - Azul Zulu:
Free distribution with optional commercial support for mission-critical deployments. - Eclipse Temurin (Adoptium):
Free, community-driven Java builds with strong industry backing.
Comparison of Alternatives:
| Distribution | Cost | Security Updates | Support Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenJDK | Free | Quarterly updates | Community-based |
| Amazon Corretto | Free | Regular, long-term | Amazon-backed support |
| Azul Zulu | Free/Commercial | Regular updates | Commercial option |
| Eclipse Temurin | Free | Regular updates | Community & vendors |
Example:
A software development firm switched from Oracle Java 8 subscriptions to Amazon Corretto, significantly reducing licensing expenses while maintaining robust security.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Oracle Java 8 licensing drastically changed in 2019, requiring paid subscriptions for commercial use of Java updates beyond Java 8u201. Understanding the nuances of Oracle licensing and effectively managing Java deployments is crucial to avoid audits, compliance risks, and potential security vulnerabilities.
Key Recommendations for Businesses:
- Conduct regular audits of your Java installations.
- Ensure you have valid Oracle Java SE Subscriptions if running Java 8 commercially.
- Consider alternative Java distributions to reduce licensing costs.
- Stay informed about Oracle licensing policy updates.
Properly navigating Oracle Java 8 licensing will help you maintain compliance, secure your Java applications, and effectively control long-term software licensing costs.
