Java SE Licensing Compliance in 2025: Risks and Advisory for ITAM Leaders

In 2025, Oracle Java SE will have transformed from a freely available runtime into a significant compliance risk and cost driver for enterprises. Oracle’s licensing model changes – especially the recent shift to an employee-based subscription – have dramatically increased Java licensing costs (often 3-5× higher than previous models) and caught many organizations off guard.

Software Asset Management (SAM) and IT Asset Management (ITAM) leaders now face heightened audit risk: Gartner predicts that by 2026, over 20% of organizations using Java will be audited or pressured by Oracle sales, leading to potentially unbudgeted fees.

Java remains deeply embedded in thousands of applications, on both desktops and servers, making it challenging to track. Without proactive management, even a single unlicensed Java installation can expose an organization to enterprise-wide licensing fees under Oracle’s 2023 rules.

In short, Java licensing compliance in 2025 poses significant financial and operational risks – ITAM professionals must treat Oracle Java as a top-tier compliance focus, on par with databases or ERP software.

An effective Java compliance strategy will mitigate audit exposure, optimize costs (for example, by migrating to viable alternative Java distributions in many cases), and ensure business continuity for Java-dependent applications.

This advisory document outlines the key trends, insights, and actions SAM/ITAM leads should consider to effectively manage Java usage and Oracle audit risk.

Read Oracle Java Licensing Changes 2025: Top 20 Insights and Strategies.

Background and Trends

A timeline of Java Licensing Changes (2010–2025) highlights Oracle’s major policy shifts: Oracle’s acquisition of Sun (2010), the end of free commercial use of Oracle Java (2019), a temporary reintroduction of a free Oracle JDK license for the latest release (2021), and the move to a universal subscription model (2023–2024).

These milestones illustrate the increasingly restrictive and commercialized licensing landscape for Java SE.

Oracle’s approach to Java licensing has undergone multiple transformations since 2019, fundamentally altering how organizations manage Java usage.

Key developments include:

• 2019 – End of “Free Java” for Commercial Use: Oracle Java SE 8, long the workhorse runtime for many enterprise applications, stopped receiving free public updates for business users after January 2019. At the same time, Oracle introduced an Oracle Technology Network (OTN) License for Java, which allowed free Java usage only for personal, development, or test purposes, explicitly forbidding production use without a paid license. This marked the end of Java as a no-cost component for commercial operations; companies continuing to run Oracle JDK 8 (or later versions) in production after 2019 needed to purchase a subscription or risk non-compliance. Many organizations were surprised, as Java was historically free to use under Sun Microsystems and early Oracle stewardship. Oracle also began ramping up Java compliance enforcement around 2019–2020, initiating audits to identify businesses still using Oracle Java without subscriptions.
• Subscription Model Introduction: Oracle launched the Java SE Subscription in 2018–2019 to provide a legal way forward for continued Java use. This was a paid subscription service for Java updates and support. Under the original subscription model, pricing was based on traditional Oracle metrics: Named User Plus (NUP) licenses for desktops or user-based scenarios, and Processor licenses for servers and heavier workloads. For example, companies could license Java on a per-user basis (with a rule often requiring a minimum number of NUP licenses per processor in server environments, typically 25 NUP per CPU core) or per-processor (counting physical cores with Oracle’s core factor applied). While this model introduced licensing costs, it at least aligned with familiar Oracle licensing practices and allowed organizations to license only the parts of their environment using Java. However, it also introduced complexity – e.g., tracking exact user counts for NUP, or dealing with virtualization rules for processor counts.
• 2021 – Temporary No-Fee License: In a surprising turn, Oracle announced a new No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license with the release of Java 17 (an LTS version in September 2021). Under the NFTC, Oracle made its JDK 17 temporarily free for all users, including commercial, but only until the next Long-Term Support (LTS) release. This meant organizations could use Oracle JDK 17 in production without an immediate subscription, as a way to encourage Java upgrades. However, this was a reprieve: the NFTC license stipulates that once a newer LTS (Java 21, released in 2023) became available, continued use of the older LTS (Java 17) for production updates would require a paid subscription. In essence, Oracle introduced a rolling grace period for the latest Java version, but maintained a paid model for older versions and long-term support. This move created some confusion – for a time, “Oracle JDK is free again” headlines appeared – but organizations had to be cautious: adopting Oracle JDK 17 under NFTC was only a short-term free pass, not a return to unlimited free commercial use.
• 2023 – Shift to Universal Subscription (Employee-based Licensing): In January 2023, Oracle changed its Java SE licensing model again. It discontinued sales of the old Java SE Subscription (NUP/Processor metrics) and rolled out the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription, which uses an Employee-based licensing metric. Under this model, pricing is calculated based on the total number of employees in the organization (including full-time, part-time, contractors, and outsourcers who use or benefit from Java). Every person in the company counts toward the license, regardless of how many use Oracle Java. This effectively acts as an enterprise-wide site license – for example, a company with 500 employees would need to license all 500 at a list price of ~$15 per employee per month (with volume discounts at higher tiers). The Universal Subscription grants rights to use Oracle Java on unlimited devices and servers, including all versions and updates, as long as your employee count is licensed. Oracle aimed to simplify licensing administration and maximize revenue, but this change greatly increased costs for many companies. Organizations that only had Java on a few servers or suddenly used by a subset of users were expected to pay for every employee. The new model has been met with significant concern and pushback in the ITAM community, with many organizations re-evaluating their Java strategy. (Notably, Oracle set an upper limit of 50,000 processors under a single universal subscription – extremely high usage beyond that requires special negotiation – but few companies reach that threshold.)
• Continued Evolution and Updates: Oracle’s Java roadmap continues to evolve with new releases (Java 21 was released as an LTS in 2023, Java 23 and beyond in the pipeline). The company has made it clear that subscription-based monetization is here to stay. Older license agreements like the Binary Code License (BCL, which allowed free commercial use in the past) or the OTN and NFTC free-use licenses are still applicable in specific scenarios (for example, you can still use older Java versions under those original terms if you meet their conditions). Still, Oracle is steering all customers toward the Universal Subscription for ongoing usage. Additionally, Oracle has been actively reaching out to organizations (sometimes with unsolicited notices or “compliance check” offers) to ensure they are aware of the new model – a prelude, many suspect, to more formal audit actions. The industry trend is unmistakable: Oracle Java is now a heavily monetized product, and organizations must either pay the subscription, tightly control and justify any remaining free use cases, or migrate to non-Oracle Java alternatives to avoid risk.

These changes have led to a broader market response. According to industry surveys, most enterprises are now considering migrating to alternative Java distributions (88% of companies in one 2025 survey reported evaluating non-Oracle Java options) primarily due to cost and compliance concerns.

Open-source builds like Azul Zulu, Amazon Corretto, and Eclipse Temurin have gained popularity as drop-in replacements, offering similar functionality without Oracle’s fees. Still, switching Java vendors can require testing and effort, and many legacy systems rely on Oracle’s JDK.

In the meantime, Oracle’s licensing shifts have elevated Java to a top compliance focus for IT asset managers. The following sections provide deeper insights into discovery, licensing rules, audit risks, and practical steps to ensure your organization stays compliant and prepared for a potential Oracle Java audit.

Read 20 Critical Procurement Insights for Oracle Java SE Licensing and Renewals.

20 Critical Java Compliance Insights

SAM/ITAM leads should understand key facts and lessons learned from recent years to effectively manage Java usage and Oracle audit risk.

Below are 20 critical insights across discovery, licensing metrics, usage classification, and audit exposure:

1. Java is Often Ubiquitous and Hidden: Java may be installed on far more machines than initially believed. It’s not just on application servers – many end-user desktops, developer workstations, and third-party applications include Java components. A thorough discovery must go beyond standard software inventories. Relying only on Add/Remove Programs or package managers can miss “stealth” installations (e.g., a private JRE bundled with an app, or an old Java runtime copied into a folder). Effective Java discovery often requires scanning file systems for java executables or known Java home directory patterns (/usr/java, Program Files\Java, etc.) across all endpoints.
2. Comprehensive Discovery Requires Multiple Methods: Use a combination of tools and techniques to detect Java installations. For instance, query the Registry for keys under HKLM\Software\JavaSoft which installed JRE/JDK versions are listed on Windows. Use scripts (PowerShell or Bash) to search common install locations and non-standard paths. Leverage software inventory tools (SCCM, Tanium, etc.) to sweep for java.exe or libjvm.so files. Java can be deployed without an installer (just by unzipping), so a binary file scan is often necessary. Many organizations have been surprised to find legacy Java versions lingering in obscure directories, all of which count as installed Oracle software in an audit.
3. Differentiate Oracle vs. Non-Oracle Java: Not all Java installations create an Oracle license obligation. Oracle’s audit tools will check if a Java binary is an Oracle build. For example, running java -version on a system will indicate the vendor (e.g. “Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.x.x_xx Oracle)” vs. an open-source vendor name). It is crucial to inventory which Java installations are Oracle distributions versus open-source or third-party builds. Only Oracle-branded JDK/JRE installations (or those derived from Oracle code after free-use terms expired) require Oracle licensing. Suppose an installation is AdoptOpenJDK, Amazon Corretto, Azul Zulu, Eclipse Temurin, IBM Semeru, or other non-Oracle builds. In that case, they do not count toward Oracle license compliance (though they should be managed for security updates). A valuable insight is that many environments can eliminate Oracle licensing liability simply by standardizing on a non-Oracle JDK for most use cases. Still, you must first identify all instances and their origins.
4. Oracle Java Licensing Metrics – Legacy vs Current: Before 2023, Oracle Java SE subscriptions were sold under two metrics: Named User Plus (NUP) and Processor. A Named User Plus license covered one human user (or one device) running Java, often used for desktop or small-scale server scenarios. Oracle requires counting all individuals who use or have access to the Java-installed system, with a customary minimum of 25 Named Users per processor core if used on a server. On the other hand, processor licensing allowed unlimited users on a given server; you licensed based on the number of physical processor cores (adjusted by Oracle’s core factor table for different CPU types). The Processor metric was typically used for servers or where user count was impractical to track (e.g., public-facing applications). These legacy metrics had pros and cons – NUP could be cost-efficient for a small, controlled user base, whereas Processor made sense for heavy multi-user systems – but they required careful calculation and maintenance of entitlements. With the January 2023 changes, Oracle replaced both metrics for new subscriptions, moving to the Universal Subscription (Employee-based) model. Under this model, every employee and contractor in the organization must be licensed if any Oracle Java is used commercially, regardless of the actual Java user count. This “site license” approach simplifies counting (just total headcount) but can drastically increase cost for organizations with limited Java usage. ITAM professionals should recognize which metric applies in their context. If you still have an active legacy Java subscription contract (NUP/Processor), its terms remain in force until renewal, whereas any new purchase will be under the employee metric. Managing Java compliance now may involve a mix of old and new metrics during a transition period.
5. Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Use – Know the Distinction: Oracle’s license agreements distinguish between allowed “free” and commercial usage. Under the OTN license (applicable to Oracle JDK 8 updates post-2019 and JDK 11) and the NFTC (for JDK 17 during its no-fee window), the only permitted uses of Oracle Java without a subscription are for personal use, development, testing, prototyping, and demonstration. The moment Java is used for internal business operations (e.g., running any production application that employees or customers rely on) or embedded in a product for commercial distribution, that use becomes commercial and requires a license. Many organizations have misunderstood this, thinking non-production environments might be free, but even non-production servers often fall under “internal business operations” if they support the business. The safe interpretation is: if an Oracle JDK is on a server or client that is part of your business processes (production, QA, or staging), you likely need a subscription, unless it’s strictly a developer’s personal sandbox or test lab not serving the company’s end-users. SAM teams must classify each identified Java installation into allowed use (dev/test/personal) or commercial use. Only the former can safely remain on Oracle JDK without subscription, and even then, those uses should be carefully controlled and isolated to prevent accidental drift into production.
6. Embedded Java in Third-Party Applications: A common source of compliance exposure is embedded Java runtime instances. Many enterprise software packages and hardware appliances come with an embedded Oracle Java Runtime Environment to run the product (for example, older versions of Cisco or VMware management tools, or business applications built on Java). Sometimes, the third-party vendor has an OEM agreement with Oracle that covers the Java usage on your behalf. Still, in other cases, the vendor simply directs customers to install Java separately. If a Java runtime is packaged with a product you use, do not assume it’s licensed – check the product documentation or with the vendor. Oracle does offer restricted-use licenses to certain partners: for instance, Oracle WebLogic Server and Oracle’s enterprise products historically included a restricted-use Java SE license, meaning if you use Java only to run that Oracle product, you don’t need a separate Java subscription. However, Java must not be used for anything else on the server. Outside of Oracle’s ecosystem, many vendors have not formalized Java licensing. SAM managers should inventory applications that rely on Java and ask: “How is Java provided and licensed for this app?” If the answer is “the customer must install Oracle Java,” that usage is on your shoulders to license. If the software ships with Java included, seek written confirmation that the vendor’s license covers it; otherwise, you may still be on the hook. Insight: Embedded Java can create “hidden” installations that are easily overlooked and, if unlicensed, can be a landmine in an audit.
7. Disaster Recovery (DR) Environments Count Too: Licensing Java in disaster recovery setups is an often overlooked aspect. Oracle’s standard policy for software (as seen with databases, etc.) is that any installed instance, even if idle, may require licensing unless it’s a truly cold standby that is never running except during a disaster. There is typically a 10-day rule in Oracle’s policies allowing a failover server to run for up to a cumulative 10 days per year without requiring a license, for certain products. It’s wise to assume similar treatment for Java. If you have Oracle Java installed on a DR server or backup data center that can be brought online during failover, that installation could be considered licensable if it’s active beyond transient use. Many companies forget to license their DR servers for Java, figuring “it’s not in production use normally.” However, Oracle might inquire about DR and backup systems in an audit. The safe approach is to exclude Java from cold standby systems (only install it if a disaster happens), use open-source Java on those systems, or ensure your license scope includes those environments. Always document which systems are DR-only and have clear procedures to prove they were inactive; if you plan not to license them, be prepared for Oracle to challenge that. In licensing compliance, an installed, configured Oracle JDK is a liability unless explicitly allowed under a policy.
8. Desktop Java – High Volume, Often Low Usage: Desktop environments pose a unique challenge. Java was once common on end-user PCs (for running applets, internal apps, or client software). Today, usage is less widespread than before (Java applets in browsers are obsolete), but in large organizations, you may still find hundreds or thousands of PCs with Java installed. Each unmanaged installation is a potential compliance issue. Historically, desktops could be licensed via NUP (per user), which was relatively low cost; under the new model, however, a single Oracle Java on one desktop technically triggers the need to license the entire employee count. The risk on desktops is that Oracle auditors will find numerous outdated JREs on users’ machines that serve no critical purpose, yet each counts as unlicensed use. The insight here is twofold: a) It’s crucial to purge or replace Java on desktops wherever possible (many use cases can be met with free OpenJDK builds if Java is still needed for an app), and b) if Java is truly required on many desktops (for, say, an internal application), the organization must factor those into the license demand. Some companies ban Oracle Java on endpoints to avoid this risk, using software restriction policies to stop users from installing it. The compliance risk per desktop might seem small individually, but collectively, it can be large, and desktops are the easiest area to accidentally fall out of compliance due to sheer numbers.
9. Server Java – Fewer Installations, Higher Stakes: Servers running Oracle Java (e.g., application servers, web servers, batch processing nodes) typically present a higher risk per installation because they often support critical business functions. First and foremost, these installations are likely to be in scope in an Oracle audit. In the pre-2023 model, each server needed either a processor license (which could be expensive on a multi-core server) or sufficient NUP licenses. Under the current model, they are covered if your enterprise subscription is in place (all employees licensed). Still, if you haven’t subscribed, any one production server with Oracle Java could trigger a large license requirement. Moreover, organizations cannot easily remove Java from servers without affecting applications – unlike a desktop, you can’t simply uninstall it if an application relies on it. Thus, the strategy for servers often is to identify all Java-dependent servers, document what applications run on them, and ensure a plan to license or migrate them. The compliance exposure from one unlicensed Java on a server can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars (consider an 8-core server, which would have been 8×$300/year = $2400/year under old model, or now if no license, Oracle might demand an enterprise subscription purchase which could be far greater). Also, server environments often run older Java versions that administrators haven’t updated (for fear of breaking application compatibility). If those servers have applied Oracle security patches post-2019 without a license, it’s a clear violation that auditors will flag. The lesson: treat every Oracle Java on a server as a serious liability unless it’s properly licensed or slated for removal/replacement.
10. Virtualization and Java (e.g. VMware) – Beware Oracle’s Policies: Oracle is well-known for its stringent stance on virtualization with its software (famously, requiring Oracle Database licenses for all hosts in a VMware cluster if even one VM in the cluster runs Oracle DB, due to not recognizing VMware’s soft partitioning as a means to limit licensing). Similar principles can apply to Java licensing. Suppose you run Oracle Java on a virtual machine. In that case, Oracle’s viewpoint is that unless the VM’s host is hard-partitioned or pinned in a way that complies with Oracle’s partitioning policy, you may need to license every physical host that the VM could potentially run on. This could vastly expand the scope of licensing. For example, imagine you have a VMware cluster of 20 hosts and spin up a VM on one host to run a Java-based app with Oracle JDK. If that VM could vMotion to any of the other 19 hosts, Oracle could argue all 20 hosts (and all their cores) needed to be licensed (under the older model, that’d be processor licenses for all hosts; under the new model, it would push you to an enterprise-wide employee subscription anyway). In practice, Oracle audits for Java have historically been less aggressive and less frequent than for databases. Still, Oracle’s auditors can apply the same logic with Java now a paid product. The insight is to contain and document your Java deployments in virtual environments. If possible, restrict Oracle Java workloads to specific, known hosts or clusters (and disable live migration to unlicensed hosts) – or better yet, use non-Oracle Java in those environments. Some organizations create dedicated “Java clusters” to limit exposure. Without such measures, a seemingly small Java VM could be interpreted to cover an entire data center’s infrastructure in an audit.
11. Cloud Deployments Need Licensing Attention: Just because your workloads run in the public cloud (AWS, Azure, etc.) does not exempt you from Oracle Java licensing. Launching an EC2 instance on AWS with Oracle JDK installed is treated like any on-prem server from a licensing perspective. Oracle’s cloud licensing policy for Java (under legacy metrics) counted cloud vCPUs as equivalent cores. Under the new model, it doesn’t matter where it runs – it counts as usage within your organization. One subtle risk with cloud is developer self-service: cloud instances or containers can be spun up outside central IT’s visibility, potentially with Oracle Java installed (for example, a developer uses an Oracle JDK base Docker image). These shadow IT installations can later become production without proper licensing. It’s important to extend your discovery processes to cloud environments: use cloud asset management tooling or scripts to scan VM images, container registries, and running instances for Oracle Java. Additionally, note that Oracle has made its Java available through the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) platform; running Java in OCI might have different entitlements if you purchase through Oracle cloud contracts, but generally, it’s still a subscription. The bottom line is to treat cloud instances just like physical or VM servers for Java compliance, inventory them, and ensure no Oracle Java is used without proper coverage.
12. Oracle’s Audit Approach for Java: Oracle License Management Services (LMS), now often called Oracle Global License Advisory Services (GLAS), has developed specific audit procedures for Java SE. Unlike some other software audits that rely on your data, Oracle tends to provide audit scripts for Java when an official review occurs. These scripts are designed to be run on your systems to automatically discover all Oracle Java installations. They will search known installation directories, check OS package listings, and scan the disk for Java binaries. A key function of the scripts is to run the java -version command on each discovered Java executable – this captures the exact version number and the vendor (Oracle vs others). The scripts also gather metadata such as the update level (to see if you’ve applied patches released after public free updates ended) and whether any commercial features were enabled. In Java 8, for example, Oracle had features like Java Flight Recorder and Mission Control that required a commercial license – the audit script can detect if those were ever used. All this data is compiled into an audit report (often a CSV or XLSX), which Oracle will analyze. Oracle auditors look for discrepancies, such as an environment that shows Oracle JDK 8 Update 261 installed (which would indicate use of updates beyond 8u202 without a license), or Oracle JDK 11 in production (which would violate the OTN terms). They also look at counts – how many installations are needed and on what hardware (the script may capture hostnames and CPU info). The insight here: Oracle’s audit data collection is thorough and largely automated. If you prepare internally, you can run similar scans to know exactly what Oracle will find. There should be no false sense of security that Oracle might “miss” something obvious – assume they will find all Oracle JDK instances in your estate during an audit.
13. Audit Scope and Historical Use: Oracle Java audits may assess your current usage and potentially your historical usage since the 2019 licensing changes. Oracle could ask when certain Java installations were first deployed or last used. If, for instance, you only bought a Java subscription in 2022 but had Oracle Java running in 2020-2021 without one, Oracle might identify that gap and pursue backdated license fees or require a penalty true-up. It’s somewhat tricky for them to enforce retroactively if no contract exists. Still, from a compliance standpoint, companies have faced “back-support” fees in database audit resolutions, and could similarly for Java. Key lesson: It’s best to address any past usage issues voluntarily (e.g,. purchase covering subscriptions or document removal of old installations) rather than leaving a non-compliance trail. Oracle’s audit questionnaires often ask, “When was Java first deployed here?” or “Have you used Java continuously since X date?” Honesty is required, but be prepared with a narrative. If you were non-compliant in the past but have since remediated, demonstrate that, possibly with the help of advisors, to negotiate any penalties.
14. Security vs. Compliance Catch-22: Java is a technology where security and licensing can conflict. Oracle releases regular critical security updates (CPU patches) for Java. Post-2019, only paying customers get those updates for older versions. This means organizations stuck on an older Java version faced a dilemma: apply the security patches to protect the system (but violate licensing if they have no subscription), or don’t apply patches and remain compliant but exposed to vulnerabilities. Some took the risk of patching without a license for safety, which is understandable, but still non-compliant. Oracle auditors will check the version numbers; if they see you applied, say, Java 8 Update 281 (released in 2021), they know you used Oracle intellectual property without a license during that time. This insight emphasizes the importance of getting legal access to patches (by subscribing or using a third-party supported OpenJDK distribution) or migrating to a free distribution offering security updates. Do not assume “security reasons” will excuse unlicensed usage in an audit – Oracle’s stance is that you should have paid for the right to those fixes. ITAM teams should work closely with security teams to ensure compliance isn’t sacrificed for patching: for example, plan migrations to free LTS alternatives or arrange short-term subscriptions during transitions so that staying secure doesn’t put you out of compliance.
15. Java Usage Tracking and Metering: Unlike some software, Java itself doesn’t have a license key or activation – it’s freely installable, which is partly why it proliferated. This puts the onus on organizations to track usage by policy and process rather than technical enforcement. Modern SAM tools can help by metering Java usage: e.g., measuring how often the Java executable is launched on a machine. This can be useful in cleanup efforts – you might find that out of 1,000 installed instances, only 100 are actively used. Those other 900 could potentially be removed to reduce risk. Also, understanding usage frequency can guide whether an instance is truly needed or could be replaced with an alternative. Oracle’s audit won’t necessarily measure runtime usage (they care about installations regardless), but during internal preparations, ITAM can use usage data to focus remediation on the most critical instances first. Insight: Inventory is the first step, but usage analysis is the second – it helps prioritize and may bolster your position in audit negotiations (for instance, demonstrating that certain installations were unused and removed might help reduce assessed license needs).
16. Continuous Compliance Monitoring: Given how easy it is for Oracle Java to re-enter an environment (e.g., a developer downloads an Oracle JDK for a quick test, or an admin installs it to troubleshoot something), organizations need continuous monitoring and governance. Consider implementing controls such as application allow/block lists to prevent unauthorized installation of Oracle Java on endpoints. Network security teams can also block downloads from Oracle’s Java download sites to avoid casual installation (some companies do this and only allow approved open-source JDK downloads internally). Regular scans (monthly or quarterly) should be scheduled to detect any new Java installations. Think of Java like you would think of unauthorized cloud usage, which needs a guardrail. By 2025, many organizations will have formalized Java management programs within ITAM, treating it as a recurring task rather than a one-time true-up project. A key lesson is that maintaining compliance is an ongoing effort, not a one-off inventory snapshot.
17. License Entitlements and Contractual Clarity: Ensure copies of all relevant Oracle agreements and documents that might grant Java usage rights. For example, if your organization has Oracle middleware (WebLogic, Oracle Forms, etc.) or Oracle Applications, check those licenses – some include a restricted-use Java SE license (allowing Java only to run that product). If such terms exist, you want to be able to show an auditor “This Java instance is covered under our WebLogic license per clause X.” Additionally, if you previously bought an Oracle Java SE Subscription (legacy model) that is still active, keep that contract handy and understand its metrics and expiration. Oracle’s January 2023 FAQ indicated existing subscribers could renew under existing terms (though field reports suggest Oracle sales pushes everyone to the new model). Know your renewal dates – if a legacy Java subscription ends in 2025, Oracle might try to move you to employee-based pricing at renewal; you may want to negotiate an extension or alternative. Insight: Documentation of your entitlements and clear definitions of usage rights is vital to compliance. Don’t rely on assumptions – verify everything in writing, and keep a paper trail of any Oracle communications about Java.
18. Cost Implications – Budgeting for Java: Many ITAM leads have had to educate their finance and procurement teams about the newfound cost of Java. While historically Java never appeared in IT budgets, now it very much does. Forecasting and budgeting for Java licensing is important if you plan to stay with Oracle’s distribution. The employee-based model can be very costly for large organizations – for instance, a company with 10,000 employees at $15 per employee per month is $1.8M per year list price. Even with discounting, this is a significant expense for something that used to be free. Alternative strategies (like adopting open-source Java and only licensing a few machines if necessary) can yield major cost savings but need management buy-in and upfront investment in testing and migration. A critical lesson from those who have gone through it: treat Java like a major software contract, not a trivial line item. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of staying on Oracle versus migrating. And suppose you must license, engage in negotiation with Oracle. In that case, they sometimes offer custom terms (for example, smaller subsets or Java ULAs for specific use) if pressed, especially if they sense you might switch to a competitor’s JDK. Ignoring Java licensing until an audit forces the issue can lead to unplanned, possibly exorbitant payouts.
19. Industry Practices and Peer Experiences: By 2025, a wealth of knowledge will have emerged from early adopters of Java compliance. Many organizations have publicly shared (via conferences, forums, or case studies) how they handled Oracle Java audits or migration projects. One common theme is the benefit of outside expertise: engaging independent licensing consultants (such as Redress Compliance, etc.) early can drastically change the outcome. They bring insights from dozens of Java audits, like knowing Oracle’s typical audit playbook, or where Oracle might be flexible. Another insight is that auditors may initially calculate a very high compliance gap (sometimes tens of millions of dollars), using worst-case assumptions. Still, there is often room to negotiate that down by removing installations, demonstrating alternative JDK usage, or leveraging other Oracle relationships. Do not accept an audit finding at face value – always review and counter with facts. Additionally, peers have found that Oracle’s Java support quality and value are not always commensurate with its price, which further justifies exploring third-party support or open-source alternatives.
20. Alternatives Are Viable and Gaining Ground: A final critical insight is that organizations are not locked into Oracle’s Java if the costs or compliance burden are too high. Mature, fully-compatible alternatives exist (OpenJDK is the reference implementation of Java and is essentially the same code base Oracle builds upon). Companies like Azul, IBM, Red Hat, Amazon, and the Eclipse Foundation provide JDK distributions that pass the Java TCK (Technology Compatibility Kit) and can be used as drop-in replacements for Oracle Java in almost all scenarios. Many large enterprises have transitioned significant workloads to these alternatives, reducing or eliminating Oracle Java usage. This saves on license costs and insulates from Oracle’s audit risk. However, switching does require planning: testing applications with the new JDK, arranging a support contract if enterprise support is needed (which is still typically far cheaper than Oracle’s), and operationalizing the distribution of patches from the new vendor. The momentum in 2025 is clearly toward these alternatives – numerous surveys show cost as the top reason (e.g. over 40% cite it) followed by freedom from Oracle’s tactics – indicating that the industry is adapting. The key lesson: Oracle Java is no longer irreplaceable. Organizations have choices; leveraging those choices is now a standard part of Java license management strategy.

Compliance Risk Breakdown

Desktop vs. Server Environments:

The risk profile of Oracle Java differs between desktop and server deployments. Desktop deployments typically involve a large number of installations with relatively low individual impact.

For instance, an organization might often find Java on hundreds of PCs to support an old internal application or user-installed tools. Each PC historically would have required an NUP license if it were in use, but under the new model, they collectively fall under the employee-count license.

The compliance risk on desktops is that they are dispersed and can be easily overlooked – an audit can surface installations that IT wasn’t even aware of (e.g., an engineer who installed Oracle JDK for testing and never removed it). Moreover, the business value of Java on desktops is sometimes low (some users might not even need it), so paying Oracle’s fees for those can feel especially wasteful.

On the positive side, desktops are usually easier to bring into compliance by removing or replacing Java. In 2025, many organizations will choose to eliminate Oracle Java from workstations entirely via automated uninstallation and policy controls, and if Java is needed, deploy an open-source JRE instead.

Regarding audit risk, desktops are often a volume issue—Oracle might say, “You have X number of unlicensed Java installations on employee devices,” which under employee licensing translates to needing to cover all those users.

The financial exposure scales with company size since Oracle’s remedy is an enterprise subscription. ITAM teams should proactively mitigate this by sweeping and standardizing the desktop environment.

Servers present a more concentrated but higher-stakes risk. A single server running an unlicensed Oracle Java can entail significant liability because servers are usually where production, revenue-impacting applications run.

Oracle auditors will focus heavily on servers, especially those that are publicly accessible or critical, knowing that the company cannot simply remove Java from those without impacting operations.

Under the older model, an unlicensed server would require purchasing a number of processor licenses (depending on core count) or licensing a number of users.

Under the 2023 model, even one server workload effectively forces the enterprise license (unless Oracle were to exceptionally allow licensing a subset, which is not the standard offering).

Therefore, the presence of Oracle Java on servers often drives the decision on whether to invest in Oracle’s subscription or migrate off, because it’s usually non-negotiable to keep those servers running securely.

Additionally, servers often run multiple Java applications, possibly with different Java versions, complicating the license picture (e.g., you might have some Java 8 and some Java 11 on the same server for different apps – both are subject to licensing).

Regarding risk management, servers with Oracle Java should be inventoried first, and each should be assessed: Can this be moved to OpenJDK? If not, what license covers it?

Unlike desktops, where the goal can be zero Oracle Java, on servers, you may pragmatically decide to keep Oracle Java for certain applications (perhaps due to vendor support requirements or technical compatibility) and thus choose to license those properly.

This might mean carving out a subset of infrastructure to license via an Oracle Java subscription (if Oracle allows partial licensing by agreement) or, more commonly now, motivating a switch of the application to a different Java distribution.

The compliance risk per server is also influenced by hardware factors – e.g. if a powerful 32-core server is running Oracle Java, previously that alone would demand 32 processor licenses (which is huge cost), whereas a tiny 2-core VM might require far less.

The new model abstracts that into employee counts, but understanding your “big hitters” (the servers that would have cost the most under Oracle’s core-based model) helps you target which ones to eliminate or replace first to reduce risk.

Java in Virtualized Environments (VMware, etc.):

As mentioned in the insights, virtualization introduces a multiplier effect to compliance risk. Oracle’s stance is that software deployed in a virtual environment can effectively “spread” to any host in that environment. For ITAM leads, if your Java deployments are not physically isolated, an auditor could assume that your entire virtual cluster needs to be licensed.

From a practical perspective, while Oracle Java itself is not node-locked and can technically move with VMs, you can mitigate risk by establishing clear deployment boundaries. Many organizations respond by dedicating certain clusters for any Oracle-licensed software (including Java) and not running those workloads on other clusters.

For example, you might have a small VMware cluster (or even a single physical host) specifically for an older application that requires Oracle Java, and document that it cannot vMotion elsewhere, thereby limiting the scope of necessary licensing. If an Oracle audit occurs, you must show evidence of this containment (architectural diagrams, VMware settings, etc.).

On the other hand, if Oracle Java is scattered across a large virtual environment without controls, the worst-case compliance exposure is substantial: Oracle could calculate license needs as if every host is running Java.

Under the old model, that could mean dozens of processor licenses; under the new model, Oracle’s answer is straightforward: “You should have the universal subscription covering all employees,” since theoretically Java could be anywhere.

Cloud virtualization (like using VMware on AWS or Azure’s similar services) would be treated similarly. The advice is to treat Oracle Java like Oracle Database for virtualization – tightly control where it can run. The audit risk is significantly reduced if you demonstrate that only specific, known servers or clusters run Oracle Java.

Cloud and Container Environments:

While virtualization and cloud overlap, consider containerized Java applications as well. If you use Docker or Kubernetes, Java might be baked into container images. An Oracle audit will want to know about those uses, too. If you’re shipping containers with Oracle JDK inside, that is essentially the same as distributing Oracle Java and would require proper licensing (possibly a distribution agreement).

Internally, if developers use Oracle-based container images, you again have the compliance issue on the nodes where those containers run. The dynamic nature of containers (they can spin up and down on demand across many hosts) adds complexity, further reinforcing the need for a company-wide Java policy (e.g., mandate that all containers use an OpenJDK base image from a permitted source).

From a risk breakdown perspective, uncontrolled containerized Java is a blind spot that could lead to non-compliance if not addressed. Include container registries and orchestration platforms in your Java discovery scope as part of audit readiness.

Disaster Recovery (DR) and Backup Systems:

We touched on this in the insights, but to break it down: If you maintain a secondary site or backup systems that are essentially mirror images of production (and thus have Java installed to be ready in case of failover), you need to account for those.

Oracle’s licenses don’t automatically provide free usage on DR servers except under limited conditions. In many Oracle software contracts, a clause allows a passive failover node to run without a license for up to 10 days per year in an outage.

If your corporate policy aligns with that (and you can show DR servers were never active outside of actual DR tests or events), you might argue they don’t need separate licenses.

But remember, with the new Java license model, it’s all or nothing (all employees licensed covers all usage, including DR). In an audit under the new regime, Oracle likely wouldn’t even bother with the nuance – they would expect you to have the enterprise license covering those anyway. U

nder older agreements, you have a bit more to parse. It’s wise to have documentation of your DR design and any relevant license terms. As a safe practice, some firms uninstall or do not pre-install Oracle Java on DR VMs until they need to activate it, precisely to avoid this grey area.

If not handled, DR environments can double your installation count from an audit perspective (because auditors will count prod and the matching DR instance as two installations if both are installed). Always clarify with Oracle (or via your legal team) how DR is addressed if you’re negotiating a Java license contract – sometimes, specific allowances can be written in.

Embedded Java (OEM scenarios):

When Java is embedded in hardware devices (like certain network appliances, printers, etc.) or software products, the compliance breakdown depends on who is responsible for licensing. As the customer, if you have to install Oracle Java on that device, it’s your responsibility.

If the device vendor provides it, they should have an Oracle OEM license. A notable risk is that some vendors historically assumed Java was free and told customers to just use Oracle JRE. Post-2019, that advice became problematic. During an audit, Oracle may ask for a list of third-party software in your environment that requires Java.

They know, for example, which popular applications packaged Java without a proper license. While Oracle can’t audit those third parties through you, they can put you in an uncomfortable position by highlighting that usage as non-compliant unless you show it’s licensed or removed.

The takeaway is to treat embedded Java cases on a case-by-case basis and include them in your risk assessment. Sometimes, the resolution is to upgrade the third-party software to a version that uses OpenJDK or pressure the vendor to cover Java usage.

In summary, desktop vs server vs specialized environment compliance can be summarized as: desktops = broad and diffuse risk, manageable by removal; servers = concentrated risk that is critical to address either via licensing or migration; virtual/cloud = risk multiplier if not contained; DR/embedded = often forgotten risk that needs inclusion in planning.

A thorough breakdown of your environment along these lines helps prioritize remediation and communicate to stakeholders where the biggest vulnerabilities lie.

Technical Examples – Discovery and Inventory Techniques

Effectively managing Java compliance requires a robust discovery and inventory of all Java installations.

Below are examples of technical approaches and tools that SAM/ITAM teams use to track Java usage, along with insight into what Oracle’s auditors expect from these efforts:

• PowerShell Scripting (Windows environments): A script can be deployed across Windows endpoints to collect Java information. For example, using PowerShell, one can query the registry keys for Java (like HKLM:\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft\Java Runtime Environment) to list installed official JRE versions. Additionally, a PowerShell script can search common directories (C:\Program Files\Java\, C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\, etc.) for java.exe files and gather their version by invoking java.exe -version. This script-based approach is flexible – it can be scheduled via Group Policy or an endpoint management tool – and can uncover both formally installed JDKs and manually copied instances. The output might include machine name, path to Java, version, and vendor string, crucial data. PowerShell can also fetch file details (like the digital file signature) to help distinguish Oracle from others. This approach requires scripting expertise and maintenance, but is very useful for a one-time comprehensive sweep or ongoing monitoring in a Windows-heavy environment.
• Microsoft SCCM / Configuration Manager: SCCM (now part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager) is commonly used to inventory software on PCs and servers. Out of the box, SCCM can collect Add/Remove Programs entries, which will show “Java SE Runtime Environment” or “Oracle JDK” with version numbers if they were installed via an installer. However, many Java installations (especially server JDKs or portable runtime copies) might not appear in those lists. SCCM’s Compliance Settings and Configuration Items can be leveraged to perform custom detection. For instance, SCCM can execute a script or look for specific files that exist on clients. Many SAM teams import a Java detection script into SCCM to augment its inventory. SCCM can also be used for software metering – tracking execution of java.exe – which helps understand usage. Regarding audit preparation, SCCM is a credible source for enumerating installations. Still, you should know its limits (it might miss non-registered installations unless you extend it). Oracle LMS might accept SCCM reports as part of initial data, but typically, they prefer their scripts to be run for verification.
• Flexera FlexNet Manager Suite: Flexera is a dedicated SAM tool that maintains software recognition signatures. FlexNet Manager has specific recognition for Oracle Java versions and can identify installations across devices, provided the inventory agent is deployed. It can usually differentiate major versions and edition (JRE vs JDK) by file evidence. Flexera also can incorporate Oracle’s core factor for processor-based license calculations and can be configured with custom license metrics like Named User or even the new Employee metric for compliance simulations. One powerful feature is Flexera’s ability to track Java installation evidence even if the software isn’t “officially” installed – for example, if it finds java.exe in an unusual directory, it can flag it as Java. That said, SAM tools are only as good as their latest recognition library; given Oracle’s changes, organizations should ensure their SAM tool’s library is up-to-date with Java’s latest naming and versions. Flexera can produce a license position report for Java if entitlements are input (e.g., how many NUP or processor licenses you own), which helps in internal compliance checks. Oracle’s auditors might still insist on their own data gathering, but showing a robust internal SAM report demonstrates proactiveness and can sometimes guide the audit conversation.
• Tanium and Endpoint Query Tools: Tanium is an endpoint management and security tool known for its speed in querying large environments. With Tanium, you can ask questions like “Find all devices with a file named java.exe” or “What is the output of ‘java -version’ on all Windows servers?” and get answers back in near real-time from thousands of machines. This is extremely valuable for Java discovery because Tanium can quickly discover ephemeral or non-standard installations. Tanium can also be used to remediate (e.g., uninstall Java remotely or replace configurations). Similar tools include IBM BigFix or CrowdStrike’s Discover module, which can do enterprise-wide file and process scans. Using such a tool, you can effectively replicate what Oracle’s audit scripts do, on your terms. For example, Tanium could run a script across all Linux servers to check common directories and return a list of all java binaries found with their versions. This comprehensive search often reveals installations that other methods miss (like a forgotten Java in an app’s subfolder). For audit readiness, having this data gives you confidence that “there are no surprises left in the environment.”
• Oracle Java Management Service (JMS): Oracle offers a cloud-based tool called Java Management Service within the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. JMS can monitor Java usage across the enterprise by installing an agent or integrating with existing management tools. It inventories Java versions, distributions, and usage metrics. While JMS could be useful, many organizations hesitate to use an Oracle-provided tool for self-auditing, as it might send data to Oracle. However, if you have Oracle Cloud accounts or are already engaged with Oracle on Java, it’s worth knowing this exists. JMS is essentially Oracle’s encouraged way for customers to stay on top of Java installations (conveniently, it can highlight if Oracle builds need licenses, potentially feeding Oracle sales data). Use caution; some ITAM teams prefer independent tools to avoid directly sharing inventory with the vendor.
• Oracle LMS Audit Scripts (for Java): Oracle will likely require running their official discovery scripts in an actual audit. Technically, these scripts might be a subset of the standard LMS collection tool, focusing on Java. They often come as a ZIP file with shell scripts and executables that must be run with elevated privileges on representative systems or via a centralized execution. The script will look through filesystem paths (/usr/java, /opt, Program Files, etc.), check environment variables, run java -version on found binaries, and compile a report. Oracle’s auditors might provide separate Windows and Linux/Unix scripts or a unified script that detects the OS and proceeds accordingly. The output could be a set of XML/CSV files that list each detected Java instance with details. When these scripts are run, it’s important to monitor them – as a best practice, run them in a test environment first to see what they do. They should not change anything (read-only), but validating is wise. Also, ensure you capture the exact scripts and outputs that Oracle uses, and get a copy for your analysis. In negotiations, having the raw data allows you to verify Oracle’s claims. It’s also advisable to take the opportunity to pre-run Oracle’s scripts internally (perhaps with the help of a third-party consultant who has them) before providing any official results, so you can fix any glaring issues or at least be prepared for the findings.

What Oracle LMS Looks For:

In the discovery reports, Oracle is essentially gathering evidence of unlicensed use. They will pay attention to: (a) Version details – e.g., Java 8 update greater than 202 (indicative of needing a subscription), or Java 11/Java 17 usage beyond free allowances; (b) Count of installations – each one is a deployment that would require licensing; (c) Environment details – hostnames (to correlate if multiple instances are on one server), CPU info (to estimate processor license needs if old model applies), and possibly user counts for desktop installations (Oracle might ask how many users use a certain desktop or VDI with Java to enforce NUP minimums, though under employee metric this is moot); and (d) Commercial feature usage – if any flags indicate that features like Flight Recorder were enabled in Java 8/7, Oracle could assert those were separately licensable (though in practice, since you’d need a Java SE Advanced product for those, this is less common unless your firm specifically used those tools).

Oracle LMS also correlates this data with your contracts – if you claim to have had a Java subscription from 2019-2021, but their discovered data shows installations of Java on machines not covered, they will identify that gap.

They might also check if you’ve deployed Java on more servers than you purchased licenses for under legacy terms. The LMS report is the factual groundwork on which Oracle will base compliance discussions, so knowing its content is crucial.

By using the above tools and methods, ITAM teams can largely compile the same information before Oracle does, closing gaps and rectifying them.

For example, suppose internal discovery finds 100 Oracle JDK installations, and you remove 30 unnecessary ones when Oracle runs an audit.

In that case, those 30 won’t show up, directly reducing compliance exposure. Technical preparedness can therefore translate into financial risk mitigation.

Licensing Models Comparison

Java SE now has multiple licensing models to consider. Understanding their differences is key to optimizing your compliance strategy.

The table below compares the legacy Named User Plus and Processor models with the current Universal Subscription (per Employee) model:

Key Takeaway:

If you still have a choice (e.g., renewing a legacy agreement vs. moving to employee-based), carefully evaluate the trade-offs. NUP/Processor models align cost to actual deployment but involve heavier tracking and risk of under-counting.

The Employee model is straightforward, but could be overkill for limited usage scenarios. Many organizations find the employee metric unfavorable unless Java is ubiquitous in their IT landscape. However, Oracle’s direction is clearly toward the Universal Subscription; negotiating exceptions or partial coverage is increasingly difficult.

Some enterprises have responded by minimizing Oracle Java use to avoid the enterprise license altogether, using alternatives for most cases and perhaps maintaining a small number of legacy Oracle Java instances in isolated environments (with either older licenses or accepted risk).

The table above can also serve as a guide during internal discussions on how to license going forward – it’s important to model out the costs of each approach and consider current usage, future needs, and growth.

Top 10 Recommendations for Java License Management

For SAM and ITAM leaders facing Oracle Java compliance challenges in 2025, the following ten recommendations provide a roadmap to minimize risk and prepare for a potential audit.

These recommendations blend process, technical, and strategic actions:

1. Perform a Comprehensive Java Audit (Inventory) Now: Immediately initiate an internal audit of all Java installations in your environment. Use the discovery techniques outlined (file scans, registry checks, inventory tools) to build a complete inventory of Oracle Java instances on desktops, servers, VMs, cloud instances, and network devices. Document the version, vendor (Oracle or not), and installation location. This inventory forms the foundation of your compliance effort – you can’t manage what you don’t know about. Treat this as a project with executive visibility given the financial stakes. Tip: Include development and test environments in this scan, not just production, because non-production usage might require licensing if not carefully isolated.
2. Map and Classify Each Java Instance: For every Java installation found, determine its purpose and usage. Does it support a commercial application in production? Is it used only for a developer’s testing? Is it part of an Oracle product or a third-party product? Create a classification: e.g., Production (Commercial use), Non-Production/Dev, Personal Use, Embedded in Third-Party Product, Oracle Product Component, etc. This context will tell you which instances absolutely must be licensed or removed (anything in production or internal business use with Oracle Java), which might be covered by other licenses (embedded in Oracle products), and which might be permissible under free use terms (pure dev/test or personal sandbox usage – though ensure those aren’t accidentally serving production). Also identify version and patch levels – especially note any Java 8 installations with updates beyond 8u202, or any Oracle JDK 11/17 in use, as these are bright-line indicators of required subscription if in production. The outcome of this mapping should be a clear understanding of your compliance gap: e.g., “We have 50 servers and 200 desktops using Oracle Java in ways that require licensing, plus 30 dev-only uses that are okay under OTN, etc.”
3. Prioritize Remediation – Remove or Replace Unnecessary Java: Quick wins can dramatically reduce compliance exposure. Many Java installations on desktops or even some servers might be legacy or not actively used. Work with application owners to see if Java can be uninstalled from systems that don’t truly need it. Every removal is one less potential license needed. In parallel, evaluate switching those systems to a non-Oracle Java distribution for use cases that do need Java. For example, if an internal application runs on Oracle JDK 8, test it on OpenJDK 8 (from a provider like Eclipse Temurin or Amazon Corretto) to ensure it works. In most cases,
   it will, as these are binary compatible. Then, deploy the OpenJDK and remove Oracle’s version. By doing this systematically, organizations have eliminated the majority of Oracle Java installations. Focus first on low-hanging fruit: user workstations, standalone tools, or apps where you control the code (and thus can certify it on a new JDK). Keep track of every instance you eliminate or migrate – this improves compliance and can be shown to Oracle if an audit occurs (“We took remediation steps on these 100 instances, here’s proof they’re no longer Oracle Java”).
4. Establish Java Usage Policies and Governance: Implement strict governance around Java. Formally update IT policies to specify that Oracle Java may not be installed without approval from the SAM team. Provide guidelines for developers and IT staff on acceptable alternatives (for example, make company-standard OpenJDK packages readily available in your software portal or configuration management system). Set up monitoring triggers – for instance, if someone installs Oracle Java, your ITSM or monitoring system should flag it. Some organizations even block Oracle Java installer downloads at the firewall or proxy level to enforce the policy. Governance should also cover patch management: decide how you will keep Java updated. If using alternatives, ensure a process to regularly apply their updates (they often release on a similar cadence to Oracle’s CPU schedule). If you must use Oracle Java in some areas, ensure those systems are known and isolated so that exceptions are managed consciously. The goal is to prevent the sprawl from happening again after you’ve cleaned it up.
5. Consider a Segmented Licensing Approach (if needed): After reduction efforts, you might find a core set of systems or applications where Oracle’s Java is either necessary or highly preferred (perhaps due to vendor support requirements or specific features). For these, consider a targeted licensing approach. If you still have a legacy Java SE Subscription (NUP/Processor) that fits the scope, you could maintain that for those systems. You may have to evaluate the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription if not. It’s possible to negotiate with Oracle for a subset of employees (for example, only a division or only servers), but officially, the offering is all-or-nothing. Another approach is to negotiate a Java ULA (Unlimited License Agreement) for a period, which some companies have done to cover a transition period. A ULA could allow unlimited use of Java for, say, 1-2 years for a fixed price, during which time you complete migrating to alternatives – essentially a capped cost that avoids a huge one-time audit penalty. Work with procurement and perhaps external licensing experts to explore these options. The recommendation is not necessarily to immediately buy an Oracle subscription enterprise-wide (that could be overkill and expensive), but to strategically license only what you must, while aggressively shrinking that footprint. That said, if Oracle Java is mission-critical and widespread in your org, a fully licensed subscription might be the most straightforward path – just be sure to negotiate tiered pricing and multi-year terms favorably.
6. Document Everything and Build an Audit Defense File: Start compiling documentation relevant to Java compliance. This “audit defense file” should include: your internal inventory and classification results, records of removals/migrations (with dates and system names), copies of Oracle contracts or ordering documents showing any Java entitlements you have (including legacy ones, and any language about Java in your Oracle middleware licenses), and correspondence with Oracle (if any) about Java licensing. Also, document your Java usage policy and steps taken to enforce it (dates of policy rollout, communication to employees, etc.). The idea is to show that your organization has exercised due diligence. In an audit, providing Oracle a structured report of “here is exactly what we use and where, and here’s how it’s licensed or why it doesn’t require a license” can shape the narrative and possibly shorten the audit. It also puts you in a stronger position if Oracle’s data doesn’t match yours – you can discuss discrepancies based on knowledge. Internally, share this documentation with legal and management so they know the efforts and any residual risks. Early engagement of your legal department is wise – they should review any audit notice and be involved in communications with Oracle.
7. Align with Security and Operations Teams: Managing Java compliance isn’t just a licensing task – it intersects with security (due to patching needs) and operations (due to application dependencies). Bring these teams into the loop. Explain the licensing changes and how they impact decisions like applying Java updates or installing new software that includes Java. Work together to find solutions that satisfy both security and compliance. For instance, if an application needs a security fix only in a later Java update you’re not licensed for, perhaps migrating that app to an OpenJDK build that has that fix is a solution. Or consider third-party support for Java (companies like Azul offer extended support for old Java versions) as an alternative to Oracle support. By partnering with IT operations, you can also schedule maintenance to remove or replace Java with minimal disruption. In essence, treat the Java compliance project as a cross-functional initiative – avoiding the silo approach ensures that remediation steps (like uninstalling Java) don’t inadvertently break something critical because the ops team wasn’t consulted.
8. Plan for an Oracle Audit (Playbook): Even if you’re getting your house in order, assume that Oracle will come knocking sooner or later, given the industry trend. Develop an internal Java Audit Response Plan. This should outline how your team will respond to an audit notice – for example, who will liaise with Oracle, who will run the scripts, and how to handle communication. Identify an “Audit Response Leader” (often the SAM manager or ITAM lead) and an executive sponsor who will oversee the process (like a CIO or IT director, since audits can escalate). The plan should include a timeline of typical audit steps, so you can proactively gather data (which you will mostly have done by following prior recommendations) and control the narrative. One important recommendation is to not volunteer more information than required – answer Oracle’s questions truthfully but succinctly. If Oracle requests to run scripts, you can negotiate the scope (e.g., run on a sample of systems or under your supervision). Having a plan also reduces panic; it assures management that you’re prepared. If you’ve engaged an external licensing advisor, they should also be part of this plan, possibly handling a lot of the communications and analysis on your behalf.
9. Evaluate Java Support Alternatives and Cost Savings: As part of your long-term strategy, thoroughly evaluate whether you can eliminate Oracle Java. This involves looking at alternative JDK distributions and possibly support subscriptions from those providers. For example, Azul Systems offers Azul Platform Core (supported builds of OpenJDK with long-term support for older versions), Amazon Corretto is free and supported on AWS, Eclipse Temurin is community-driven (with potential vendor support from Adoptium working group members), Red Hat OpenJDK comes with RHEL subscriptions, etc. Evaluate each for compatibility with your applications (most are drop-in replacements, but do a risk assessment). Also compare costs: e.g., Azul’s enterprise support might cost a fraction of Oracle’s (typically per installation or per core, which could be more granular than Oracle’s per-employee fee). If you have many Java-based applications, you might have a mix, perhaps using one vendor’s JDK for certain apps and another for others, based on support needs. Standardize as much as possible to reduce complexity. The recommendation is to create a business case: what would it cost over 3-5 years to fully move off Oracle Java vs. to stay and pay Oracle? This helps in decision-making at the executive level. Many organizations find the alternative route more attractive financially and acceptable technically, but it requires up-front effort. If you decide to stay with Oracle for the foreseeable future (perhaps due to specific dependency or simply for convenience), ensure that’s a conscious, reviewed decision and revisit it periodically, since the landscape (and Oracle’s pricing) can change.
10. Engage Independent Licensing Advisors: Oracle licensing (particularly Java) is a nuanced and evolving field. Engaging an independent expert can be invaluable. Advisors such as Redress Compliance, Palisade Compliance, Miro Consulting, or others with Oracle license specialization have deep experience in Java audits and negotiations. They can objectively assess your compliance position before Oracle is involved. They also often know Oracle’s tactics and can help rebut excessive claims. If an audit letter arrives, having expert counsel can turn what might be a multimillion-dollar exposure on paper into a much smaller settlement or even a no-fee outcome if you’re prepared. These advisors can also assist with technical aspects like reviewing Oracle’s audit scripts’ results or crafting scripts to run internally. There is, of course, a cost to such services, but compared to Oracle’s potential compliance fees, it’s usually a very sound investment for risk mitigation. As a recommendation, consider scheduling a Java licensing workshop or audit simulation with an external expert in 2025, even if just to check your internal efforts. They might spot something you missed or provide tips (for example, known contractual loopholes or Oracle internal policies) that could save money. In any communication or negotiation with Oracle, having a seasoned advisor who guides your strategy helps. Oracle’s sales and LMS teams are practiced in these discussions; you should be too, or have someone on your side who is.

By following these recommendations, organizations can significantly reduce their Oracle Java compliance risks and avoid the worst-case scenarios of an audit.

The goal is to shift from reactive scramble (when Oracle announces an audit) to a proactive stance where you have data at your fingertips, a plan, and leverage to choose the most cost-effective way to handle Java in your IT estate.

Discovery Tools vs. Oracle Audit Expectations

Different tools offer varying levels of insight into Java deployments. The table below outlines how common discovery tools and methods stack up against Oracle’s audit expectations:

Notes: Besides the above, other tools like Snow License Manager, ServiceNow Discovery, IBM BigFix, BMC Helix, etc., can all be part of the Java discovery process. Each has similar strengths/limitations—the need to customize or extend them to catch all Java installations is a recurring theme.

No single tool in typical ITAM toolsets will automatically differentiate Oracle vs. non-Oracle Java with 100% certainty; it often requires analyzing the results (for example, an inventory tool might report “Java 1.8.0_281” on a machine, but you need to confirm if that’s Oracle’s build or AdoptOpenJDK’s build).

Consider cross-verifying with multiple methods—e.g., using SCCM data as a baseline and running a Tanium query as a safety net to catch anything SCCM missed.

From Oracle’s perspective, the audit expectation is to provide a complete list of every Java system, with details. They often supply a questionnaire asking about environments (number of desktops vs servers, any VMware use, etc.) and then use scripts for data gathering.

Ensuring your internal tools can produce a coherent report that matches what Oracle will find is critical to avoid surprises. It’s a good exercise to simulate an audit by formatting your internal discovery data like an Oracle audit report—list each installation: device name, Java version, Oracle vs. not, and usage type.

Then see if you could defend that list to an auditor. The tools above can collectively help you reach that point.

Read Oracle Java Licensing Costs: 20 Things Every CFO Needs to Know to Manage Exposure and Avoid Overspend.

Java Alternatives and Support Options

As organizations seek to reduce dependence on Oracle’s Java licensing, many are adopting alternative Java distributions.

Below is a comparison of some popular Oracle Java alternatives and their licensing/support models:

(Other notable mentions: Red Hat OpenJDK – included with Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscriptions, supported by Red Hat on RHEL systems; IBM Semeru – IBM’s distribution (with an option of OpenJ9 JVM), free to use with support available through IBM; Oracle OpenJDK – Oracle also provides its own OpenJDK builds for the latest releases under GPL license, free to use, but they only provide updates until the next release, not long-term.)

Observations:

All these alternatives are based on the same underlying OpenJDK project, meaning they are essentially functionally identical from an application’s perspective (Java is Java). The differences come in update timelines, support, and licensing terms.

A key difference is update longevity: Oracle’s model gives you patches for many years if you pay, whereas free distributions might stop updating a given LTS after 6 months (when the next version comes out) unless you pay a vendor like Red Hat or Azul, who continues to issue updates.

For instance, the community stopped updating Java 11 after a certain point when Java 17 emerged. Still, vendors like Azul and Red Hat continued releasing security patches for Java 11 for their customers.

So, if you go free, you need a strategy to regularly upgrade to newer Java versions, accept shorter support windows, or augment with vendor support.

Enterprise Strategy Tip:

Many companies adopt a hybrid approach – use a free JDK like Temurin or Corretto for most systems and purchase a small number of support subscriptions from a vendor like Azul for the critical ones, where you need longer support or direct assistance.

For example, 100 Azul support seats can be far cheaper than an Oracle Java site license for 10,000 employees. It’s about right-sizing the spend to the need.

In conclusion, viable alternatives to Oracle Java exist and are in production use at scale across the industry. The choice often comes down to balancing cost vs. risk:

Oracle’s offering is costly but low-risk in the sense of support and audit (you’re covered license-wise, and Oracle stands behind the product). At the same time, alternatives are low/no-cost but may introduce support considerations and reliance on timely updates from the community/vendor.

Given the steep financial implications of Oracle’s 2025 licensing, most ITAM advisors recommend at least piloting an alternative to reduce your exposure to Oracle. This path to technical independence and substantial cost savings should resonate strongly with leadership when presented with the data.

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