Learn more about Oracle Java licensing
This mini learning series comprising bite-size videos and learning resources will help you understand the risks and opportunities with Oracle Java licensing.
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100+
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Stay ahead of the Oracle Java changes
Java was provided at no-cost under the Binary Code License for over 20 years, but from April 2019 all future releases of Java require a commercial license from Oracle.
Most customers have downloaded and installed the no-cost version but by applying the latest patches, they have unwittingly upgraded to commercial versions requiring a paid-for license.
Oracle has identified Java as a major revenue source and are now aggressively targeting customers who have downloaded and installed the product and who are unknowingly using commercially licensable versions of the software.
What’s the financial implication?
Managing Oracle Java
How will these changes financially impact your business?
After removing the no-cost Binary Cost License (BCL) license in 2019, Oracle made another change to Java licensing in January 2023. Oracle replaced the previous licensing metrics of Processor and Named User Plus with the ‘all-employee’ Java SE Universal Subscription.
It meant that customers could no longer license the servers and desktops where Java was installed. Instead, they would have to buy a license for every employee, regardless of how much Java they used.
How can Livingstone help?
Expert guidance every step of the way
If these Oracle Java changes are causing confusion, Livingstone can help.
We have developed a market-leading Oracle Java Service to help you understand Java’s licensing implications and manage Java in complex environments.
Our all-encompassing solution alleviates the confusion surrounding Java and provides a crystal-clear view of your deployments and licensing requirements.
The service supports you with risk mitigation and provides strategies for negotiating the best possible commercial solutions from Oracle.
Livingstone’s service is results-orientated. No matter how Java is deployed within your business, our service will guide you to a position that delivers demonstrable business value.
Have a burning question?
Here are Oracle Java FAQs as answered by our expert team
How does Oracle know I have Java deployed?
Oracle can track the email address of users who have downloaded the product from Oracle.com. Moreover, some version of Java include ‘phone home’ features for sharing functionality and performance data back to Oracle. IP address of devices from where it has been installed can be tracked back to individual companies providing Oracle evidence that Java is in use.
Can Oracle audit me?
It depends on what you have previously purchased and what you have downloaded and installed. Irrespective of Oracle’s right to audit, they are the intellectual property owners of Oracle Java and will use all available legal avenues to protect their intellectual property rights.
Can I use my old licenses?
The short answer is yes. The license changes do not affect previous licenses either perpetual or subscription.
Can I buy more of my old licenses?
You can, providing that you have kept your licenses in support. But Oracle hints that this won’t continue much longer. As a result, it is critical to understand your Java license position now, as a problem you can currently solve for a small investment could end up costing millions in the long term.
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