Java licensing

The Java OTN License Agreement

The Java OTN License Agreement

  • Definition: Governs the use of Java SE under Oracle Technology Network (OTN).
  • Non-Commercial Use: Free for personal projects, development, testing, prototyping, and education.
  • Commercial Use: Requires a production, business operations, and distribution license.
  • Exceptions: It is free if it is part of another Oracle product or deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).

Java OTN License Agreement

The Java OTN License Agreement

Executive Summary: Oracle’s Java OTN License Agreement for Java SE is a set of terms that limit free use of Oracle’s Java to specific non-commercial purposes.

Introduced in 2019, this license allows individuals and developers to use Oracle Java at no cost for personal use, development, testing, or certain Oracle-approved scenarios. Still, it requires a paid subscription for any commercial or production deployment.

In essence, enterprises can no longer assume Java is “free” for business operations – organizations must carefully manage Java usage under OTN terms or invest in an Oracle Java SE subscription to remain compliant.

This article explains what the OTN license covers, how it works, and how companies should navigate these rules when using Java.

What Is the Java OTN License Agreement?

The Oracle Technology Network (OTN) License Agreement for Oracle Java SE is the licensing contract that governs the use of Oracle’s Java SE (Standard Edition) software for recent versions. Oracle introduced the OTN License in 2019 as a replacement for its previous free Java license model.

Under the old Binary Code License, Java was free to use in many scenarios, but the OTN License changed this dramatically. Now, Oracle’s Java (JDK and JRE) is still free to download, but the OTN terms strictly limit how you can use it without paying.

The OTN license is a click-through agreement – when you download Oracle Java from the official site, you agree to these terms. For businesses, this means that simply installing Oracle’s JDK on a server or employee PC can create a licensing obligation if the free terms don’t cover the usage.

The OTN License explicitly outlines which uses of Java are permitted for free (non-commercial) and which uses require a commercial license (paid subscription).

Oracle’s goal with this model is to encourage organizations to purchase a Java SE subscription for any broad, production, or commercial use of Java, while still allowing free access for individual and development purposes.

Which Java versions are affected?

The OTN License applies to Java SE 8, Java 11, and later versions provided by Oracle. For instance, Oracle JDK 8 updates released after April 2019, as well as all Oracle JDK 11 releases, fall under the OTN License terms. Oracle also used the OTN License for Java 17 updates after late 2024 (after an initial free-support period).

In practice, any Oracle JDK download for Java 8, 11, or 17+ comes with OTN terms unless Oracle has specifically designated a release under a different license (such as the temporary “No-Fee Terms” that applied to some versions).

Bottom line: if your organization is using Oracle’s Java SE software (especially Java 8 or 11) in production today, you are likely subject to the OTN License restrictions and need to ensure compliance.

Permitted Uses Under the OTN License (Free Usage)

Oracle’s OTN License permits certain uses of Java SE at no cost. These are essentially non-commercial or limited-purpose scenarios where Oracle does not require a paid license.

The key permitted uses under the OTN License Agreement include:

  • Personal Use by Individuals: You may use Oracle Java for personal, non-business purposes on your own devices. For example, an individual can run Java applications on a home PC (to play games or use personal productivity tools) without cost. Importantly, “personal use” excludes any work for your employer or any business operations. Using Java on an office laptop for business tasks would not qualify as personal use.
  • Development, Testing, and Prototyping: Oracle allows free use of Java for developing applications, testing, debugging, and prototyping. This means software developers can download the Oracle JDK to write and test their code, run Java in QA environments, or demo applications. These activities are considered non-production. Developers, testers, and educators can utilize Oracle Java SE freely in their labs and development machines under OTN, as long as the Java software isn’t being used to run actual business workloads in production.
  • Use with Oracle’s “Approved Products” (Schedule A/B): Oracle maintains an Approved Product Use list (often referred to as Schedule A and Schedule B products). Suppose you are using Java solely to support certain Oracle products or applications, that use is allowed without an extra Java license. For example, Oracle SQL Developer (an Oracle tool) requires Java – using Oracle Java to run SQL Developer is permitted. Similarly, Java usage for client components of Oracle products, such as Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle Forms, Oracle WebLogic Server, Oracle Coherence, and certain others, is covered under this category. Essentially, if an Oracle product you’ve licensed includes Java or was built on Java, Oracle lets you use Java with that product at no additional charge. (Note: The list of approved products is specific and limited. If in doubt, check Oracle’s Schedule A/B list or consult the vendor of your software to see if their application entitles you to use Oracle Java.)
  • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Use: Oracle permits the use of Java in conjunction with specific Oracle Cloud services. If you are an OCI customer and Java is needed as part of Oracle’s cloud offerings, that usage is generally allowed. For instance, certain Oracle Cloud management agents or services include Java – using Oracle Java within those cloud environments is covered by the OTN terms. Oracle treats this as an entitlement of using their cloud platform.

In summary, Oracle’s free-use categories are narrowly defined: personal use, internal development/testing, running Oracle’s products, or use within Oracle’s cloud.

These scenarios do not require you to purchase a Java SE license separately. Oracle Java can be downloaded and used without cost as long as you stay within these boundaries.

Restricted Uses Requiring a Paid License

Any use of Oracle Java outside the permitted categories requires a commercial license. The OTN License explicitly prohibits general commercial or production use without an Oracle Java SE Subscription.

Here are the major scenarios not covered by the free OTN terms (i.e., you must pay or find an alternative):

  • Internal Business Applications (Production Use): If you use Oracle’s Java to run any internal business systems, server applications, websites, or services that are part of your company’s operations, this is considered commercial/prod use. For example, running a Java-based web application on a company server or deploying Java on employee desktops for a corporate app requires a paid license. The OTN license does not permit the use of Oracle JDK or JRE in production environments for your business or any revenue-generating activity.
  • Commercial Software or SaaS Services: If your organization develops software products or provides cloud services and includes Oracle’s Java as part of your solution, you cannot rely on OTN’s free use. Embedding or bundling Oracle Java with a third-party application (or a SaaS offering) for customers is not permitted under OTN. In such cases, you would need to obtain a Java SE subscription (or an OEM agreement) from Oracle to legally distribute or use Java in your product. OTN also forbids the redistribution of Oracle Java binaries – you can’t package the Oracle JRE with your software for customers under the free license terms.
  • Any Business Use on Desktops or Laptops: As clarified in Oracle’s FAQ, using Java on an employee’s machine for work (even if it’s a desktop app or applet) is not considered “personal use.” If, for instance, your staff use a Java-based tool for day-to-day business tasks (e.g., a Java ERP client or a productivity app), that’s a commercial use. Your company would need to license those Java deployments. Essentially, the moment Java is part of your “internal business operations,” the free ride ends.
  • Non-Oracle Utilities and Third-Party Products: If you run Java for any third-party software that is not on Oracle’s approved list, you aren’t covered by OTN’s free use. For example, if a vendor’s application requires Oracle JRE but that vendor is not specifically authorized by Oracle (via an ISV agreement) to distribute Java to you, then you are responsible for licensing Java. Many software vendors test and recommend Oracle’s Java for their products, but unless they have a deal with Oracle, their customers (you) must secure your own Java license. Always confirm if a software vendor has an arrangement with Oracle; otherwise, assume you need to license Java when using that software in production.

In essence, any enterprise-wide, commercial, or production deployment of Oracle Java SE now requires a paid license.

The OTN free terms do not cover general corporate use cases. If you violate these terms (even inadvertently), your organization could be out of compliance, which is risky given Oracle’s active license auditing (more on that below).

It’s essential to note that the OTN License not only restricts “use” but also updates and support. Oracle stops providing public updates for Java under free terms once the version transitions to a support-only model.

For example, after January 2019, Oracle Java 8 updates became available only under a support contract, except for personal/dev use. That means even if you continue running an older Java version, you won’t get security patches unless you’re licensed (or you switch to an open-source build).

Running unpatched Java in production is a significant security risk, and many companies have felt pressured to purchase a subscription or migrate away for this reason.

Impact on Enterprise Java Deployments

The shift to the OTN License model has significant implications for enterprises using Java:

  • License Compliance Risk: Many organizations historically treated Java as “free infrastructure” and may have unknowingly deployed Oracle JDK across servers and endpoints. With the OTN License, such deployments are no longer free of charge. Companies discovered that continuing to use Oracle’s Java without proper licensing can lead to compliance violations. Oracle has the right to audit Java usage, and if they find unlicensed commercial use, the company could be asked to pay back-dated license fees and support (potentially covering past years of use). In a U.S. legal context, the OTN click-through license is enforceable, and Oracle could claim license fees retroactively (often up to a few years back). This puts organizations at risk of unexpected penalties if they don’t take action.
  • Operational and Budget Impact: Organizations that rely on Java now face a choice – either budget for Oracle’s Java SE subscription or migrate to alternatives. For some, especially those deeply invested in Oracle’s Java (perhaps due to stability or compatibility concerns), the new licensing costs can be substantial. We’ve seen companies with modest Java usage suddenly needing to license every employee or processor under Oracle’s policies (discussed in the next section on costs). This unplanned cost can strain IT budgets. Moreover, managing Java licenses becomes another task for software asset management teams, similar to databases or other commercial software.
  • Audits and True-Ups: Oracle has begun treating Java as any other licensable product, resulting in increased audit activity. Enterprise customers report that Oracle’s license management services have inquired about Java deployments during audits. If an audit finds non-compliant Java installations, Oracle will likely propose a resolution that involves purchasing subscriptions (often for a multi-year term) to cover past and future use. This can be a stressful and costly process if you’re unprepared. Enterprises need to be proactive: identify any Oracle Java in use, and either remove or license it before an audit occurs.
  • Security and Support Considerations: One reason companies stuck with Oracle’s official Java build is the timely security updates and support. Under OTN, if you don’t have a subscription, you lose access to updates for production use (since updates beyond public releases are gated behind support contracts on Oracle’s site). This creates a security dilemma – running outdated Java can expose you to vulnerabilities. Thus, many enterprises either pay for Oracle support to get patches or switch to a free alternative (like OpenJDK builds from other providers) to continue receiving updates without Oracle. There is an obvious trade-off between paying Oracle vs. potentially investing in migrating to and qualifying an alternative Java distribution.

In summary, the OTN License forces enterprises to actively manage Java usage. It’s no longer a trivial runtime you can deploy freely. Companies must conduct internal audits of Java, decide whether to purchase subscriptions or replace the Oracle JDK with open-source alternatives, and maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance.

The upside is that Oracle’s Java SE subscription (if purchased) covers all uses company-wide with full support, simplifying support if you choose that route. The downside, of course, is the cost, which we’ll explore next.

Oracle Java SE Subscription – Licensing for Commercial Use

To use Oracle Java SE in ways not allowed by the OTN free terms (e.g. running production systems), you need to purchase an Oracle Java SE Subscription. Oracle’s Java SE subscriptions provide the necessary commercial license rights and come with support and regular updates.

Here’s how the licensing currently works:

  • Java SE Universal Subscription (Employee-Based): In 2023, Oracle introduced the Java SE Universal Subscription with a new per-employee licensing model. Under this model, an organization must count all its employees (and equivalent contractors) and buy a subscription for that total number, regardless of how many use Java. This replaced the older models (which were based on per-user or per-processor counts). The subscription grants the company the right to use Oracle Java on any number of devices and servers for internal use, provided that the subscription covers every employee.
  • Pricing Structure: Oracle’s list price for the Java SE Universal Subscription is $15 per employee per month at the base tier, with volume discounts for larger organizations. The price per employee decreases at higher employee counts (tiered pricing). Below is a simplified breakdown of Oracle’s standard pricing tiers:
Total EmployeesCost per Employee (per month)
1 – 999$15.00
1,000 – 2,999$12.00
3,000 – 9,999$10.50
10,000 – 19,999$8.25
20,000 – 29,999$6.75
30,000 – 39,999$5.70
40,000 – 49,999$5.25
50,000 or moreContact Oracle for volume pricing

As an example, a company with 500 employees would pay at the $15 rate (around $7,500 per month, or $90k per year). A larger enterprise with 15,000 employees would fall in the $8.25 tier, costing about $123,750 per month (approximately $1.485 million per year).

The cost can be significant, which is why this change grabbed headlines – many organizations saw their potential Java licensing costs skyrocket under this model.

  • All-Inclusive Use: The subscription covers unlimited use of Java across the organization – desktops, servers, VMs, cloud instances, etc. There’s no need to count installations or cores once you’re subscribed; the headcount metric simplifies compliance (one subscription count covers everything). It also means you don’t have to worry about how many copies of Java are deployed – if all employees are licensed, you are free to use Java anywhere internally.
  • No Partial Licensing: A crucial point is that Oracle does not allow partial licensing under the employee metric. You cannot choose to license only a subset of your staff or a specific set of servers. Even if only 100 out of 1,000 employees use Java, Oracle’s policy is that you still need to cover all 1,000 employees. This “one-size-fits-all” approach can lead to over-licensing, where you’re paying for many users who never actually use Java. Oracle’s rationale is that Java may be present in various tools or workflows, so an enterprise-wide license avoids any ambiguity. However, for cost-conscious customers, this is a pain point, as it eliminates cheaper options for light usage.
  • Subscription Benefits: With a Java SE subscription, you get access to all Java SE updates, security patches, and support from Oracle. You also gain rights to certain advanced features, such as the Java SE Management tools and Performance Pack (if included). The subscription essentially acts as insurance – you stay on Oracle’s officially supported Java, get help if issues arise, and remain compliant legally. Some companies value this and budget accordingly, especially if Java is mission-critical.

It’s worth noting that Oracle’s pricing and terms can be negotiated for large deals. Enterprise customers often seek custom terms or discounts, particularly when Java is part of a broader Oracle contract. However, the above tiered list price generally gives a sense of the substantial expense involved.

For organizations that find this cost unjustifiable, the primary alternative is to migrate to a non-Oracle Java distribution (e.g., OpenJDK builds by other providers, such as Eclipse Adoptium, Red Hat, or Amazon Corretto), which incur no license fees.

Many of these alternatives are binary-compatible with Oracle Java and offer regular, free updates (some with paid support options that are still more cost-effective than Oracle’s subscription).

This migration, however, comes with its own testing and validation effort. Many enterprises have already transitioned to OpenJDK to avoid Oracle’s fees, while others have accepted the Oracle subscription for stability or simplicity.

Managing Java OTN License Compliance and Best Practices

Given the constraints of the OTN License and the high cost of Oracle subscriptions, enterprises should adopt a strategic approach to manage Java usage.

Here are the best practices to ensure compliance and optimize costs:

  • Discover and Inventory Java Installations: First, gain visibility into where Oracle Java is installed in your environment. Scan servers, VMs, developer workstations, and end-user devices for Java installations. Identify the versions and distributions (Oracle, OpenJDK, and others). This inventory will inform you about the prevalence of Oracle Java usage and its context (development, testing, production).
  • Assess Usage Against OTN Terms: For each instance of Java identified, determine how it’s being used. Is it strictly for development/testing? Is it running a production application? Is it only used with an Oracle product? Map each usage to the OTN license categories. This analysis will reveal which installations are non-compliant (e.g., an Oracle JRE powering a production app that isn’t an Oracle product). Pay special attention to Java on employee laptops or internal apps – those often slip under the radar but carry license needs.
  • Replace or Remove Oracle Java Where Possible: A cost-effective strategy is to remove Oracle JDK/JRE in scenarios where it is not necessary. For example, if you have internal applications, consider switching them to an OpenJDK distribution. Most modern Java applications run fine on OpenJDK, as it’s essentially the same codebase without Oracle’s proprietary branding. By migrating to free alternatives, you can drastically reduce or eliminate the need to pay Oracle. Many firms have standardized on OpenJDK (from providers such as Adoptium/Temurin, Red Hat, and Azul) for both servers and desktops since 2019. However, ensure to test critical apps for compatibility and performance when switching Java distributions.
  • Obtain Subscriptions for Unavoidable Usage: If you have certain systems that must use Oracle’s Java (perhaps due to support requirements or specific performance packs), then plan to purchase the appropriate Java SE subscriptions. Engage with Oracle early to understand the licensing terms and get quotes. In some cases, if Java usage is tied to other Oracle agreements, you might negotiate Java as part of a larger deal. Ensure you purchase enough subscriptions to cover your entire employee count if you go with Oracle’s model, and budget for renewals as it’s a recurring cost.
  • Limit and Monitor Future Deployments: Update your IT policies to control Java deployment. For instance, prevent developers or admins from downloading Oracle JDK from the website for general use. Instead, provide them with approved OpenJDK binaries or container images for development work. If Oracle Java is required, route those requests through a central approval process to ensure it’s used only in authorized ways. Educating your team is key – they should understand that using Oracle Java in production without approval is akin to installing unlicensed software.
  • Keep Documentation and Stay Informed: Maintain records of your Java usage analysis, license purchases, and any communications with Oracle. If an audit happens, this documentation will be invaluable. Also, keep abreast of Oracle’s Java licensing announcements. Oracle’s policies have continued to evolve (for example, introducing the no-cost period for Java 17 and then reverting to OTN, or changes in pricing models). By staying informed, you can anticipate changes (Oracle typically updates its Java roadmap and will announce if a free license is ending for a version). Planning ahead helps avoid being caught off guard by license requirements.
  • Consider Third-Party Support if Needed: If you require support for Java but don’t want to pay Oracle’s prices, some third-party providers offer Java support for OpenJDK at a lower cost. This can be a middle ground: you run open-source Java to avoid Oracle licensing, and you pay a support vendor for patches/hotfixes (some companies like Red Hat or Azul offer long-term support for their Java builds). This approach can satisfy compliance requirements (no Oracle license needed) and enterprise support needs, provided the level of support and update frequency meet your risk profile.

By taking these steps, enterprises can significantly mitigate the risks and costs associated with Oracle’s OTN License.

Some organizations have managed to completely sidestep Oracle Java fees through careful planning and switching to alternatives; others have minimized their footprint and only pay for what’s truly necessary.

The key is to handle Java like any other licensed software – proactively manage it, don’t assume it’s free, and make strategic decisions to balance cost vs. benefit.

Recommendations

  • Audit Your Java Usage: Conduct an immediate internal audit to identify all installations of Oracle Java (JDK/JRE) within your IT environment. Identify where and how it’s being used (development vs. production). This is crucial for understanding your exposure under the OTN License.
  • Segregate and Eliminate Unneeded Oracle JDK: For each Java instance found, determine if you can replace it with an OpenJDK or non-Oracle distribution. Prioritize migrating production systems to open-source Java, if possible, which can eliminate licensing requirements. Standardize on a free Java platform for new projects to avoid future OTN obligations.
  • License What You Must: For any Oracle Java usage that you cannot avoid (e.g., required for a specific enterprise application or performance reasons), plan to purchase an Oracle Java SE Subscription. Engage Oracle or a licensing partner to get the appropriate subscription tier (based on your total employee count). Factor this cost into your IT budget and ensure you remain licensed in the future.
  • Enforce Usage Policies: Update your IT policies and developer guidelines to manage Java downloads effectively. Make it clear that Oracle Java should not be used in production or on employee machines without proper licensing. Provide approved Java runtimes (such as an internally vetted OpenJDK) for general use. Educate developers and IT staff on the OTN License restrictions so they don’t unintentionally put the company at risk.
  • Monitor Oracle’s Licensing Announcements: Keep track of Oracle’s Java release and support roadmap. Oracle occasionally offers new licensing terms (e.g., temporary no-fee licenses for certain versions) or changes its pricing models. By staying informed, you can adjust your strategy – whether that means upgrading to a newer free version or knowing when an OTN license period will kick in for an LTS release.
  • Prepare for Audits: Treat Oracle Java like any other licensable software in terms of compliance governance. Maintain records of where you have Oracle Java deployed, what it’s used for, and if it’s licensed. If Oracle initiates an audit, you should be able to demonstrate control over your Java usage. Proactive compliance now can prevent a costly true-up later.
  • Explore Alternative Support Options: If your organization needs the reassurance of support but balks at Oracle’s subscription cost, consider third-party Java support vendors. This allows you to run a free OpenJDK in production with someone else providing patches and assistance, typically at a lower cost than Oracle. Ensure that any third-party solution provides timely security updates to keep your systems safe.
  • Consider a Long-Term Strategy: Make Java licensing a key component of your long-term IT strategy. For example, if most of your applications are Java-based, weigh the pros and cons of sticking with Oracle’s ecosystem (and budget accordingly) versus investing effort in open-source migrations or alternative technologies. Align this with your enterprise architecture plans and vendor management approach.

Checklist: Java OTN License Compliance Steps

  1. Inventory Java Installations: Compile a list of all Oracle Java JDK/JRE installations across your servers, VMs, desktops, and development environments. Note version numbers and usage context for each.
  2. Classify Usage Type: For each identified Java instance, mark whether it’s used for personal/development purposes or business/production operations. Also, check if it’s running an Oracle-approved product (like Oracle software) or not.
  3. Remove or Replace Non-Compliant Usage: Take action on any Java installations that fall outside of the allowed use. Uninstall Oracle Java from systems where it isn’t necessary, or replace it with OpenJDK (or another vendor’s Java) on those machines to stay compliant without a license.
  4. Secure Required Licenses: For any remaining Oracle Java usage that is needed in production (and isn’t covered by an Oracle product’s entitlement), purchase the appropriate Java SE Subscription. Ensure the subscription covers your entire organization (all employees) as required. Document the license purchase and keep proof.
  5. Implement Controls and Tracking: Establish controls to prevent new deployments from inadvertently using Oracle Java without approval. This might include blocking downloads from Oracle’s Java site at the firewall, providing internal repositories of approved Java builds, and regularly reviewing software inventories. Continuously track Java usage and revisit this checklist periodically or whenever Oracle updates its policies.

FAQ

Q: Is Java still free to use, or do we have to pay Oracle now?
A: Java itself (the technology) is available in free forms, but Oracle’s official JDK distribution is no longer free for most commercial uses. Under the OTN License, Oracle Java SE is only free for specific uses, like personal or development work. If you want to use Oracle’s Java in production or for your business operations, you must purchase a Java SE subscription or use an alternative Java distribution. However, you can use OpenJDK (the open-source version of Java) for free in any environment – many organizations opt for that to avoid Oracle fees.

Q: What uses of Oracle Java are allowed for free under the OTN License?
A: The OTN License allows limited free use of Oracle Java in these cases: (1) Personal use on individual desktops or laptops (non-business use by a person at home, for example), (2) Development, testing, and prototyping purposes (so developers and QA engineers can freely use it in non-production environments), (3) Use alongside certain Oracle products that you have licensed (Oracle permits Java to run specific applications like Oracle EBS, Forms, SQL Developer, etc., as part of those products’ usage), and (4) use within Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services. Any other use, especially running Java applications in production for your company, is not free and requires a license.

Q: We run Java applications on our servers for internal business. Do we need an Oracle license?
A: Yes. If those servers are using Oracle’s Java (Oracle JDK or JRE) to run internal or customer-facing applications, that is considered commercial/prod use, which is not covered by the free OTN terms. You would need to acquire an Oracle Java SE Subscription to remain compliant (or switch those applications to use a non-Oracle Java runtime). The only time you wouldn’t need a separate license is if the Java is exclusively used for an Oracle product you’ve licensed (and even then, only for that product’s functionality). For any custom or third-party applications running on Oracle Java, assume you need a subscription.

Q: If we use an Oracle product that includes Java (like WebLogic or Oracle Database), do we have to pay for Java separately?
A: Generally, no separate Java fee is required for Java usage that is solely to support an Oracle product you’re licensed for. Oracle’s policy is that customers with a current support contract for an Oracle product that requires Java can use Oracle Java with that product without additional cost. For example, if you use Oracle WebLogic Server (which runs on Java) and you’ve paid Oracle for WebLogic licenses and support, you can use Oracle’s Java to run WebLogic. This falls under Oracle’s “approved product use.” However, this free use is limited to that context – you can’t use the same Java runtime to run other non-Oracle applications or custom code on the side. Note that the entitlement comes from having the Oracle product properly licensed/having active support. Always check Oracle’s official list of approved products to be sure your scenario is covered.

Q: How can we avoid or minimize Oracle Java licensing costs?
A: To avoid Oracle Java fees, many organizations choose to migrate to open-source Java implementations. OpenJDK (and various distributions of it) provide the same fundamental capabilities without the OTN restrictions. By replacing Oracle JDK with an OpenJDK-based runtime (such as Adoptium Temurin, Amazon Corretto, or the Microsoft Build of OpenJDK), you eliminate the need for an Oracle license. Additionally, ensure new projects use these free versions from the start. If you do need Oracle’s version for a specific reason, try to limit its use to where necessary and use free versions elsewhere. Another strategy is to negotiate with Oracle – if Java is critical for you and you’re a significant Oracle customer, sometimes Oracle might bundle Java subscriptions at a discount in a larger deal. Finally, always keep your usage in check: uninstall Oracle Java where it’s not needed, and enforce policies so it’s not deployed casually. Through a combination of using alternatives and tight management, companies can dramatically reduce or even eliminate Oracle Java subscription costs.

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  • Fredrik Filipsson

    Fredrik Filipsson brings 20 years of dedicated Oracle licensing expertise, spanning both the vendor and advisory sides. He spent nine years at Oracle, where he gained deep, hands-on knowledge of Oracle’s licensing models, compliance programs, and negotiation tactics. For the past 11 years, Filipsson has focused exclusively on Oracle license consulting, helping global enterprises navigate audits, optimize contracts, and reduce costs. His career has been built around understanding the complexities of Oracle licensing, from on-premise agreements to modern cloud subscriptions, making him a trusted advisor for organizations seeking to protect their interests and maximize value.

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