Java, a popular programming language globally, is known for being platform-independent, easy to learn, simple to use and secure. It is among the top four developer languages and is widely used in enterprise applications. However, recent changes in Oracle’s Java licensing and pricing since 2019 have caused organizations to explore alternatives like OpenJDK options such as Azul Systems.
Oracle made significant changes to its Oracle JDK licensing and pricing in 2019 and 2021, aiming to make business users pay for commercial use of the previously free open-source language. These changes required organizations to purchase Oracle Java SE subscriptions for commercial production. In 2021, Oracle allowed commercial production from JDK 17 due to backlash but with limited updates and license conditions.
In 2023, Oracle announced a new requirement for organizations using Oracle Java to purchase licenses for their entire employee population if even a single employee or server had installed a licensable version of Java. This change resulted in significant cost increases for companies continuing with Oracle Java.
As a result of Oracle’s licensing changes, many organizations are considering or switching to alternatives. Oracle’s Java market share has significantly declined, with more businesses exploring alternative JDK vendors like Amazon, Eclipse Adoptium, and Azul Systems. Azul Systems, in particular, has seen growth in APAC countries due to the shift away from Oracle JDK, offering trusted OracleJDK replacements like Azul Platform Core and premium options for high performance.
Organizations forced to evaluate their Java usage due to Oracle’s changes can benefit from cost optimization in the cloud, improved security by updating to newer Java versions, and enhancing competitiveness in their industry. By modernizing with newer versions of Java, organizations can attract talented developers, stay competitive, and handle large workloads efficiently.
