Java 17 Licensing Summary
- NFTC Expiry: NFTC ends October 2024; new licensing is required.
- Free Use: Allowed without patches post-October 2024.
- Commercial License: Required for security patches beyond October 2024.
- Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription: Employee-based licensing for continued support.
Java 17 Licensing: Navigating the End of the NFTC Era
Oracle’s Java 17, released in September 2021, quickly became popular for developers and organizations due to its long-term support (LTS) status and free availability under the No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license agreement.
However, significant changes are on the horizon, as the NFTC license for Java 17 expires in October 2024. This article explores the implications of these changes and what organizations need to know to prepare for the future.
The NFTC Era for Java 17
Since its release, Java 17 has been licensed under the NFTC agreement, allowing users to deploy and use the software for free, even in commercial production environments.
This arrangement made Java 17 an attractive option for many organizations, enabling them to utilize the latest LTS release without incurring licensing costs.
However, the NFTC license agreement for Java 17 was designed to be time-limited, typically valid until one year after the subsequent LTS version is released. With Java 21’s release in September 2023, the NFTC license for Java 17 will expire in October 2024.
Post-NFTC Licensing Options
After October 2024, organizations using Java 17 will need to carefully consider their licensing options:
1. Continued Free Use Without Security Patches
Organizations can continue using Java 17 without applying any security patches released after October 2024, just like Java 8 licensing. This option allows for free use, as the NFTC license agreement will still apply to the unpatched version. However, this approach comes with significant security risks, as systems may become vulnerable to new threats after support ends.
2. Commercial Licensing for Security Patches
For organizations requiring the latest security patches, a commercial license from Oracle will be necessary for any patches released after October 2024. This option follows the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model, an employee-based licensing agreement. Under this model, organizations must purchase licenses based on their total number of employees, regardless of the number of Java 17 users or devices.
Implications for Organizations
The expiration of the NFTC license for Java 17 has several important implications for organizations:
1. Increased Costs
Organizations that continue using Java 17 with the latest security patches must budget for the new licensing costs under the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model. This can have significant financial implications, especially for large organizations with many employees.
2. Security Considerations
The main concern for those opting to use Java 17 without new security patches is the potential security risks. Without the latest patches, systems running Java 17 could become vulnerable to newly discovered security threats, exposing sensitive data and systems to attacks.
3. Licensing Complexity
The new licensing model adds complexity, especially for organizations using multiple Java versions. Different versions may have different licensing agreements, creating challenges in managing compliance. Organizations must clearly understand which licenses apply to which versions to avoid potential compliance issues.
4. Audit Risks
With the change in licensing terms, organizations may face increased scrutiny from Oracle audits to ensure compliance with the new subscription model. Oracle is known for its strict auditing practices, and non-compliance could result in costly penalties or retroactive licensing fees.
Planning for the Future
To navigate these changes effectively, organizations should consider the following steps:
1. Assess Security Requirements
Carefully evaluate whether running Java 17 without the latest security patches is viable for your organization’s security posture. For environments with low-security risks, continuing to use the unpatched version may be acceptable, but this decision must be made with a clear understanding of potential vulnerabilities.
2. Budget for Commercial Licenses
If your organization requires ongoing security patches, planning, and budgeting for acquiring commercial licenses under the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model is essential. The employee-based licensing model means that the cost will depend on the total number of employees, regardless of how many actively use Java.
3. Explore Alternatives
Consider alternative Java distributions, such as OpenJDK or those provided by third-party vendors like Amazon Corretto, Azul Zulu, or Red Hat. These distributions may offer different licensing terms and support options, which could be more favorable for some organizations than Oracle’s commercial licensing model.
4. Plan for Migration
If transitioning to a different Java version or distribution is necessary, allocate sufficient time and resources to ensure a smooth migration process. Migration involves testing compatibility, ensuring all applications function correctly on the new version or distribution, and training relevant staff on any changes.
5. Stay Informed
Keep abreast of any further announcements or changes from Oracle regarding Java licensing. Oracle frequently updates its licensing terms, and staying informed will help organizations adapt quickly to any new requirements or changes that may arise.
6. Conduct Internal Audits
Regularly review your Java usage and maintain accurate records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Internal audits can help identify any gaps in compliance and provide an opportunity to correct them before Oracle conducts an official audit.
Alternative Java Distributions to Consider
For organizations looking to avoid Oracle’s commercial licensing fees, several alternative Java distributions provide a viable path forward:
1. OpenJDK
OpenJDK is the official open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition. It is free to use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. The Java community maintains it, making it an attractive option for those looking to avoid Oracle’s licensing fees.
2. Amazon Corretto
Amazon Corretto is a no-cost, production-ready distribution of OpenJDK, supported and maintained by Amazon. It provides long-term support, including security updates and bug fixes, making it an appealing choice for organizations seeking a stable, free alternative.
3. Azul Zulu
Azul Zulu is a certified build of OpenJDK offered by Azul Systems. It provides free and paid support options, making it a flexible choice for organizations looking for additional support without the costs associated with Oracle licensing.
4. Red Hat OpenJDK
Red Hat offers its build of OpenJDK, which is included in Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscriptions. It provides long-term support, including updates and patches, which can be particularly useful for organizations already using Red Hat’s ecosystem.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Alternative
When evaluating alternative Java distributions, organizations need to consider several key factors:
1. Compatibility: Ensure the alternative distribution is fully compatible with your existing applications. Testing is crucial to avoid any disruptions in operations due to compatibility issues.
2. Long-Term Support (LTS): Verify whether the alternative distribution offers long-term support and how often updates and patches are released. Regular updates are essential for maintaining security and stability.
3. Vendor Support: Depending on your organization’s needs, a vendor offering commercial support may be important. Evaluate the level of support provided and the associated costs.
4. Migration Complexity: Moving from Oracle’s distribution to an alternative may require changes to the building and deployment pipeline. Plan and test migrations carefully to ensure minimal disruption.
Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription Model
The Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model is Oracle’s employee-based licensing approach that will apply to Java 17 once the NFTC period ends. Here are some key points to understand about this model:
1. Employee-Based Metric: Licensing costs are calculated based on the total number of employees, not the number of Java users or devices. Even if only a few employees use Java, the entire workforce is counted for licensing.
2. Pricing Tiers: Oracle offers different pricing tiers based on the number of employees. Smaller organizations may have lower per-employee costs, while larger enterprises may need to negotiate custom pricing.
3. Annual Subscription: The Java SE Universal Subscription is billed annually and includes updates, security patches, and support for the Java SE platform. This ensures that organizations have access to the latest features and fixes, but it also requires budgeting for recurring costs.
4. Licensing Compliance: Organizations must maintain accurate records of their employee counts to ensure compliance with Oracle’s licensing requirements. Failure to comply could result in audits and potential financial penalties.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Staying with Oracle Java 17
Pros:
- Access to Updates: With a commercial license, organizations will continue to receive security patches and updates, which is crucial for maintaining secure and stable systems.
- LTS Support: Java 17 is an LTS release, meaning it benefits from extended support periods. This makes it suitable for enterprises looking for long-term stability.
Cons:
- Cost: The employee-based licensing model can be expensive, particularly for larger organizations, since it involves licensing the entire workforce regardless of usage.
- Audit Risks: Oracle’s strict auditing practices require organizations to be diligent in maintaining compliance, which adds administrative overhead.
Java 17 Licensing FAQ
What is Java 17 licensing?
Java 17 licensing refers to the rules and conditions set by Oracle for using Java 17. These conditions change after October 2024, when the NFTC license expires.
What is the No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license?
The NFTC license allowed organizations to use Java 17 for free, even in commercial production environments, but it is set to expire in October 2024.
Can I continue using Java 17 for free after October 2024?
You can continue using Java 17 for free without applying any new security patches. However, this may leave systems vulnerable to security threats.
What are my options for Java 17 after NFTC ends?
You can continue using Java JDK 17 without updates, purchase a commercial license for continued support, or migrate to an alternative Java distribution.
What does a commercial Java 17 license cover?
A commercial license under the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model covers updates, security patches, and support for Java 17 beyond October 2024.
How is the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription priced?
The Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription is based on an employee-based licensing model. Costs depend on your organization’s total number of employees, not just Java users.
Are there alternatives to Oracle’s commercial Java 17 license?
Yes, alternatives like OpenJDK, Amazon Corretto, and Azul Zulu provide similar functionality without Oracle’s commercial licensing requirements.
What are the risks of not purchasing a commercial license?
If you continue using Java 17 without purchasing a commercial license after October 2024, you will not receive security patches, leaving your systems vulnerable to threats.
What is the main advantage of continuing to use Java 17 for free?
The primary advantage is avoiding immediate licensing costs. However, this comes with the risk of running an unsupported version without security patches.
How does the employee-based licensing model work?
The licensing cost is calculated based on the total number of employees in the organization, regardless of how many are using Java. This can be costly for larger organizations.
How can I determine if I need a commercial license for Java 17?
If your organization requires ongoing security patches and official support, you must purchase a commercial license under the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model.
Can I switch to a different Java distribution to avoid Oracle licensing?
You can switch to a different distribution, such as OpenJDK, Amazon Corretto, or Azul Zulu, which may offer different licensing terms and support options.
What should I consider before migrating to another Java distribution?
Consider compatibility with existing applications, long-term support availability, vendor support, and the potential impact on build and deployment pipelines.
How do I budget for the transition from NFTC to commercial licensing?
Estimate your organization’s number of employees and understand Oracle’s pricing tiers for the Java SE Universal Subscription model. If the cost is prohibitive, consider alternative distributions.
How can organizations prepare for the Java 17 licensing changes?
Conduct an internal audit to assess Java usage, determine whether security patches are needed, budget for commercial licenses if applicable, and consider alternatives like OpenJDK or Amazon Corretto.
