Comparing Oracle JDK and OpenJDK: Licensing and Usage
Comparing Oracle JDK and OpenJDK: Licensing and Usage
Executive Summary: Oracle JDK and OpenJDK offer the same core Java technology, but with very different licensing terms and cost implications.
Oracleโs recent licensing changes have transformed Java from a free development staple into a managed software asset with significant budget and compliance considerations. The Oracleย Java licensing overview provides context for why companies often consider switching to OpenJDK.
This advisory outlines the differences between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK in licensing and usage, illustrating whatโs at stake for enterprises and how IT, procurement, and finance leaders can navigate these choices effectively.
Java Licensing Becomes a Boardroom Issue
Insight: Since 2019, Oracleโs licensing shake-ups have turned Java into a significant line-item cost and risk factor. Once freely available for business, Oracle JDK now generally requires paid subscriptions. Step-by-step migration advice is provided inย “How to Migrate from Oracle Java to OpenJDK โ A Practical Guide.”
In 2023, Oracle transitioned to anย employee-based licensing model, requiring companies to license Java for every employee on payroll โ not just the servers or users running Java. This has dramatically increased costs and elevated Java from a developer afterthought to a C-level concern.
Example Scenario: A global manufacturer with 20,000 employees was accustomed to using Java at no cost. After Oracleโs 2023 switch to per-employee subscriptions, they faced an annual bill of over $1.5 million for Java licenses โ a shocking budget item for something previously free. In another case, a mid-sized firm running a handful of Java applications saw its projected Java costs jump more than tenfold under the new model. These unexpected โJava taxesโ blindsided CFOs who hadnโt planned for licensing a programming platform.
Practical Takeaway: Enterprise leaders can no longer ignore Oracle Java licensing. Treat Java like any major software asset โ get visibility into where itโs used and what your exposure is. The recent changes require CIOs and CFOs to closely govern Java usage and strategy. Proactive planning is essential: whether that means budgeting for Oracle JDK subscriptions or, as many are doing, shifting to OpenJDK to avoid unwelcome surprises in the IT budget.
Oracle JDK vs OpenJDK โ Same Technology, Different Terms
Insight: Oracle JDK and OpenJDK share the same source code and functionality โ since Java 11, Oracleโs commercial JDK is essentially a repackaged build of the OpenJDK project. The crucial differences lie not in technology but in licensing and usage terms. OpenJDK is the open-source reference implementation of Java, licensed under the GPL (with the Classpath Exception, which allows its use in proprietary applications). Oracle JDK is Oracleโs distribution of that code, released under proprietary terms that include costs and restrictions for commercial use. Basic licence concepts are laid out in Oracleย Java licensing explained.
Example Scenario: A bankโs development team tested their critical applications on both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK distributions. Performance and features were indistinguishable. Historically, Oracle JDK had a few proprietary add-ons (such as certain monitoring tools), but those have long been open-sourced or made available in OpenJDK equivalents. Today, whether an application runs on Oracle JDK or a reputable OpenJDK build (from providers such as Eclipse Temurin/Adoptium, Amazon Corretto, Azul Zulu, or Red Hat), its behavior and reliability are effectively the same.
Practical Takeaway: There is no technical barrier in choosing OpenJDK over Oracle JDK for the vast majority of use cases โ Java is Java. The real consideration is legal and financial. Running your workloads on Oracle JDK could trigger licensing fees, whereas OpenJDK is free to use. Enterprises should focus on those implications: if you can swap out Oracleโs Java for OpenJDK, you likely wonโt notice any difference in functionality or stability. This opens the door to significant cost savings, provided you have a plan for support and updates (addressed in a later section).
Licensing Models: Oracleโs Subscription vs OpenJDKโs Free Use
Insight: Oracle JDK now requires a paid subscription for most commercial uses, whereas OpenJDK (and various free distributions of it) carry no license cost. Oracleโs current Java SE Universal Subscription is priced per total employee count (including full-time, part-time, and contractors), regardless of how many use Java. In contrast, OpenJDKโs open-source license allows unlimited use, modification, and redistribution with zero licensing fees. This divergence means that choosing Oracle ties you to recurring costs and compliance obligations, while OpenJDK offers freedom from license fees (with trade-offs mainly around support). Compliance questions can be clarified by the Oracleย Javaย SE licensing compliance FAQ
Example Scenario: Under Oracleโs pricing, a company with 5,000 employees might incur on the order of $600,000 per year for Java SE subscriptions โ a drastic change from the $0 they paid a few years ago. Oracleโs list price is around $15 per employee per month for smaller enterprises (with volume discounts at larger scales). The catch: even if only 100 out of those 5,000 employees actively use Java-based applications, Oracleโs terms require licensing all 5,000. By contrast, if that company adopts an OpenJDK distribution (say Amazon Corretto or Eclipse Temurin), the license cost is $0. Itโs no surprise that many organizations are asking why they should pay six or seven figures annually for Java when a free, legitimate alternative exists.
Compliance and Audit Risk: The shift in Oracleโs model also brings compliance risk. Suppose a business continues using Oracle JDK in production without a subscription (for example, an old Java 8 or Java 11 installation still running on a server). In that case, they are technically out of compliance. Oracle has become increasingly aggressive in auditing Java usage. One common trap is accidentally using Oracleโs JDK when you intended to use an OpenJDK build โ the moment an Oracle-provided binary is in production without a proper license, youโre at risk of a compliance finding. OpenJDK usage avoids these issues entirely; Oracle has no audit rights or fees tied to OpenJDK deployments. (In fact, Oracle publicly acknowledges that companies can switch to OpenJDK if they prefer not to pay for Oracle Java.) Free usage options are detailed in Which versions of Java are free?.
Licensing & Cost Comparison: Below is a high-level comparison of Oracle JDK vs OpenJDK in terms of licensing, cost model, support, and risk:
Aspect | Oracle JDK (Commercial) | OpenJDK (Open Source) |
---|---|---|
License Type | Proprietary Oracle license. Free use is very limited (only for personal use, development, or under temporary no-fee terms for the latest LTS release). Production use typically requires a paid subscription. | Open-source (GPLv2 + Classpath Exception). Free for all uses in any environment (no license fees). |
Cost Model | Paid subscription required for business use in production. Currently priced per employee (enterprise-wide), with ongoing annual fees. | No license fees at all. Free to deploy on any number of systems. The only costs would be optional support contracts, otherwise $0 for the software. |
Support & Updates | Subscription includes access to Oracle Support and regular security patches for licensed Java versions. If you stop paying, you lose access to new patches for those versions (after any public update period). | Community provides free updates for active Java versions and LTS releases. Long-term updates are offered by various vendors (often at no charge). You can purchase support from third parties (e.g. Red Hat, Azul) if needed, usually at lower cost than Oracle. |
Update Availability | Oracle releases quarterly security patches (and emergency fixes) to paying customers. Oracleโs โNo-Feeโ releases expire one year after the next LTS is out, forcing an upgrade or a paid subscription for continued patches on that version. | OpenJDK updates are published quarterly by the community (essentially the same fixes Oracle releases). Many OpenJDK distributions provide extended support for LTS versions (4+ years of patches) without charge. No forced upgrade schedule โ you control when to move to a newer Java version. |
Compliance Risk | High โ subject to Oracle audits. Unlicensed Oracle JDK use can lead to backdated fees or penalties if discovered. Requires careful tracking of installations and employee counts for compliance. | None โ no audits or license fees for using OpenJDK. As long as you remove all Oracle JDK binaries, you eliminate Oracle from the equation. This greatly reduces compliance overhead and risk. |
Redistribution | Restricted โ Oracleโs license generally forbids redistributing Oracle JDK (for example, bundling it with your own software or hardware) without a special agreement. | Permissive โ You can freely bundle and redistribute OpenJDK with your applications or devices (subject to open-source terms). This is beneficial for software vendors and OEMs who need Java in their products. |
Practical Takeaway: When it comes to licensing and cost, the contrast is stark. Oracle JDK offers a traditional vendor-backed route but with significant ongoing fees and compliance work. In contrast, OpenJDK entails zero license cost and much more flexibility (with the responsibility to manage support shifting to you or an alternate provider). Enterprises should calculate their Java footprint costs under Oracleโs model versus the open-source path. In many cases, the subscription expense is hard to justify given that the open-source alternative is functionally equivalent. If you remain on Oracle JDK, youโll need rigorous software asset management to avoid audit surprises (track every installation and ensure each is licensed). Conversely, if you migrate to OpenJDK, put policies in place so that only approved open-source builds are used and fully remove Oracleโs JDK from all systems โ that way you stay compliant and cost-free.
Support and Security Updates: One-Stop Shop vs. Community Solutions
Insight: Running Java in production isnโt just about installation โ itโs about getting timely security patches and having support if something goes wrong. Oracleโs value proposition for its JDK is the all-in-one support and update bundle: paying subscribers receive regular security patches (even for older Java versions long past public updates) and can call Oracle for help. In contrast, with OpenJDK, you rely on a more community-driven and vendor-diverse model: updates are freely available for current and LTS versions through the open-source community, and multiple vendors offer their own long-term builds and optional support services. The trade-off comes down to Oracleโs centralized (but expensive) support vs. a mix-and-match approach with OpenJDK (free community patches plus optional third-party support if needed). Pricing changes over time are described in Oracleย Java licensing models: evolution and pricing.
Example Scenario: Consider a financial institution running a legacy system on Java 8. Oracleโs free public updates for Java 8 ended years ago. If the bank sticks with Oracle JDK, it can get critical Java 8 patches only by paying for a Java SE Subscription, which could be very costly solely to keep an old system secure. Now consider the OpenJDK path: several vendors (e.g., Red Hat, Amazon) continue to provide free Java 8 OpenJDK updates well into the late 2020s. For instance, Amazon Corretto guarantees Java 8 updates through at least 2030 at no cost. The bank could switch those Java 8 instances to OpenJDK and still receive all necessary fixes without incurring Oracle’s costs. If they require a support hotline for any Java issues, they could contract a company like Azul or IBM for a support subscription, likely at a fraction of Oracleโs price. In a real-world case, Newcastle City Council (UK) faced Oracleโs licensing changes and opted to migrate thousands of PCs from Oracle JDK to Azulโs supported OpenJDK build. The result was an 80% reduction in Java-related vulnerabilities (since they could apply overdue patches again) with no performance or functionality issues reported โ they achieved a fully supported Java environment while avoiding Oracleโs fees.
Practical Takeaway: Enterprises have viable, cost-effective options to maintain Java security and support without relying on Oracle. If you require 24/7 vendor support, companies such as Red Hat, Azul, Amazon, Microsoft, and others offer Java support services for OpenJDK โ typically at lower costs than those offered by Oracle. Many organizations find they rarely call Oracle for support in practice; what they need are the security patches, which are obtainable through open-source channels. The key is to assess your needs and risk tolerance: if your environment requires a vendor to call for JVM help, you can get a third-party support contract (still typically far less costly than Oracleโs). If you have capable in-house Java expertise, you might rely on community updates and internal resources alone. Bottom line: with OpenJDK, you can obtain all the same critical fixes Oracle provides (since Oracle contributes those fixes upstream to OpenJDK), often on the same quarterly schedule. You also regain control of your upgrade timeline โ no more forced short-cycle upgrades just to stay supported. In summary, Oracle JDKโs support model is all-or-nothing (pay to get everything, and lose updates if you stop paying), whereas OpenJDKโs model is flexible and ร la carte to fit your budget and requirements.
Total Cost of Ownership and Strategic Flexibility
Insight: The decision between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK has profound long-term cost implications beyond the immediate licensing fees. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) encompasses direct costs (subscription fees or support contracts), indirect costs (in-house effort required to manage updates, testing, and migration), and strategic costs (including vendor lock-in or the loss or gain of agility). Oracle JDKโs TCO is characterized by ongoing annual fees and potential future price increases, as well as internal costs associated with compliance management and reduced flexibility. OpenJDKโs TCO primarily involves a one-time migration effort and any optional support investments, but it offers greater freedom from vendor constraints. Over a multi-year horizon, many enterprises find that the balance heavily favors OpenJDK when all factors are weighed.
Example Scenario: A large online retailer analyzed the 3-year TCO of staying on Oracle JDK versus migrating to OpenJDK. Oracleโs per-employee pricing would amount to roughly $2 million per year for their workforce, or approximately $6 million over three years (excluding potential headcount growth or Oracle price increases). Additionally, they considered the โsoftโ costs of compliance โ dedicating part of their IT asset management team to monitor Java licenses, handle audits, and negotiate renewals. On the OpenJDK side, the retailer estimated an upfront migration project cost of around $200,000 (for testing and deployment work) and then about $50,000 per year for a premium third-party support subscription on their most critical systems. Even with the addition of some internal labor for ongoing patch management, theย 3-year OpenJDK path came in under $1 million inย total. The choice was clear: they could save well over 80% in TCO by switching to OpenJDK. Just as importantly, they eliminated future uncertainty โ with OpenJDK, thereโs no risk of Oracle suddenly changing terms or auditing them for more fees. In contrast, sticking with Oracle meant accepting perpetual โJava taxโ payments and the risk that Oracle could alter the deal at renewal time (as happened in 2023 when the pricing model changed to per-employee).
Another strategic factor is vendor lock-in. Organizations that committed to Oracleโs Java subscriptions early on found that when it came time to renew, Oracleโs new metrics dramatically raised costs. Once your IT environment is dependent on a vendorโs proprietary distribution, that vendor gains leverage โ Java is deeply embedded infrastructure thatโs not quick to rip out under pressure, and Oracle knows it. By using an open-source Java distribution, you keep leverage on your side: you can change support providers or even self-support if needed, and youโre not beholden to a single vendorโs pricing or policies for a critical piece of your stack.
Practical Takeaway: When comparing Oracle JDK vs OpenJDK, take a multi-year strategic view. Oracle JDKโs cost is recurring and largely out of your control (it can increase with policy changes or as your employee count grows). OpenJDKโs cost is mostly under your control โ you decide if and how much to spend on support or tools, and you avoid surprise expenses. It is wise to budget some resources for managing an OpenJDK environment (e.g., testing new Java versions and applying updates). Still, those costs are modest and predictable next to a large subscription. Also, factor in risk as part of the cost: the risk of an Oracle audit or forced upgrade carries a significant financial impact, whereas an open-source approach offers stability and predictability. In the end, many enterprises conclude that OpenJDK delivers a dramatically lower TCO and fewer โgotchas,โ making it the fiscally prudent choice now that Oracle has monetized Java. Staying with Oracle by default could mean paying an indefinite Java toll, whereas investing in an open-source Java strategy can pay dividends in both savings and flexibility.
Strategic Considerations in Choosing a Java Path
Insight: Deciding between Oracle JDK and OpenJDK isnโt just a technical upgrade; itโs a strategic sourcing decision. Enterprises should consider factors such as risk tolerance, internal capabilities, vendor relationships, and the long-term roadmap of their applications. There isnโt a one-size-fits-all answer โ a few organizations may determine that paying Oracle for Java is justified in specific cases, while most will benefit from embracing OpenJDK. Key considerations include: whether any of your software vendors or in-house applications explicitly require Oracleโs JDK (this is increasingly rare, but worth checking); how quickly your teams can adopt new Java versions (if trying to stay on Oracleโs free-but-temporary release track, youโd need aggressive upgrade cycles); and your ability to govern Java usage enterprisewide (to prevent โrogueโ Oracle JDK downloads that could create compliance issues).
Example Scenario: Imagine a multinational bank that uses a third-party core banking platform officially certified only on Oracle JDK 8. In the short term, that particular system might necessitate maintaining a paid Oracle Java subscription to remain supported by the vendor. However, the bankโs dozens of other Java-based applications (internal web services, customer-facing apps, etc.) have no such restriction โ those can be migrated to OpenJDK with no impact. The bank chooses a hybrid approach: it purchases a minimal Oracle Java subscription only for the few systems that truly require Oracleโs JDK. It migrates everything else to OpenJDK to eliminate unnecessary fees. Over time, they will likely push the third-party vendor to support OpenJDK or explore alternative solutions, thereby reducing their reliance on Oracle. This scenario highlights the importance of segmenting your Java usage strategically, rather than making a blanket, one-size-fits-all decision.
Operationally, transitioning to OpenJDK should be treated like any other enterprise IT change โ with proper planning, testing, and communication. Many organizations find it straightforward (Java compatibility between distributions is extremely high), but itโs still wise to test critical applications in a staging environment before full deployment. Itโs also important to update internal policies: for example, ensure build pipelines and new projects default to approved OpenJDK distributions, and mandate that downloading Oracle JDK requires approval from a license management perspective. Culturally, IT teams should come to treat OpenJDK as the standard Java platform going forward, with Oracle JDK as an exception only used when necessary and with explicit approval.
Practical Takeaway: Enterprise decision-makers should frame the Java runtime choice as part of their broader IT strategy. If you value freedom from vendor lock-in and cost efficiency, align with the principles of OpenJDK and open source. If you have specific needs that necessitate Oracleโs involvement, limit that usage to the minimum scope and negotiate aggressively โ Oracle is aware that you now have alternatives. Above all, avoid complacency. Doing nothing (sticking with Oracle JDK out of habit) now carries real cost and compliance risks. The prudent move is to take control of your Java estate: inventory it, determine which parts can be made open-source, and execute a plan. This proactive approach can turn a potential budget shock into an opportunity โ by freeing up Java spend, you can reinvest savings elsewhere while still maintaining a secure, supported Java environment. Vendor-neutral, informed decision-making is key. Whether that means sticking with Oracle in limited cases or moving widely to OpenJDK, make the choice deliberately with input from all stakeholders.
Recommendations
Expert Tips for IT and Procurement Leaders:
- Inventory Your Java Usage: Begin with a thorough audit of where Java (JDK or JRE) is running across your organization. Include servers, virtual machines, desktops, and any third-party applications that embed Java. This process will reveal how much Oracle JDK you are using and where your compliance exposure lies. Many enterprises discover old, forgotten Oracle JDK installations they werenโt aware of โ find them and document them.
- Segment Necessity vs. Convenience: For each Java instance identified, assess if it truly needs to be Oracleโs JDK. In the vast majority of cases, it wonโt. Pinpoint any applications that explicitly require Oracle JDK or have vendor support tied to Oracle โ these are the only candidates that might justify staying on Oracleโs distribution. Everything else is likely a good candidate to switch to OpenJDK without loss of functionality.
- Build the Business Case: Calculate the cost of โdo nothing and pay Oracleโ versus โmigrate to OpenJDK.โ Project these costs over several years. Include Oracle subscription fees, potential audit penalties, and internal compliance overhead on one side, and migration project costs and any third-party support fees on the other. Often, the savings from going open-source are so large that the case for change is very compelling. Present this analysis to gain executive buy-in โ seeing potential savings in the millions can motivate action.
- Evaluate Support Options: If you move off Oracle JDK, decide how you will handle support and updates. If your organization has strong internal Java expertise, you might rely on community updates and self-support for routine issues. If you prefer having a vendor to call, compare third-party support offerings (from vendors like Red Hat, Azul, IBM, Microsoft, etc.). Get quotes and service details โ these alternatives often provide excellent coverage at a fraction of Oracleโs cost. Select a support model that aligns with your risk profile and budget.
- Pilot the Migration: Donโt flip everything at once โ run a pilot migration on a select set of applications. Choose a non-critical system or set up a test environment for a critical one, and replace Oracle JDK with an OpenJDK build. Monitor performance and compatibility (virtually all Java apps will run fine on OpenJDK, but itโs good to validate). Use this pilot to develop a repeatable playbook for the broader rollout, including steps for uninstalling Oracle JDK, installing the chosen OpenJDK, and regression testing. Early pilot successes will build confidence and help identify any quirks before scaling up.
- Engage Vendor Management: If certain parts of your Java estate must remain on Oracle (at least temporarily), enter negotiations with Oracle well-prepared. Understand your usage and ask Oracle about options โ in some cases, they might offer legacy metrics or discounts, especially if youโre a large customer, but donโt count on generous terms. If you have an Enterprise Agreement with Oracle, check if Java can be bundled at a favorable rate. Always have a Plan B (migration to OpenJDK) in progress to give yourself leverage in discussions. Oracle will be more flexible if they know you can walk away.
- Update Policies and Educate Staff: Implement clear policies governing Java usage. For instance, mandate that only approved OpenJDK distributions (and specific versions) are to be used for new deployments. Require that any use of Oracle JDK is subject to approval by your software asset management or procurement team. Educate developers, engineers, and IT staff on these policies and the reasons behind them (avoiding unnecessary costs and compliance issues). This training will prevent well-intentioned employees from accidentally reintroducing Oracle JDK into the environment.
- Monitor and Stay Informed: Treat Java as an ongoing asset to manage, not a one-time project. Keep abreast of updates from Oracle (e.g., if they announce further licensing changes or new free usage windows) and from the OpenJDK community (e.g., new LTS releases or when community support for an older version will end). Assign an owner for Java management in your organizationโs IT or asset management team. Regularly reviewing your Java strategy ensures you wonโt be caught off guard by future changes โ youโll be ready to adapt and keep costs optimized.
Checklist: 5 Actions to Take
A step-by-step plan for moving forward with confidence:
- Discover and Audit: Compile a comprehensive inventory of all Java installations across your enterprise. Identify the Java versions in use and determine whether each instance is Oracle JDK or an OpenJDK distribution. Check everywhere: servers, employee laptops, build pipelines, and packaged software that might include Java. (You canโt manage what you donโt know exists.)
- Assess Compliance Risk: For each Oracle JDK instance found, evaluate if itโs properly licensed or falls under an allowed use (such as a personal-use exemption or the one-year free period of the latest version). Determine how many employees or processors would need to be licensed under Oracleโs current rules, and estimate the financial exposure if Oracle audited you right now. This risk assessment will create urgency and inform stakeholders of the potential liability.
- Develop a Migration Roadmap: Based on your audit, determine which systems should be migrated to OpenJDK and outline the steps to accomplish this. Prioritize high-impact and low-complexity wins โ for example, non-critical systems can be switched quickly, whereas a mission-critical app may require more extensive testing. Choose an OpenJDK distribution for your organization (e.g., Eclipse Temurin, Amazon Corretto, Azul Zulu) and verify its support roadmap aligns with your needs (how long will it get updates for your Java version?). Create a timeline and resource plan for the migration, including testing and user communication.
- Execute & Validate: Begin replacing Oracle JDK with OpenJDK in a controlled manner. Start with a small pilot as identified, then progressively move to wider rollouts. Monitor each phase โ track technical issues, performance, and any user feedback. Ensure that security updates are maintained throughout (OpenJDK releases regular patches, so integrate those into your patch management). Celebrate quick wins and communicate progress as applications successfully transition to OpenJDK, as this builds momentum and buy-in for the initiative.
- Secure Long-Term Governance: Establish how Java will be managed going forward. If youโve engaged a support vendor for OpenJDK, formalize that relationship and ensure support SLAs are clear. If youโre self-supporting, assign responsibility for monitoring Java security updates and applying them (e.g,. designate an owner to check for quarterly updates and coordinate patching). Update your IT asset management policies to prevent unapproved Oracle JDK installations in the future. Finally, report back to senior management on the results โ highlight the cost savings achieved and the risk mitigated. Ensure that Java remains a tracked asset in your IT portfolio, so that licensing doesnโt become an afterthought again. Regular governance will keep your Java environment cost-effective and compliant year after year.
FAQ
Q1: Is Java no longer free to use?
A: The Java programming language and reference implementation (OpenJDK) are still free and open source. However, Oracleโs commercial JDK is no longer free for most business use. Oracle now requires a paid subscription if you use its Oracle JDK in production (outside of narrow exceptions like personal or development use). The good news is that you can run your Java applications on OpenJDK distributions, which are free and just as functional. In short, Java itself is free, but Oracleโs official JDK distribution comes with licensing requirements in enterprise settings. This is why many companies are migrating to OpenJDKโto continue using Java without incurring fees.
Q2: What are the risks if we ignore these licensing changes and use Oracle JDK without paying?
A: If you continue using Oracle JDK in production without a subscription, youโre accepting a compliance and financial risk. Oracle has the right to audit your organizationโs software usage, and they have been actively auditing companies for Java. The immediate risk is receiving a hefty backdated bill for unlicensed use, or being pressured into an expensive license agreement under audit conditions. Itโs similar to using any unlicensed software โ you could face penalties or, at the very least, a costly true-up. Another risk is missing security patches: without a current support contract, you wonโt get updates for critical Java vulnerabilities on older versions. The safer approach is to either budget for and properly license Oracle JDK where itโs used, or migrate off Oracleโs JDK to free alternatives and eliminate that compliance risk.
Q3: How difficult is it to switch from Oracle JDK to OpenJDK?
A: In most cases, itโs quite straightforward. Oracle JDK and OpenJDK builds are essentially the same codebase, so your Java applications should run on OpenJDK without any code changes. Many enterprises have successfully swapped Oracle JDK for OpenJDK in development, testing, and production environments with no issues. The process involves uninstalling Oracleโs JDK, installing your chosen OpenJDK distribution, and updating any environment settings or scripts (for example, JAVA_HOME paths) to point to OpenJDK. Itโs wise to test critical applications in a staging environment first, but real-world experience shows nearly 100% compatibility. With a bit of planning and testing, most organizations find the transition to OpenJDK is one of the easier migrations in the IT world.
Q4: Will we still receive updates and security patches if we use OpenJDK?
A: Yes. The Java community and multiple vendors provide updates for OpenJDK that parallel those of Oracle. For every Java Long-Term Support version (e.g., Java 11, 17, 21), there are OpenJDK builds that get regular security patchesโtypically on the same quarterly schedule as Oracle. For example, OpenJDK distributions like Eclipse Temurin, Amazon Corretto, Azul Zulu, and Red Hat OpenJDK all offer free updates for Java LTS releases for many years. You may need to ensure you deploy these updates (since Oracle wonโt be doing it for you via their updater), but applying patches is a standard IT process. If you want guaranteed help, you can purchase support from these vendors, but the updates themselves are freely available. In summary, moving to OpenJDK does not mean missing out on security fixes; it simply means you obtain them from the open-source community or alternative providers, rather than from Oracle.
Q5: What if some of our software vendors or applications only support Oracle JDK?
A: This is an important consideration, though itโs increasingly uncommon. Most modern software vendors recognize OpenJDK as equivalent to Oracle JDK. However, if you do have a vendor or application that explicitly insists on Oracleโs JDK for support, you have a few options. First, talk to the vendor โ ask if they have tested or will support OpenJDK. Many vendors are updating their support policies in response to Oracleโs changes. Suppose the vendor still wonโt budge and the software is critical. In that case, you may choose to retain an Oracle JDK license for that specific application (and only that one) to remain compliant and supported. Meanwhile, migrate all your other Java usage to OpenJDK to minimize costs. You can also plan longer-term to either pressure the vendor to certify OpenJDK or seek alternative solutions. In practice, it is now rare for a vendor to mandate โOracle-onlyโ Java, as OpenJDK is widely accepted as the standard Java runtime. But due diligence is key: review your vendor agreements for any such clauses. A balanced approach can be using Oracle JDK in the few places itโs truly needed and OpenJDK everywhere else โ thereby drastically cutting costs while still meeting any unique requirements.
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