Exiting Oracle Java SE Subscription
Executive Summary
This article offers strategic guidance for CIOs, CTOs, and IT procurement heads looking to reduce or eliminate their reliance on Oracle’s Java SE subscriptions.
With Oracle’s move to an expensive per-employee licensing model, many enterprises are considering an exit, either at contract renewal or by transitioning to open-source Java solutions.
Here we discuss how to plan a smooth transition off Oracle’s Java, covering contractual considerations, alternative Java platforms (OpenJDK), and practical steps to migrate applications.
The goal is to help enterprise technology leaders regain control of Java costs and avoid vendor lock-in, while maintaining support and security for their Java applications.
Why Consider Leaving Oracle’s Java Subscription?
Oracle’s January 2023 licensing change to a per-employee subscription model dramatically increased costs for many organizations. Instead of paying for Java based on actual usage (servers or named users), companies now must pay for every employee in the company if they use any Oracle Java.
This “one-size-fits-all” approach has been a tipping point. CIOs and CFOs are balking at Java bills that have skyrocketed 3x, 5x, or more compared to the old model.
For example, a company that previously paid for 100 Java users is now expected to pay 5,000 employees, a huge jump in cost with no added value. Beyond cost, there’s also a strategic concern of vendor lock-in.
Oracle’s licensing terms are rigid (covering all employees, no partial options), and the company has signaled it will strictly enforce compliance. Many enterprises fear being trapped in an ever-increasing subscription if they continue down Oracle’s path.
Additionally, Oracle’s unpredictable policy changes (today, they are per-employee; tomorrow, they could be something else) create risk.
By exiting the Oracle Java subscription, organizations aim to 1) cut costs or prevent future spend growth, 2) remove the audit/compliance threat that looms with Oracle’s licensing, and 3) gain flexibility by using community-driven or vendor-neutral Java platforms. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly.
Java is integral to many applications, and Oracle’s support has value, but the calculus for many is that the benefits of leaving outweigh the costs of staying.
Review Your Java Subscription Contract
Before plotting a transition, it’s crucial to understand your contract with Oracle. Oracle Java SE subscriptions are typically annual or multi-year agreements.
Key points to check: term length, renewal date, and any notice period for non-renewal. Some Oracle contracts auto-renew unless you give notice 30 or 60 days prior. Mark that date to ensure you can exit at the end of the term.
Also, confirm if your contract has a volume commitment or allows downsizing. Most likely, under the per-employee model, you committed to a certain employee count (often your whole org).
There may not be an easy way to reduce that number mid-contract if you’re still under an older (pre-2023) subscription – e.g., a Named User Plus/Processor Java SE subscription that hasn’t expired yet.
Note that Oracle has refused to renew those on the same terms. So at the end of that period, you’ll be asked to move to the new model.
This makes it an ideal moment to evaluate leaving entirely.
Check if there are any penalties for early termination. Oracle subscriptions generally do not let you cancel for convenience; you’re in for the term you signed (commonly 1-3 years).
Therefore, the realistic strategy is to plan to exit at the end of the current term. That might be an upcoming annual renewal, or if you recently renewed, you might have a longer runway (use that time to prepare).
If by chance your contract is month-to-month (not common for enterprise deals), you have more flexibility.
In summary, know your contract obligations so you exit without breaching them. In parallel, engage your procurement or legal team to handle communications with Oracle.
When you approach non-renewal, Oracle’s sales team will likely reach out aggressively to persuade you otherwise, potentially offering discounts or asking why. It’s wise to keep your reasons to yourself; you can simply say it’s a strategic decision.
Ensure any notice of non-renewal is given in writing by the required date. This prevents an unintended renewal that would lock you in longer.
Assessing Applications and Java Usage
One of the biggest tasks in moving away from Oracle Java is understanding all the places Java is used in your organization.
You need a comprehensive view of your Java footprint: which applications (internal or third-party) rely on Java, what versions of Java they run on, and whether they depend on Oracle-specific features.
Create an inventory of applications by working with development and operations teams. Identify if each application runs on Oracle’s JDK/JRE or something else.
In many cases, it will be Oracle, because historically that was the default server installation. However, some newer deployments might already be on OpenJDK (for instance, many Linux distributions come with OpenJDK by default).
For each application, gather information on Java version requirements. For example, does the app support Java 11, 17, etc., or is it stuck on Java 8? Also, note if any application explicitly requires Oracle’s Java. Most do not; Java is Java, and OpenJDK is the same technology.
However, certain Oracle products or legacy systems might have certifications only for Oracle JDK (though this is increasingly rare as OpenJDK has become the reference standard). If relevant, it’s also important to check for the use of any commercial features in Java 8 (like Java Flight Recorder).
If an app team relies on that via Oracle JDK 8, you’d need an alternative for that feature after switching. Engage your application owners: let them know you’re considering switching Java platforms and ensure they test their systems with an OpenJDK distribution.
The good news is that OpenJDK and Oracle JDK are binary compatible for the same version; Oracle’s JDK is based on OpenJDK, with only a few add-ons (like some fonts or plugins) that most apps don’t care about.
Thus, in most cases, your applications will run fine on OpenJDK if you give it the same version.
The biggest concern is making sure moving from Java 8 to Java 17 (if you choose to upgrade as part of the transition) doesn’t break the app – that’s more about Java version changes than the vendor of the JDK.
Choosing Your Java Alternative (OpenJDK and Others)
Exiting Oracle’s Java license doesn’t mean exiting Java. It means choosing a different distribution or support model for Java.
The primary alternative is OpenJDK, which is the Java open-source reference implementation. Oracle provides free OpenJDK builds (which come with no support beyond community updates).
Other trusted providers exist: for instance, Eclipse Adoptium (formerly AdoptOpenJDK) produces high-quality OpenJDK binaries; Amazon Corretto is an OpenJDK distribution with long-term support provided by AWS; Azul Zulu and Red Hat OpenJDK are others, each with optional paid support.
When selecting an alternative, consider the following factors:
- Version Support: Make sure the distribution offers the Java versions you need (8, 11, 17, etc.) with updates. Most do provide updates for LTS versions on a schedule similar to Oracle.
- Long-Term Support (LTS) Policies: Oracle provides updates for a certain timeframe (e.g., through the next LTS + one year under NFTC). Some vendors, like Azul, offer extended support for older versions (even Java 6/7) for a fee. A vendor like Azul might be attractive if you need an older version supported longer. Any OpenJDK will do if you’re fine staying close to current versions.
- Support & Patches: Decide if you need a support contract for Java when Oracle is gone. OpenJDK is free, but community support for patches may lag behind Oracle by a few days or weeks. Some enterprises are comfortable with community updates (which usually arrive shortly after Oracle’s CPU releases). Others prefer paying a third party for guaranteed, timely patches and helpdesk support. For example, Red Hat provides patches for OpenJDK 8 and 11 that feed into many Linux distros; Amazon patches Corretto. You can rely on these free streams or pay a company like Azul or IBM for support. Importantly, even if you pay another vendor, the cost is often significantly less than Oracle’s subscription.
- Compatibility: In terms of Java compatibility, all these distributions conform to the same standards. Still, test critical applications with the chosen JDK. Perhaps set up a staging environment where you swap Oracle JDK for OpenJDK and run your QA tests. It’s rare to find incompatibilities, but it’s a due diligence step.
- Tooling and Management: Consider if the alternative offers any management tools that ease the transition. Some, like Amazon Corretto, integrate with cloud management; others might have deployment toolsets. In many cases, it’s just about installing a different JDK.
Ultimately, OpenJDK is the core. You might decide, “We’ll just use the OpenJDK builds from Adoptium and not pay anyone,” which is fine; you’ll get regular updates for LTS versions for free. Or “We’ll use vendor X’s OpenJDK and buy their support so we have someone to call if something goes wrong.”
Both approaches free you from Oracle’s licensing terms. It’s not uncommon for organizations to start with the free route and consider adding third-party support later if needed.
The key is that you have options, and even paid support for OpenJDK tends to be far cheaper and more flexible (there is no per-employee metric; often, it’s per instance, per cluster, or unlimited use for a flat fee).
Planning the Technical Migration
Moving off Oracle Java largely involves deploying new JDKs and ensuring applications use them.
A phased approach is recommended.
Here’s a roadmap many enterprises follow:
- Pilot Migration: Choose a non-critical application that uses Oracle JDK and attempt to run it on the selected OpenJDK distribution. Install the OpenJDK on a test environment, configure the application to use it (often just a path or JAVA_HOME change), and run regression tests. This will build confidence and surface any unforeseen issues.
- Parallel Installation: It’s possible to have Oracle JDK and OpenJDK installed side by side on a server (in different directories). You can gradually switch applications on the same server to OpenJDK and eventually remove Oracle JDK. Avoid confusion—ensure your ops teams know which Java runs the service.
- Replace in Lower Environments: First, update your development, CI/CD pipeline, and QA environments to use the new Java. Developers should start building and testing with OpenJDK. This catches any issues early and acclimates the team to the new toolchain (though it’s virtually identical, there might be minor differences like default garbage collector settings in different versions).
- Production Cutover: Schedule a maintenance window for each application or service to switch the Java runtime. This might coincide with an app upgrade or can be done as a standalone change. Essentially, you’ll stop the application, uninstall Oracle Java (or at least remove it from use), install OpenJDK, and start the application with OpenJDK. If something fails, you can roll back to Oracle JDK (hence doing one app at a time or in waves rather than a big bang).
- Monitoring and Tuning: After switching, monitor performance and logs. In most cases, its performance is on par or even improved (since newer JDK versions often have enhancements). If you moved from Java 8 to 11 or 17 during this, watch for any deprecation or Java version-related issues in the logs. Tweak JVM settings if needed (for example, Java 11+ uses the G1 garbage collector by default, which might behave differently than you had on 8). These are Java version concerns, not vendor, but they are part of modernization.
- Removal of Oracle Binaries: Once you’re confident the new JDK is running well, remove Oracle’s JDK from those systems (to avoid any accidental use or future confusion). This can also be a compliance safeguard – if Oracle audits after you say you’ve stopped using Java, you want to show it’s not even present on systems.
Throughout this process, maintain close communication with application stakeholders. Some third-party applications might have formal support statements like “supported on Oracle JDK or OpenJDK.” In recent years, most vendors have accepted OpenJDK as it’s essentially the same spec.
Suppose any vendor middleware insists on Oracle JDK and won’t support you otherwise. In that case, it’s a special case to handle (maybe keep a small Oracle license just for that, or pressure the vendor to support OpenJDK).
Document all changes thoroughly—in case of audit or vendor discussions later, having documentation that “on X date we switched server Y from Oracle JDK 8u281 to OpenJDK 8u282” is useful.
Managing the Transition Period (Hybrid Use)
Realistically, migrating off Oracle Java might take several months, especially in a large enterprise with many applications. During this transition, you may still be under an Oracle subscription (which is fine – you paid for it, you can use it).
Alternatively, your subscription might expire, and you aim not to renew it, but you haven’t finished migrating everything by then. That can be risky because any remaining Oracle Java in production after your contract lapses would be unlicensed.
To mitigate that, try synchronizing your migration timeline with your contract end date. If that’s not feasible, consider negotiating a short-term extension with Oracle for a smaller scope.
For example, suppose 90% of your environment is off Oracle Java by renewal time. In that case, you might negotiate a one-year subscription for just a subset of employees or a flexible agreement to cover the tail end while you finish moving.
Oracle might be open to a smaller deal rather than losing you entirely (though they prefer all-or-nothing, you might find room if it’s clear you’re on the way out).
Another aspect to manage is support and updates during the transition. If you stop renewing Oracle support, you won’t get their patches.
Ensure that by dropping Oracle support, you have an alternative patch source in place (either your new platform or a plan to upgrade to a newer Java version with the latest fixes).
For instance, if you choose not to renew Oracle in January 2024 and you still have some Java 8 running, you had better either move those to OpenJDK 8 and get the January 2024 security update from the open-source side or upgrade them to 17/21, which are freely patchable. Don’t leave apps frozen with an old, unpatched Oracle JDK after support ends.
During the hybrid period, also keep an eye on license compliance. Even if you’re still under subscription while migrating, be mindful not to deploy Oracle Java in new places; focus on deploying the new JDK to new systems.
Avoid mixing them unnecessarily (e.g., don’t let an app randomly switch back to Oracle JDK because an admin was more familiar with it—enforce the new standard).
Post-Oracle: Ensuring Ongoing Support and Compliance
Once you have successfully transitioned all workloads to non-Oracle Java, congratulate your team. This significant achievement will likely result in major cost savings and reduced compliance risk.
However, the work doesn’t end here. Since Oracle is no longer watching over (or bothering) you, you must maintain your Java platforms proactively.
This means:
- Stay Current on Patches: Subscribe to mailing lists or announcements for your chosen OpenJDK distribution so you know when new security patches are released (Java typically has quarterly Critical Patch Updates aligned with Oracle’s schedule). Ensure you apply these to your environments promptly, just as you would Oracle’s if you had a subscription. This keeps your Java secure.
- Monitor Java Roadmaps: Keep an eye on the Java version roadmap. Oracle will release new LTS versions (Java 21, 25, etc.) every two years. Even if you’re not using Oracle’s builds, the entire ecosystem follows that. Decide when it’s beneficial to move your applications to newer LTS versions. Many organizations upgrade every 2-4 years to stay within a support window (for example, moving from 11 to 17, or planning a move to 21). The OpenJDK community and vendors support LTS versions for several years, but not forever, so plan upgrades accordingly.
- Deal with Oracle on Your Terms: You might still have other products post-transition. Make sure Oracle acknowledges (if it ever comes up) that you no longer utilize Oracle Java. One way is to have a record of your non-renewal notice and maybe a letter or confirmation that your Java subscription ended. If Oracle ever audits your environment in the future for other software, have documentation ready to show that all Java installations are OpenJDK (you can show file paths, vendor info from the command line, etc., to distinguish them). They technically don’t have the right to audit software you haven’t licensed from them, but being prepared helps avoid misunderstandings.
- Track Cost Savings: It might be useful to quantify the cost avoided by exiting. For example, if you had paid $200,000/year to Oracle and now you pay $0 (or maybe $50k to a support vendor), that’s significant. Documenting this helps demonstrate the value of the decision to top management. It’s also helpful if Oracle returns later with some new offer – you have a clear financial baseline to compare.
- Support Team Readiness: If previously your team would rely on Oracle’s support for any Java issue, ensure you have resources for troubleshooting Java performance, JVM tuning, etc. This can be internal expertise or vendor support. Essentially, ensure your team is comfortable operating without Oracle Support’s help. In reality, many companies rarely used Oracle Java support, even when they had it, unless there was a very obscure JVM bug. Most day-to-day issues are resolved by in-house or community knowledge.
By following these steps, an organization can free itself from Oracle’s Java licensing grip and still continue to run Java workloads reliably.
Many large organizations and government entities have successfully transitioned to open-source Java in recent years, so you will be in good company.
Approach it methodically and leverage the vibrant Java community for help and best practices.
Recommendations for CIOs/CTOs
- Develop a Java Exit Strategy Early: Don’t wait until a month before your Oracle renewal to decide to leave. Start planning 6-12 months in advance. Create a project team to manage the transition with executive sponsorship to ensure it gets priority.
- Communicate with Stakeholders: Inform application owners, business units, and security teams about the Java transition to avoid resistance and surprises. Emphasize the benefits (cost savings, independence) and ensure everyone understands the plan.
- Leverage the Free Period (NFTC): Using Oracle’s NFTC license strategically if timing permits. For instance, upgrade to Java 21 (free under NFTC) as part of your migration, so you get the latest features and won’t need any subscription during its free period. This can smooth the transition by aligning it with a tech refresh.
- Consider Third-Party Support Contracts: Evaluate if a support contract from an OpenJDK vendor is worth investing in your business. For mission-critical environments, having that safety net (for example, guaranteed patches within 24 hours, or hotfixes for specific issues) might be worthwhile and still far cheaper than Oracle.
- Negotiate with Oracle if Needed: If you are mid-contract and find you can’t fully exit by expiration, talk to Oracle. Surprisingly, Oracle might offer a shorter extension or a flexible deal rather than losing you entirely. Also, if you’re a significant client for other products, use that as leverage to push for better terms or an amicable split for Java.
- Pilot and Document Everything: Run a formal pilot of the migration and document the results. Use those success stories to guide the broader rollout. For example, “Application X moved from Oracle Java 8 to OpenJDK 17 in test, with no issues and improved performance” is a compelling message encouraging other teams to follow suit.
- Maintain License Hygiene: Instill policies to prevent backsliding after you exit. For example, adjust software deployment tools to only use approved OpenJDK packages. Remove any internally stored Oracle JDK installers from repositories to prevent someone from accidentally reinstalling them. Treat Oracle JDK like disallowed software in your enterprise going forward unless specifically justified.
- Stay Engaged with the Java Community: Join forums or user groups related to OpenJDK. This keeps your team updated on any quirks, known issues, or optimizations for the platform you’re on. When you’re not paying Oracle, the community is your support network (in addition to any vendor you choose for support). Being engaged will help you get quick answers and share experiences with peers who have done the same transition.
- Reallocate Savings Wisely: The money saved from Oracle subscriptions can be reinvested into your IT initiatives—perhaps to modernize applications (so they’re not stuck on old Java versions) or to fund training for your developers on the latest Java features. This turns a licensing burden into an innovation opportunity.
- Evaluate Results and Adjust: After a year or so off Oracle, evaluate its progress. Are there any downsides experienced? Perhaps some performance issue or patch delay? If minor, you likely made the right call. If there are concerns, address them by tweaking your approach (maybe add a support subscription with an OpenJDK provider, etc.). Use this review to solidify your long-term Java strategy free of Oracle.
Read Oracle Java License Audits: How to Prepare and Protect Your Organization.
FAQ
Q1: Is using OpenJDK instead of Oracle JDK in production legal and OK?
A1: Yes. OpenJDK is the reference implementation of Java, licensed under GPL open-source terms. It is 100% legal to use in any environment, including in commercial production, with no cost. Oracle’s own JDK is built from OpenJDK source with some minor additions (which Oracle now open-sources in most cases). No functional prohibition or limitation would prevent a company from using OpenJDK instead of Oracle JDK. Thousands of enterprises and even Oracle’s competitors (like IBM, Red Hat, and Amazon) base their Java offerings on OpenJDK. Just download OpenJDK from a reputable source (e.g., Adoptium, the official OpenJDK site, or a trusted vendor’s site).
Q2: Will our Java applications run slower if we switch to OpenJDK?
A2: In general, no. OpenJDK and Oracle JDK are the same version and have nearly identical performance. They use the same HotSpot JVM engine. In the past, Oracle JDK had some slight optimizations or better garbage collector tuning by default, but nowadays the differences are negligible. Over time, Oracle has contributed most of its performance improvements to the OpenJDK project. You should not see a performance drop; when you upgrade from an older Java to a newer Java (say 8 to 17), you might see performance improve thanks to JVM enhancements in newer versions. There could be edge cases or specific workloads where you need to tune the JVM after a change (just as you would with any Java upgrade), but switching the vendor alone from Oracle to OpenJDK on the same version shouldn’t degrade performance.
Q3: What if some of our software vendors require Oracle Java?
A3: This situation is becoming less common, but if you have a commercial software product that explicitly states it requires Oracle JDK, you have a few options. First, verify if that’s truly the case or just outdated documentation. Many vendors updated their support statements to include OpenJDK once Oracle’s licensing changed (because their customers demanded it). Suppose the vendor still insists on Oracle JDK. In that case, you can: (a) Push back and ask for an exception or support for OpenJDK, often their software works fine on OpenJDK, but they haven’t officially certified it; customer pressure can sometimes change that. (b) If it’s a critical application, you might leave that one on Oracle JDK and license just that usage (for instance, maybe keep a small Java subscription just for the environment running that software). (c) Consider alternative software if feasible, in the long run, if that vendor’s requirement costs a lot. In practice, most major software (IBM’s, SAP’s, etc.) that uses Java have their own Java distribution or allow OpenJDK. Only niche or older products might cling to Oracle JDK.
Q4: How do we handle Java updates and security patches after we drop Oracle?
A4: You must have a process to apply updates from your chosen OpenJDK distribution. Many enterprises sync this with their OS patch management. For example, if you use Red Hat OpenJDK, patches come via Red Hat’s update channels, which you apply like any other Linux update. If you use Adoptium or Azul, you might download the updated JDK and roll it out to servers (scripting this or using configuration management tools). The timing of patches: Oracle releases security fixes quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct). OpenJDK vendors typically release their builds with those fixes shortly after. Adoptium often has builds within a few days of Oracle’s release. Azul might have them the same day for their customers. So you’ll still be on a similar cycle, just getting bits from a different source. Make sure to test updates in a lower environment first, as with any patch, but generally applying them is straightforward (you might swap out the JDK directory or update an RPM, etc., depending on your installation method). It’s also good to subscribe to security bulletins so that Java is aware of the severity of each patch (e.g., some might be urgent to apply if there’s a known active exploit).
Q5: Can we mix Oracle JDK and OpenJDK in our environment, or should it be all or nothing?
A5: Technically, you can mix them – there’s no technical conflict in having some systems on Oracle JDK and others on OpenJDK. However, from a license management perspective, mixing is dangerous unless well-tracked. If you retain some Oracle JDK usage, you still fall under Oracle’s licensing for those instances, which could mean you need to keep a subscription. Many organizations prefer eliminating Oracle JDK to simplify compliance (the “all or nothing” approach). If you do mix, know which installations are Oracle’s and that a license covers them. Perhaps you confine Oracle JDK to one specific product or cluster, and everything else is OpenJDK, which could work as long as you maintain that discipline. Just remember that Oracle’s per-employee model officially doesn’t allow “some employees covered and some not” easily. If you have any Oracle Java usage, they want all employees licensed. That’s another reason to go 100% OpenJDK if possible. If you can’t fully, you might still have to pay Oracle for everyone because of that one pocket of Oracle JDK usage, which undermines the cost-saving goal.
Q6: Do we need to notify Oracle that we’re switching to OpenJDK?
A6: Not formally. If your subscription term ends and you do not renew, that’s the main action. Oracle doesn’t require you to explain why; you just give a notice of non-renewal as per the contract. Oracle may ask why or try to persuade you otherwise; you can choose how to respond. You do not need to tell Oracle “we are moving to OpenJDK” – unless you want to use that as an explanation to ward off sales calls. Even then, be cautious: sometimes telling Oracle you plan to migrate off can trigger them to warn you about compliance or try to schedule a last-minute audit while you’re still under contract. It’s often better to keep communications minimal: simply, “we have chosen not to renew.” After the fact, if Oracle ever inquires (e.g., your account rep asking months later if you want to reconsider Java licenses), you can confidently say you no longer use Oracle Java. But you don’t owe Oracle detailed proof unless a legal dispute arises. Internally, ensure you have documentation as mentioned to back up that claim.
Q7: What cost savings can we expect by exiting Oracle Java?
A7: It varies, but for most, the savings are substantial. Oracle’s Universal Subscription starts at $15 per employee per month (for under 1k employees) and even at large scales goes down to around $5 per employee. So, an organization of 5,000 employees might pay $300,000+ per year in the list price (often with some discount). In contrast, using OpenJDK is free. If you opt for a third-party support, you might pay $50,000 per year for an enterprise support contract covering all your Java instances (just an illustrative number – some are more, some less, but generally it’s not tied to employee count). Many companies see over 80-90% cost reduction in Java maintenance by leaving Oracle. Additionally, indirect savings include freeing up the budget to invest elsewhere and spending less time on audit firefighting (which also has a cost). It’s a good practice to quantify this for your records – include both the direct subscription fees and any ancillary costs (like if you had to dedicate staff to managing Oracle audits, etc. – that time can now be spent productively).
Q8: Are there any risks of leaving Oracle Java that we should present to leadership?
A8: The risks are relatively low and manageable, but it’s wise to acknowledge them. One risk is operational risk during migration – something could break, or an application might have an issue with the new JDK. Mitigation: thorough testing and phased rollout, as discussed. Another is security/update risk, ensuring you can patch promptly and not miss Oracle’s oversight; mitigation: aligning with reputable OpenJDK providers and monitoring security lists. There’s a vendor support risk; if something goes deeply wrong in the JVM, you can’t call Oracle. However, serious JVM bugs are rare, and there’s a broad community plus third-party support vendors to assist. Finally, a relationship risk with Oracle if Oracle is a major supplier for you (databases, etc.): Oracle might not be happy you dropped their Java offering. In extreme cases, one could worry if that sours negotiations on other products. Usually, Oracle treats each product’s sales separately, but it’s something to be cognizant of in overall vendor management. Present these to leadership with explanations of how you’ll mitigate them, and often leadership will agree that the benefits outweigh these risks.
Q9: What if we later decide we want Oracle’s Java back for some reason?
A9: If circumstances change and you determine Oracle’s Java subscription is worth it again (for example, if Oracle dramatically changes pricing or adds value), you can always buy licenses in the future. Exiting now doesn’t lock you out forever; it just means you’re not paying in the interim. Some companies keep a door open by maintaining minimal contact with Oracle, e.g., maybe keep one development subscription (at a small headcount) just to access Oracle’s support portal or patches. But that’s not necessary if you fully commit to leaving. Should you return, you’d simply negotiate a new contract at that time. Oracle might charge more if you leave and return, but that’s speculative. Generally, regaining compliance is just a matter of purchasing the needed subscriptions again. This is rare, though, once off, most don’t need to return because the alternatives suffice.
Q10: How do we handle Oracle Java embedded in other Oracle products after we “leave”?
A10: Oracle products like WebLogic, Oracle E-Business Suite, etc., come with Java components. Terminating your Java SE subscription does not terminate your right to use Java within those products’ context. Oracle’s licenses for those products usually allow you to use the Java included. For example, WebLogic comes with an embedded JDK, which you can use to run WebLogic without needing a separate Java SE license. However, you shouldn’t use that WebLogic-supplied JDK to run other unrelated custom applications. Keep each usage siloed to its product. For any Oracle software you still have, follow the vendor guidance: if the product includes Java, use it only for that product’s purpose. If you need Java outside of that, use your new OpenJDK everywhere. If Oracle audits and sees Java in use on a server, they might ask: Is it solely serving an Oracle product with a license? If yes, that should be acceptable. For prudence, you can list these instances and ensure you can demonstrate their scope if needed (e.g., “this Java came with Oracle Forms, and is only used by that application”). In summary, leaving Oracle Java means you don’t run Oracle’s standalone Java for general use, but it doesn’t mean you can’t run Oracle software that internally uses Java. Don’t repurpose those Java runtimes for anything beyond the product’s scope.
