Oracle JavaLicensing Changes 2024
- NFTC Expiration: Java 17’s No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license expires in October 2024.
- Commercial Licensing: After October 2024, applying security patches to Java 17 requires a commercial license.
- Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription: Organizations must purchase licenses based on employee count.
- Alternative Options: Consider alternative Java distributions like OpenJDK to avoid new licensing costs.
Oracle Java Licensing Changes 2024 – Java 17
Introduction
Oracle’s Java 17, released in September 2021, has been a popular choice among developers and organizations due to its long-term support (LTS) status and its availability free of charge under the Oracle No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) license agreement.
However, a significant change is on the horizon for Java 17 users, as the NFTC license agreement expires in October 2024.
It is recommended that you read about Oracle Java Licensing Changes 2023.
Java 17 and the NFTC License Agreement
- Free Deployment and Use:
Since its release, Java 17 has been licensed under the NFTC agreement, allowing users to deploy and use the software for free, including in commercial production environments. This has made Java 17 an attractive option for many organizations, enabling them to utilize the latest LTS release without incurring licensing costs. - Time-Limited Agreement:
The NFTC license agreement for Java 17 is valid for a limited time, typically until one year after the subsequent LTS version is released. With the release of Java 21 in September 2023, the NFTC license for Java 17 is set to expire in October 2024.
The Impact of the NFTC License Expiration
After October 2024, Java 17 will no longer be licensed under the NFTC agreement. Organizations using Java 17 will need to carefully consider their licensing options.
Java 17 Without Security Patches
- Continued Free Use:
One option is to continue using Java 17 without applying any security patches released after October 2024. In this scenario, Java 17 will remain free, as the NFTC license agreement will still apply to the unpatched version. - Security Risks:
However, running Java 17 without the latest security patches can expose organizations to potential vulnerabilities. As new threats emerge, the lack of up-to-date security patches may leave systems susceptible to attacks, posing significant risks to business operations.
Java 17 With Security Patches
- Need for a Commercial License:
For organizations requiring the latest security patches, a commercial license from Oracle will be necessary if any patches released after October 2024 are applied. - Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription Model:
The commercial license will follow the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model, an employee-based licensing agreement. Organizations must purchase licenses based on the number of employees, regardless of the number of users or devices running Java 17. - Similarity to Java 8 and Java 11 Licensing:
This licensing model is similar to what is currently in place for Java 8 and Java 11, which also require commercial licenses for use in production environments.
Planning for the Future
With the upcoming changes to Java 17 licensing, organizations need to plan to ensure compliance and minimize potential disruptions.
- Assessing the Need for Security Patches:
Organizations should carefully evaluate their security requirements to determine whether running Java 17 without the latest security patches is viable. - Budgeting for Commercial Licenses:
Organizations should budget to acquire commercial licenses under the Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription model if the latest security patches are necessary. - Exploring Alternative Java Distributions:
Consider alternative Java distributions, such as OpenJDK or those provided by third-party vendors, which may offer different licensing terms and support options. - Planning for Migration:
If transitioning to a different Java version or distribution is necessary, allocate sufficient time and resources to ensure a smooth migration.
By understanding the implications of the NFTC license agreement expiration for Java 17 and planning accordingly, organizations can make informed decisions about their Java usage and licensing strategies, ensuring compliance and minimizing potential risks or disruptions.
Oracle Licensing Changes in 2024 – Java 17 FAQ
What are the key changes in Oracle Java 17 licensing for 2024?
Oracle Java 17 has introduced a subscription-based licensing model for commercial use. This replaces the previous perpetual licensing option, which required organizations to pay ongoing fees based on the number of users or processors.
How does the new subscription model affect existing Java users?
Existing Oracle Java SE users with perpetual licenses must switch to the subscription model when upgrading to Java 17. This change means ongoing costs instead of a one-time license fee, impacting budget planning.
Can I still use older versions of Java without a subscription?
Yes, you can continue using older versions of Oracle Java with perpetual licenses without additional subscription fees. However, you won’t receive updates or support unless you migrate to the subscription model.
What options do I have if I don’t want to move to a subscription model?
If you prefer not to adopt Oracle’s subscription model, consider using alternative open-source Java distributions like OpenJDK. These alternatives are free but may lack the commercial support and features Oracle provides.
How are subscription costs calculated under the new model?
Subscription costs for Oracle Java 17 are typically calculated based on the number of users or processors. To determine your total subscription cost, you must assess all environments where Java is installed, including development and production.
Will Oracle audit my usage of Java 17?
Yes, Oracle may conduct audits to ensure compliance with the subscription model. Maintaining accurate records of your Java usage is crucial to avoid penalties for non-compliance.
What happens if my usage increases during the subscription period?
If your usage of Oracle Java 17 increases, you must update your subscription accordingly by purchasing additional licenses or adjusting your subscription tier to accommodate the growth.
Can I negotiate discounts on the new Java 17 subscription model?
Oracle might offer discounts based on factors like long-term commitments or volume purchases. It is advisable to negotiate these terms early, especially if you expect significant or growing usage.
How does the Java 17 licensing model impact small businesses?
The subscription model introduces new costs for small businesses that rely on perpetual licenses. However, Oracle may offer tailored pricing or discounts for smaller organizations, so it is important to explore these options.
Is there any flexibility in the Java 17 subscription model?
While Oracle’s subscription model is generally fixed, license allocation may be flexible across users or processors. Negotiating terms that allow adjustments as your needs change can help manage costs effectively.
What support options are available under the new licensing model?
A Java 17 subscription includes technical support, security updates, and regular patches from Oracle. The level of support depends on your subscription tier, so ensure it aligns with your organization’s requirements.
How does the new model affect companies using multiple Java versions?
Companies using multiple Java versions must manage separate licensing agreements. Older versions might remain under perpetual licenses, but Java 17 and newer versions will require subscriptions, adding complexity to license management.
Can I transition back to a previous Java version if I’m unhappy with Java 17?
If you hold a perpetual license for an older Java version, you can revert to that version if the Java 17 subscription model doesn’t meet your needs. However, you’ll lose access to the latest updates and features.
What should I do if I’m unsure about my Java 17 licensing needs?
If you’re uncertain about your licensing needs for Java 17, it’s wise to conduct a thorough audit of your current usage and consult with Oracle or a licensing expert to ensure you’re choosing the best option for your organization.
How can I ensure compliance with the new Oracle Java 17 licensing model?
To ensure compliance, regularly review your Java usage, maintain accurate records, and stay informed about Oracle’s licensing requirements. Consider engaging with a licensing expert to help manage the transition to the subscription model.
Read about our Java Licensing Services
