What Is Azul Java?

What Is Azul Java?

• A Java runtime provided by Azul Systems.
• Includes open-source (Zulu) and premium (Zing) options.
• Designed for low-latency and high-performance applications.
• Offers cost-effective and scalable solutions for enterprises.
• Fully TCK-certified, ensuring Java compatibility.

What Is Azul Java?

Azul Java is a highly specialized Java runtime environment developed by Azul Systems, a company known for its commitment to delivering high-performance, cost-efficient Java solutions. It is offered through two primary products: Zulu and Zing.

These solutions are designed to cater to a wide range of enterprise needs, providing options that prioritize scalability, reliability, and optimized performance. Azul Java’s combination of open-source and premium features has positioned it as a strong alternative in the competitive Java ecosystem.

How Azul Java Differs from Oracle Java

Azul Java stands out from Oracle Java in several critical aspects, including licensing, cost structure, performance capabilities, support, and compliance.

These differences make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking tailored solutions for their Java runtime requirements.

1. Licensing and Open-Source Model

• Azul Java (Zulu):
  • Zulu is based on OpenJDK and is a fully open-source Java runtime environment.
  • It operates under an open-source licensing model, ensuring no hidden fees or restrictive licensing agreements exist.
  • Enterprises can use Zulu freely for commercial purposes without worrying about subscription fees or legal complexities.
• Oracle Java:
  • Starting with Java 11, Oracle transitioned to a subscription-based licensing model, imposing costs on enterprises for commercial use.
  • While Oracle offers free development versions, a paid license is required for production-level or enterprise use, which can be costly for many organizations.

2. Cost Structure

• Azul Java:
  • Offers both free and premium options, with Zulu being entirely free and Zing available under flexible pricing tailored to specific enterprise needs.
  • Provides a transparent and predictable cost model, which is especially beneficial for budget-conscious organizations.
  • Long-term support plans and cost-effective updates help minimize operational expenses.
• Oracle Java:
  • Licensing fees are based on user counts, processor cores, or enterprise size, making costs unpredictable and potentially high for large-scale deployments.
  • Additional extended support and update costs can strain budgets, especially for organizations with complex Java deployments.

3. Performance Optimization

• Azul Zing:
  • Zing, Azul’s premium Java Virtual Machine (JVM), has advanced features, such as the Continuous Concurrent Compacting Collector (C4), a garbage collection mechanism designed to eliminate application pauses.
  • Ideal for high-performance scenarios, Zing is widely used in industries requiring low latency and high throughput, such as finance, telecommunications, and gaming.
• Oracle Java:
  • While Oracle Java delivers robust performance for general applications, its garbage collection methods may result in latency issues in high-demand environments.
  • Oracle lacks advanced garbage collection features comparable to Zing’s, making it less suitable for latency-sensitive applications.

4. Support and Customization

• Azul Java:
  • It provides tailored support options, including Long-Term Support (LTS) for older Java versions, to ensure continued reliability for legacy systems.
  • Offers flexibility for organizations running specialized workloads, allowing custom configurations to optimize performance.
• Oracle Java:
  • Support is directly tied to licensing agreements, and costs for extended support can be prohibitively high.
  • Oracle’s rigid support model limits customization options for enterprises with unique requirements.

5. Compliance and Updates

• Azul Java:
  • Fully Technology Compatibility Kit (TCK) certified, guaranteeing compatibility with all Java standards.
  • Delivers regular updates for performance and security without imposing mandatory upgrade paths or additional fees.
• Oracle Java:
  • Updates and patches are available, but they are often tied to costly subscription plans, which increases enterprises’ total ownership cost.

Read about the history of Azul systems.

Costs of Azul Java vs. Oracle Java

One of the most significant distinctions between Azul Java and Oracle Java is the cost structure. Azul offers a more predictable and budget-friendly approach.

Azul Java Costs

• Zulu: Completely free under an open-source license, making it ideal for businesses looking to avoid licensing fees entirely.
• Zing: Premium pricing is tailored to enterprise needs, with cost-effective options even for large-scale deployments.
• Overall Savings: Azul Java often lowers the total cost of ownership by eliminating subscription fees and providing transparent pricing, especially in long-term or extensive use cases.

Oracle Java Costs

• Subscription Fees: Based on the number of users, processor cores, or system size, Oracle’s costs can escalate rapidly, particularly for enterprises with large Java deployments.
• Additional Charges: Extended support and mandatory updates can significantly increase expenses.
• Cost Uncertainty: Oracle’s complex licensing structure often makes it challenging for businesses to predict long-term costs, creating financial uncertainty.

How to Migrate from Oracle JDK to Azul Java

FAQ: What Is Azul Java?

What is Azul Java?
Azul Java is a runtime environment for Java, offering open-source (Zulu) and high-performance (Zing) options tailored for enterprise needs.

What is Zulu?
Zulu is Azul’s open-source Java runtime, based on OpenJDK, and it is available for free commercial and non-commercial use.

What is Zing?
Zing is a premium Java Virtual Machine (JVM) designed for low-latency and high-throughput applications, which is ideal for industries like finance and gaming.

How is Azul Java different from Oracle Java?
Azul Java offers a cost-effective, open-source alternative to Oracle Java, with flexible pricing and advanced performance features.

Is Azul Java open source?
Zulu, part of Azul Java, is fully open-source. Zing, while commercial, complements Zulu with premium performance capabilities.

What industries benefit most from Azul Java?
Industries such as finance, telecommunications, gaming, and IoT benefit due to its low latency and scalability.

Does Azul Java support older Java versions?
Azul offers Long-Term Support (LTS) for older Java versions, ensuring legacy systems’ reliability.

Is Azul Java compatible with Java standards?
Azul Java is fully TCK-certified, guaranteeing compatibility with Java standards.

How does Azul Java handle garbage collection?
Zing introduces the C4 garbage collector, eliminating pauses caused by garbage collection and ensuring smooth performance.

What is the cost structure of Azul Java?
Zulu is free, while Zing offers tailored pricing for enterprise needs, providing a clear and predictable cost model.

Can Azul Java be used for cloud-native applications?
Azul Java supports cloud-native architectures and containerized environments, making it ideal for modern deployments.

What support options are available for Azul Java?
Azul provides tailored support plans, including updates and security patches for Zulu and Zing users.

Does Azul Java work for IoT devices?
Zulu Embedded is designed for IoT and embedded systems, offering lightweight Java solutions.

How does Azul address sustainability?
Azul focuses on energy-efficient JVM designs, reducing resource consumption and contributing to greener IT practices.

Why should enterprises consider Azul Java?
Azul Java is a reliable business choice because it offers cost savings, advanced performance, and compatibility with Java standards.