News

Azul Claims Mass Migration from Oracle Java Amid Rising Costs and Licensing Concerns

• By John K. Waters
• August 6, 2024

Independent Java solutions provider Azul has released the findings from its first annual Oracle Alternatives Survey, which asserts that 86% of enterprises are migrating from Oracle Java.

According to Azul, the primary drivers behind this exodus include Oracle Java’s high costs, with 53% of respondents citing this as the top reason, along with a preference for open-source alternatives (47%), uncertainty over Oracle's evolving pricing and licensing terms (38%), and aggressive audit practices (27%).

The survey, conducted among 663 Java professionals globally, found that 84% of those who have already migrated found the process easier or as expected, with 75% completing migrations within 12 months.

Azul’s report touts the advantages of open-source Java distributions, suggesting that the trend towards alternatives such as OpenJDK is driven by the need for more predictable costs and greater flexibility.

"The data from our survey paints a clear picture: Java users are seeking cost-effective and flexible alternatives to Oracle Java SE," said Scott Sellers, co-founder and CEO of Azul, in a statement. "Organizations that have switched to commercially supported distributions based on OpenJDK report smooth transitions and significant cost savings."

Oracle’s recent changes to its licensing model, which now bases costs on employee headcount, have certainly sparked concern, with some users reporting increased costs by two to five times. The survey also highlights Oracle’s intensified audit pressures on its Fortune 200 customers as a significant factor driving the shift. And it should be noted that Azul has a vested interest in promoting OpenJDK, as it offers its own commercial support for these distributions.

As enterprises weigh their options, the full implications of migrating from Oracle Java to alternatives should, of course, be carefully considered. Although Azul’s survey presents a narrative of widespread dissatisfaction, the real-world decisions of enterprises will likely be influenced by a variety of factors, including the overall stability and support ecosystem offered by their chosen Java provider.

For a detailed look at Azul's findings and to access the full Oracle Java Usage, Pricing & Migration Survey & Report, visit Azul's website.