Changes to Java

Hi all,

Can anyone explain to me in relatively simple terms whats happening with Java at the moment and more importantly the implications this is going to have on server owners

I've known Java since 1.2 and I'm struggling to get my head around the license changes Oracle are pushing through now.

I'm running my own server on dedicated server hardware in-house.

I'm hearing mixed information about the changes Oracle are making with Java. Including someone mentioning that in order to run a Java application on server you will need to pay a per-core licence fee to Oracle.

From what I understand it is the future of the Java SE versions. . . (i.e. none enterprise). Java 1.8 will become EOL in 2020 (that doesn't feel that far off now).

I've been watching Oracle seminars and reading as much up as I can on it, but its a minefield!

The version 11 license main points are (full licence at: https://www.oracle.com/technet…cense/javase-license.html)

Quote from Oracle

Further, You may not:-
- use the Programs for any data processing or any commercial, production, or internal business purposes other than developing, testing, prototyping, and demonstrating your Application;
- remove or modify any Program markings or any notice of Oracle’s or a licensor’s proprietary rights;
- make the Programs available in any manner to any third party (other than Contractors acting on Your behalf as set forth in this Agreement);
- assign this Agreement or distribute, give, or transfer the Programs or an interest in them to any third party, except as expressly permitted in this Agreement for Contractors (the foregoing shall not be construed to limit the rights You may otherwise have with respect to Separately Licensed Third Party Technology);
- cause or permit reverse engineering (unless required by law for interoperability), disassembly or decompilation of the Programs; and
- create, modify, or change the behavior of, classes, interfaces, or subpackages that are in any way identified as "java", "javax", "sun", “oracle” or similar convention as specified by Oracle in any naming convention designation.

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The main concern is "You may not:- use the Programs for any data processing or any commercial, production, or internal business purposes other than developing, testing, prototyping, and demonstrating your Application;"

On the other hand I have read that OpenJDK will be free as well as Amazon is making its own OpenJDK available https://aws.amazon.com/corretto/

I really do hope I'm reading too much into this and its only enterprise and embedded systems that are going to require these eye watering licence fees.