Oracle’s revenue from Java sales significantly surpasses its database license sales. But what drives Java’s enormous revenue growth?
The answer lies primarily in audits—both formal and soft audits. When Oracle contacts an organization, the focus is often on non-compliance rather than Java’s value.
These discussions can start amicably but may quickly escalate into pressure tactics if the customer is unwilling to cooperate with Oracle.
Has Oracle reached out to you about a Java license? Download our Oracle Java Audit white paper to learn how to respond and avoid common pitfalls.
In the white paper, we cover:
- Recommendations for responding to an Oracle soft audit
- Oracle’s soft audit process
- Oracle’s formal audit process
- The kind of data Oracle may have on your organization’s Java product downloads.
Top 5 triggers for an Oracle Java audit
- Java Downloads and Updates: If anyone in your organization has downloaded or updated Java, be aware. Oracle meticulously monitors these downloads, and their logs can span up to 7 years.
- Pre-2023 Java SE Licenses: For those who purchased Java SE licenses before January 2023, renewing these old licenses isn’t an option. Instead, you’ll likely need to undergo a soft audit with Oracle.
- Formal Audits: Organizations that refuse to engage with Oracle, especially regarding security downloads, may face a formal Java audit.
- Limited Oracle Software Usage: If your organization uses little to no Oracle software, you might be more likely to be targeted for an audit.
- Lack of Oracle Cloud Strategy: Organizations without a strategy for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) or Software as a Service (SaaS) are more prone to audits.
Recommendations
- Act Proactively: Don’t wait for Oracle to reach out. Approximately 90% of all Java in your estate is likely unnecessary. Identify which deployments require a license and then uninstall or migrate away if you don’t plan to purchase Java licenses. This process takes time, so it’s best to start as soon as possible, not when Oracle is knocking on the door.
Get help expert help.
The Java Audit Defense Service offered by Redress Compliance is designed for organizations facing Java audits or discussing Java licensing with Oracle.
Critical aspects of the service include:
- Target Audience: Aimed at organizations notified of a Java Audit or approached by Oracle for Java licensing discussions.
- Service Phases: Comprehensive, two-phase process including an independent licensing assessment and an audit defense strategy.
- Audit Strategy and Defense: This section guides the audit scope, conduct, and negotiations, aiming to minimize Oracle’s discovery during the audit.
- Expertise: The team comprises Oracle experts who level the playing field against Oracle auditors.
- Benefits: Focuses on saving time, reducing risk, and maintaining control for the client, backed by the expertise of former Oracle employees.
