Oracle’s Java New Licensing Scheme for 2019
The changes to licensing scheme for Java is coming this January 2019. Here’s my summary notes of what’s coming.
Changes
- There will be two different type of JDK from Oracle:
- OpenJDK
- Oracle JDK
- Oracle JDK Java 11 won’t be free for production
- OpenJDK Java 11 will be free for production
- But, free support and updates only will be for 6 months after Sept 18 (March 19)
- To receive free support and updates after 6 months, user needs to move to Java 12 (scheduled to release on March 19, support and updates until Sept 19)
- After Sept 19, to receive free support and updates after 6 months, user needs to move to Java 13
- Rinse and repeat every 6 months
FAQ
How much is the Oracle JDK license cost?
> $25/mo/processor
I’m using Java 8 (either OpenJDK or Oracle JDK). Do I need to start paying license to Oracle starting Jan 2019?
> No, you can still continue using it. But, you won’t get any updates anymore.
How about Java 9 and 10?
> Don’t bother with these two Java version. Java 9 free updates are already over in March 2018. Java 10 free updates are already over in Sept 2018
Where to download OpenJDK?
> Here
I can’t update my Java version every 6 months, but I also can’t pay OracleJDK license cost. What are my options?
> Use other OpenJDK providers, such as; RedHat (paid), IBM (paid), AdoptOpenJDK (free)