Java JDK Licensing

Java JDK Licensing Summary

• Oracle JDK: A subscription is required for commercial use.
• OpenJDK: Free, open-source version with GPL licensing.
• NFTC License: Java 17+ free until September 2024.
• Employee-Based Licensing: Applies from 2023, costing per employee.

Java JDK Licensing

The licensing landscape for the Java Development Kit (JDK) has undergone significant changes over the years, particularly since Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010.

This article provides a detailed overview of Java JDK licensing, its evolution, current models, and implications for developers and organizations.

Historical Context

Java, introduced by Sun Microsystems in 1995, was initially offered as a free, open-source programming language. This approach fostered widespread adoption and contributed to Java’s popularity among developers. The “Write Once, Run Anywhere” principle made Java stand out, promoting cross-platform compatibility.

Sun Microsystems Era (1995-2010)

Java was distributed under the Sun Community Source License (SCSL) and the GNU General Public License (GPL) during this period. The Java Development Kit (JDK) was freely available, encouraging developers to create Java applications without licensing concerns.

Oracle’s Acquisition (2010)

Oracle’s acquisition of Sun Microsystems in 2010 marked a turning point in Java’s licensing history. While Oracle initially maintained Sun’s free licensing approach, they began signaling potential changes to the licensing model.

The Shift to Commercial Licensing

Introduction of Commercial Licensing (2018)

In 2018, Oracle announced significant changes to Java SE 8 licensing:

• Updates for Java SE 8 would now require a commercial license.
• This change primarily affected businesses relying on these updates for security and performance.

Java SE Subscription Model

Oracle introduced a subscription model offering:

• Commercial support
• Security updates
• Performance enhancements
• The cost structure was based on the number of processors or Named User Plus (NUP) metrics.

Java SE 11 and Beyond

For Java SE 11 and later versions, Oracle mandated a commercial license for using Oracle JDK in production environments. However, introducing the No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license in 2021 offered free-use alternatives for certain versions.

Current Java JDK Licensing Models

Oracle JDK Licensing

• Java SE Subscription: This subscription provides access to Oracle JDK updates and Java JRE and support. Pricing is based on employee count (as of 2023 changes) and includes access to commercial features.
• Oracle No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC): This applies to Java 17 and later versions. It allows free commercial use with some restrictions. Security patches after September 2024 require a paid subscription.

OpenJDK

OpenJDK remains a free and open-source alternative to Oracle JDK. It’s the reference implementation of Java SE and is available under the GNU General Public License version 2 with the Classpath Exception.

Alternative JDK Providers

Several alternative JDK providers offer their distributions, often based on OpenJDK:

• AdoptOpenJDK/Adoptium: Community-driven, free distribution.
• Amazon Corretto: Amazon’s no-cost, multiplatform distribution.
• Azul Zulu: Offers both free and commercially supported builds.
• Red Hat OpenJDK: Included with Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscriptions.

Oracle’s 2023 Licensing Changes

In January 2023, Oracle introduced significant changes to its Java SE licensing model:

• Employee for Java SE Universal Subscription: The previous Named User Plus and Processor licenses have been replaced. Licensing is based on the total employee count, not just Java users.
• Tiered Pricing Structure: Costs range from $15 per employee for smaller organizations to $5.25 per employee for larger ones.
• Universal Application: If any part of an organization uses Java, all employees must purchase licenses. These changes have substantial implications, especially for large organizations with limited Java usage.

Licensing Requirements by Java Version

• Java 8 (Pre-211 Security Updates): Due to the broad scope of the Binary Code License Agreement (BCLA), it generally requires a Java SE license. Commercial features require separate licensing.
• Java 8 (Post-211 Security Updates): Must be licensed under the Java OTN SE agreement. Exception: No license is required if Java is used solely for products listed in Schedule B.
• Java 11-16: Requires licensing for both client and server use. No free usage is allowed except for products listed in Schedule B.
• Java 17 and Later: Initially available under NFTC for free commercial use. Security patches after September 2024 require a paid subscription.

Implications for Developers and Organizations

Cost Considerations

The shift to employee-based licensing can significantly increase costs for large organizations. Smaller companies and startups may find the new model more accessible, as the per-employee cost structure may be less burdensome.

Version Management

Organizations need to carefully manage Java versions across their infrastructure. Mixing versions with different licensing requirements can complicate compliance and increase the risk of licensing violations.

Security vs. Cost Balance

Deciding between staying on older, unpatched versions and paying for newer, secure versions presents a difficult choice. Older versions may pose security risks, while newer versions come with licensing costs.

Development Environments

Generally, development and testing environments do not require licensing. However, using third-party applications in development may necessitate licensing, especially if commercial features are involved.

Compliance Risks

Oracle has increased its focus on Java licensing in audits, meaning organizations must maintain accurate records of Java deployments and usage. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties, particularly for larger organizations.

Navigating Java JDK Licensing Decisions

Organizations face several key decisions regarding Java JDK licensing:

1. Assess Current Java Usage

• Identify All Instances: Conduct a thorough audit to identify all Java instances across the organization, including development, testing, and production environments.
• Determine Licensing Requirements: Assess which versions are in use and what licenses are required for compliance.

2. Evaluate Licensing Options

• Oracle JDK vs. OpenJDK: Decide whether to continue with Oracle JDK or switch to an alternative such as OpenJDK. Consider factors like support, security patches, and compatibility.
• Consider Alternative Providers: Evaluate Amazon Corretto, Azul Zulu, and Red Hat OpenJDK for better licensing terms or support options.

3. Budget for Licensing Costs

• Employee-Based Licensing: If continuing with Oracle JDK, budget for the employee-based subscription model. Determine how the per-employee cost will impact the organization’s overall budget.
• Plan for Long-Term Costs: Consider how licensing costs may evolve as Java versions are updated and new support models are introduced.

4. Develop a Licensing Strategy

• Standardize Java Versions: Standardizing Java versions across the organization can help simplify licensing management and reduce the risk of compliance issues.
• Implement Version Control: Establish strict controls over Java version updates and patch applications to ensure compliance with licensing agreements.

5. Stay Informed

• Monitor Oracle Announcements: Follow Oracle’s licensing announcements to stay informed of any changes that may impact Java usage.
• Consult Licensing Experts: Engage with independent experts to clarify requirements and develop an optimized licensing strategy.

Best Practices for Java JDK Licensing Compliance

1. Conduct Regular Audits

Regular audits of Java usage across the organization are essential for ensuring compliance. Identify any unauthorized use and address it promptly to avoid potential licensing violations.

2. Document Everything

Maintain detailed records of Java deployments, including version numbers, patch levels, and usage scenarios. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance during an Oracle audit.

3. Educate Teams

Ensure development, IT, and procurement teams are well-informed about Java licensing requirements. Proper education can help prevent accidental non-compliance.

4. Limit Commercial Feature Use

Restrict the use of Java commercial features to minimize licensing costs. Monitor Java installations to ensure no commercial features are inadvertently enabled without the necessary licenses.

5. Consider Long-Term Alternatives

Evaluate the long-term viability of staying with Oracle JDK versus migrating to an alternative distribution. Consider each option’s costs, support options, and potential migration challenges.

6. Engage Licensing Experts

Working with independent Oracle licensing experts can help your organization navigate the complexities of Java JDK licensing. These experts can provide valuable insights, assist in audits, and help negotiate favorable licensing agreements.

Java JDK Licensing FAQ

What is Java JDK licensing?
Java JDK licensing involves different terms depending on whether you’re using Oracle JDK, OpenJDK, or other distributions. Changes introduced over recent years have impacted cost and compliance.

What are the main types of Java JDK licenses?
The main types include Oracle JDK, which requires a subscription for commercial use, and OpenJDK, which is free and open-source.

What changed with Oracle’s acquisition of Java?
Oracle introduced commercial licensing models for Java, starting with changes in 2018 that required subscriptions for updates, and introduced a Java SE Subscription model.

What is the Oracle Java SE Subscription?
The Oracle Java SE Subscription provides access to security updates and support for Oracle JDK, with pricing based on employee count.

Is OpenJDK free to use?
OpenJDK is an open-source version of the Java SE platform, available under the GNU General Public License (GPL) with the Classpath Exception.

What is the No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license?
NFTC is a license introduced by Oracle for Java 17 and later versions. It allows free use until September 2024, after which a paid subscription will be required for security updates.

What is the difference between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK?
Oracle JDK is a commercial version with paid support, whereas OpenJDK is an open-source reference implementation that is free for use under GPL licensing.

What does the employee-based licensing model mean?
Oracle’s employee-based licensing, introduced in 2023, requires organizations to pay based on their total employee count, regardless of the number of Java users.

Do I need a license for development and testing?
Generally, development and testing environments do not require a commercial license. However, using certain commercial features may require one.

What are Java commercial features, and do they require licensing?
Java commercial features, such as Java Flight Recorder and Mission Control, always require a separate license, regardless of the base JDK used.

Can I avoid Oracle licensing costs for Java JDK?
Yes, you can use OpenJDK or an alternative distribution like Amazon Corretto or Azul Zulu, which are free and often provide support and long-term updates. You can also upgrade to Java 17 or later.

What are the implications of the 2023 licensing changes?
The 2023 changes introduced an employee-based licensing model, which can significantly increase costs for large organizations because all employees must be licensed.

How do I choose between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK?
Consider factors like the need for commercial support, security updates, and licensing costs. Open JDK may be suitable for most organizations, while Oracle JDK may be preferable for those requiring dedicated support.

What alternatives to Oracle JDK are available?
Several alternatives exist, including OpenJDK, Amazon Corretto, Azul Zulu, and Red Hat OpenJDK, which offer similar functionality with different licensing models.

How do Oracle audits impact Java JDK licensing?
Oracle conducts audits to ensure compliance with its licensing terms. Non-compliance, especially regarding employee-based metrics or commercial feature use, can result in significant financial penalties.

How can I ensure Java JDK compliance?
Conduct regular audits of Java installations, keep detailed records, use monitoring tools for commercial features, and engage independent licensing experts to navigate compliance complexities.