Oracle Java SE Licensing on AWS (Step-by-Step Guide)

Oracle Java SE Licensing on AWS (Step-by-Step Guide)

Oracle Java SE (the Oracle JDK/JRE) licensing is relevant when deploying Java applications on AWS. Oracle significantly changed its Java licensing policies, making Java SE licensing essential for AWS-based Java workloads.

Here’s a clear explanation of Oracle Java SE licensing on AWS, including practical examples and alternatives to avoid additional licensing costs.

Read Oracle on AWS Licensing FAQs 3 of 4.

1. Oracle Java SE Licensing Rules

Oracle’s Java SE licensing has changed over recent years:

• Before 2019: Oracle Java SE was largely free for general production use.
• 2019 Onwards: Oracle Java SE requires a paid subscription for commercial production usage.
• Since 2023, Oracle has used an employee-based metric (Java SE Universal Subscription):
  • Subscription pricing is based on your organization’s total number of employees, not on processors or servers directly.

What This Means on AWS:

• If you deploy Oracle Java SE (Oracle JDK/JRE) on AWS EC2 instances or other infrastructure:
  • You require a paid Oracle Java SE subscription (just as on-premises).
• AWS itself does not exempt you from Oracle’s Java licensing terms.

2. Practical AWS Examples (Oracle Java SE Licensing)

Scenario 1: EC2 Instance Using Oracle Java SE

• AWS EC2 instance running Java application with Oracle JDK/JRE:
  • Requires an Oracle Java SE subscription.
  • Not covered by AWS or standard EC2 fees.

Scenario 2: AWS Lambda or AWS-Managed Java Environments

• AWS Lambda uses OpenJDK (Amazon Corretto) by default:
  • Does not require an Oracle Java SE subscription.
• AWS Elastic Beanstalk, ECS/EKS Java-based apps using OpenJDK:
  • No Oracle Java licensing is required unless explicitly using Oracle JDK.

3. Clearly Explained Java Licensing Alternatives

To avoid Oracle Java SE licensing costs, you can use free, open-source Java distributions:

• OpenJDK: Free, fully compatible with Oracle Java SE.
• Amazon Corretto: AWS-provided OpenJDK is free for production use.
• Adoptium (formerly AdoptOpenJDK): A free open-source Java alternative.

Clearly Explained Practical Example:

• Deploying Java apps on AWS EC2:
  • Use Amazon Corretto OpenJDK provided by AWS (free, fully supported by AWS).
  • Avoids Oracle Java SE licensing/subscription entirely.

4. Oracle Middleware Products Include Java Licensing (Clearly Explained)

• Oracle Middleware products like WebLogic Server include rights to use Java SE as part of their product license:
  • No separate Java SE license/subscription is required for WebLogic Server JVM usage.
  • The Java licensing concern is limited to standalone or non-Oracle Middleware deployments.

Clear Practical Example:

• AWS EC2 running WebLogic Server (includes Java usage rights):
  • No additional Oracle Java SE subscription is required.
• AWS EC2 running a custom Java app with Oracle JDK (not part of WebLogic):
  • Requires an Oracle Java SE subscription separately.

5. Oracle Linux on AWS and Java Licensing Clarification

• Oracle Linux is free to use on AWS (similar to CentOS):
  • No licensing cost is required for Oracle Linux usage itself.
  • Optional: The Oracle Linux Support subscription (for support/updates) is paid separately.
• Distinct from Oracle Java SE subscription licensing.

Summarized Practical Scenarios: Oracle Java SE Licensing on AWS

Summarized Checklist: Oracle Java SE Licensing on AWS

✅ Use free OpenJDK alternatives (Amazon Corretto) to avoid Java licensing costs.
✅ Purchase an Oracle Java SE subscription if explicitly deploying Oracle JDK/JRE.
✅ No Java subscription is required for Oracle Middleware Java usage (WebLogic).
✅ Monitor Java deployment usage (Oracle vs. OpenJDK documented).
✅ Understand that the Java SE subscription is based on employee count (since 2023).

Common Misunderstandings

• Misconception: “AWS EC2 includes Oracle Java SE license.”
  Clarification: AWS does not include Oracle Java SE licenses, so a separate subscription is required.
• Misconception: “Oracle Java SE licensing not required for AWS cloud deployments.”
  Clarification: The Oracle Java SE subscription applies fully to AWS deployments if Oracle JDK/JRE is used.
• Misconception: “All Java usage on AWS requires an Oracle subscription.”
  Clarification: OpenJDK (Amazon Corretto) avoids an Oracle Java SE subscription.

Read Licensing PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, Siebel, and Other Oracle Apps on AWS.

Conclusion: Oracle Java SE Licensing on AWS Clearly Explained

Oracle Java SE licensing applies to AWS deployments just as it does on-premises. You require an Oracle Java SE subscription if explicitly deploying Oracle’s JDK/JRE for commercial production usage on AWS EC2 or other services.

To avoid additional Oracle licensing costs, use fully compatible free OpenJDK alternatives like Amazon Corretto (AWS-provided), or leverage Java included with Oracle Middleware products like WebLogic Server. Understanding these clear distinctions helps manage Java licensing costs and compliance on AWS.

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