Oracle Confirms Java SE Licensees Can Retain Per-Processor or Per-User Plans, Avoiding New Per-Employee Model
Oracle Offers Flexibility for Existing Java SE Licensees Amid Controversial Subscription Model Changes
Oracle has confirmed that its existing Java SE license holders are not obligated to switch to the company’s new subscription model, which calculates fees based on the total number of employees rather than on the actual number of Java users. For customers who are satisfied with their current licensing terms, Oracle will continue to honor those agreements, allowing them to renew under their existing per-processor or per-user plans.
The new subscription model, dubbed the Java SE Universal Subscription, was introduced to simplify cost calculations for new customers. However, many existing Oracle customers still rely on the previous Java SE licensing system, which ties fees to the number of users or processors. According to Georges Saab, Oracle’s Senior Vice President of Development, these customers can maintain their current arrangements. In a recent interview, Saab emphasized that “it’s up to them to choose,” highlighting that Oracle has always allowed renewals under the same terms for existing users.
This Universal Subscription plan, which replaced the legacy Java SE Subscription and Java SE Desktop Subscription models in January 2023, aims to streamline Java licensing. While the new plan offers a simplified structure, the introduction of the per-employee model has sparked concerns about potentially increased costs for some customers. However, Oracle has been quick to reassure its current subscribers. According to the company’s official FAQ, those using the legacy subscription plans will continue to receive the full range of benefits and support, with the option to renew their licenses without switching to the new terms.
One of the driving factors behind the change to the Universal Subscription model was feedback from customers seeking a more straightforward approach to calculating licensing fees. According to Saab, some customers found it challenging to track the number of processors or named users. In response, Oracle created the employee-based subscription model to meet these needs, simplifying cost estimation and management for large organizations.
While some of Oracle’s customers have chosen to adopt the new employee-based subscription model, others have expressed reservations about the potential financial impact. This hesitation has opened up opportunities for Oracle’s competitors, such as the Eclipse Foundation, which has reported a surge in downloads of its Temurin Java distribution. As companies reassess their options in light of Oracle’s pricing changes, alternative Java distributions may continue to gain traction.
Despite the controversy surrounding its new licensing model, Oracle remains a dominant player in the Java ecosystem, with over 10,000 customers subscribing to its Java distribution services. These subscriptions provide enterprises with crucial support and updates, ensuring the long-term stability and security of their Java applications. For now, Oracle is striking a balance by allowing flexibility for its current Java SE licensees while offering a streamlined approach for new customers seeking easier cost management.