Third-Party Java Support Providers (Overview)
Leaving Oracle doesn’t mean losing support. Several vendors now offer enterprise-grade Java maintenance — cheaper, flexible, and with equal or better patch coverage.
These alternatives build on OpenJDK (the same source as Oracle Java), so they’re drop-in replacements.
Here’s who they are and what they offer.
Pro Tip: “Oracle isn’t the only safe option. It’s just the most expensive one.”
Read our larger guide to Oracle Java Security Patching & Support Strategies.
Why Enterprises Choose Third-Party Java Support
The reasons are simple:
- Avoid Oracle’s new per-employee pricing (which can skyrocket costs).
- Maintain security and compliance with regular updates.
- Get predictable long-term support for older Java versions.
These providers deliver all of that — without the audit pressure Oracle is infamous for.
Comparison Table – Oracle vs Key Java Support Providers
| Vendor | Versions Supported | Support Duration | Pricing Style | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle | Current LTS only | Standard LTS cycle | Subscription (per employee) $$$ | Oracle-heavy estates |
| Azul Platform Core | Java 6–21 | Up to 10+ years | Subscription (per server) | Enterprises needing long-term stability |
| Red Hat OpenJDK | 8, 11, 17 | Included in RHEL | Free (with RHEL subscription) | Red Hat and Linux users |
| IBM Semeru Runtimes | 8, 11, 17, 21 | Enterprise SLA | Subscription | IBM infrastructure users |
| Amazon Corretto | 8–21 | Long-term | Free | AWS users |
Pro Tip: “Don’t buy coverage you don’t need — choose by version and platform.”
How to manage older versions: Managing Out-of-Date Java Versions Securely.
Vendor Profiles
- Azul Platform Core: A third-party Java provider known for deep Java expertise and ultra-long support timelines (often beyond Oracle’s own). Azul offers certified OpenJDK builds with extended patch coverage for legacy versions like Java 6, 7, and others no longer supported by Oracle. Their subscriptions include regular security updates and optional performance tuning tools for enterprises that need extra JVM optimization. Azul’s focus on Java means dedicated support and quick issue resolution.
- Red Hat OpenJDK: Red Hat supplies its own build of OpenJDK as part of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It’s essentially free for RHEL subscribers and tightly integrated into enterprise Linux environments. Red Hat maintains a stable update cadence for Java 8, 11, and 17, ensuring these LTS versions get timely patches. The support comes bundled with your OS support — a major plus if you’re already a Red Hat shop. It’s a reliable choice for organizations running Linux workloads who want Java updates without additional fees.
- IBM Semeru Runtimes: IBM’s Java distribution (using the OpenJ9 JVM) is backed by IBM’s renowned JVM engineering team. It provides enterprise-grade Java with a focus on performance optimizations, especially on IBM hardware and mainframe systems. IBM offers long-term support under custom SLA agreements, meaning you get formal support contracts and can negotiate terms alongside other IBM products. Semeru runtimes are Java SE compatible and ideal for enterprises deeply invested in IBM infrastructure or those seeking the memory and performance benefits of OpenJ9.
- Amazon Corretto: Amazon’s free OpenJDK distribution with long-term updates. Corretto is production-ready and used internally by AWS, so it’s battle-tested for cloud-scale workloads. Amazon commits to keeping Corretto updated for the long haul (covering Java 8 through 21 and beyond) on a schedule that parallels Oracle’s quarterly patch releases. It’s fully compatible with Oracle JDK, making migration trivial. While it doesn’t include a formal support contract (unless paired with AWS Support plans), it’s an excellent choice for cloud-centric organizations and anyone seeking free Java updates.
- Others to Watch: BellSoft Liberica JDK – a lightweight OpenJDK distribution known for extended support of older versions and a range of package sizes (even a tiny footprint “Lite” edition). Microsoft Build of OpenJDK – Microsoft’s own free OpenJDK build, with strong integration for Azure customers and developer tools. These emerging providers also offer reliable Java SE builds and updates, adding more options, especially if you’re in their ecosystems.
Pricing and Value Snapshot
Oracle’s Java support is the priciest by far, using a per-employee subscription model that can cost large firms millions annually.
In contrast, third-party providers offer more cost-effective models:
- Oracle Java: High cost, charged for every employee (whether they use Java or not). You pay a premium for updates and support under Oracle’s terms.
- Azul: Typically 60–70% lower cost than Oracle for equivalent coverage. Priced by the number of server cores (and/or desktops) actually running Java, so you pay only for what you use.
- Red Hat & Amazon Corretto: Effectively no extra cost if you’re already using their ecosystems. Java updates are free with a Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscription or as a free AWS service, respectively.
- IBM: Enterprise pricing that is negotiable, often bundled with IBM support contracts. While not cheap, it can be value-efficient for companies already leveraging IBM’s stack, since it may integrate into broader deals.
Pro Tip: “Support isn’t free — but it’s far cheaper than Oracle’s definition of free.”
Checklist – Selecting a Java Support Provider
✅ Confirm which Java versions you actually need to support (e.g. 8, 11, 17, 21).
✅ Map vendor offerings to your environments (Does the provider support all your OS platforms and architectures?).
✅ Evaluate each vendor’s patch frequency and support SLAs (ensure their update schedule keeps you secure).
✅ Compare pricing models: per-server vs. per-employee vs. free – which aligns best with your usage and budget?
✅ Standardize on one provider across the organization for consistency and easier management.
5 Pro Tips
1️⃣ Leverage third-party support for legacy Java – Use non-Oracle vendors to keep older versions (Java 8, 11) patched and safe instead of paying Oracle’s extended fees. They specialize in legacy support.
2️⃣ Align with Oracle’s patch schedule – Even outside Oracle, plan your updates around Oracle’s quarterly Critical Patch Update cycle. Most providers sync with it, so you won’t fall behind on security fixes.
3️⃣ Mix open source and support smartly – Combine free OpenJDK usage with selective support contracts. For example, use OpenJDK builds broadly, and buy support for mission-critical systems. This balances cost and risk.
4️⃣ Demand clear CVE response commitments – When evaluating a support vendor, ask how quickly they address new Java vulnerabilities. Make sure they have a track record of fast patches when security issues arise.
5️⃣ Avoid multiple Java vendors internally – Picking one primary Java distribution for the whole company simplifies compliance and support. Having different business units on different Java vendors creates complexity and potential gaps. Standardize where possible.
How to get security updates, How to Get Java Security Updates Without Oracle.
5 Actions to Take After Reading
1️⃣ Audit your Java usage – Take an inventory of all Java versions and where they are running. Identify which applications rely on Java 8, 11, 17, etc., and note any Oracle JDK installations.
2️⃣ Evaluate the alternatives vs. Oracle costs – Get quotes or estimates from Azul, Red Hat, IBM, and consider Amazon Corretto (free) relative to what Oracle would charge. Quantify the potential savings for your organization.
3️⃣ Select a support partner and roadmap – Choose the third-party vendor that best fits your needs (considering cost, platforms, and Java versions). Develop a Java support roadmap to migrate all systems to that vendor’s JDK over time.
4️⃣ Use alternatives as leverage in negotiations – If you’re up for Oracle Java renewal, use these third-party options to negotiate. Oracle may offer better terms if it knows you have viable alternatives lined up.
5️⃣ Execute migrations for older versions – Plan to replace Oracle JDK on legacy systems with supported OpenJDK builds. For example, move Java 8 workloads to Azul’s or Red Hat’s build to ensure you keep getting security patches. This reduces compliance risk and cost.
By exploring third-party Java support now, you can maintain security and stability for your Java applications without being locked into Oracle’s high prices.
The Java ecosystem in 2025 offers plenty of vendor-neutral, enterprise-grade options – turning what used to be a one-company monopoly into a buyer’s market.
With a bit of planning, you’ll keep your Java infrastructure secure and budget-friendly for years to come.
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