This guide explores the End-of-Support (EOS) schedules for different Java JRE (Java Runtime Environment) and JDK (Java Development Kit) versions, Oracle’s evolving cost policies, and the strategic choices available to organizations and developers navigating this complex landscape.
1. Understanding Oracle’s Java Licensing Policy Transformation
January 2019 marked a watershed moment in Java’s history when Oracle fundamentally restructured its licensing approach. The previously free Oracle JDK became subject to commercial licensing fees, forcing countless organizations and developers to reevaluate their Java strategies.
Key Changes in Oracle’s Licensing Strategy
Oracle’s licensing transformation encompasses several critical elements:
- Commercial use of Oracle JDK now requires a paid subscription model starting January 2019
- Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription service provides technical support and updates
- Personal use, development environments, and testing remain free
- Long-Term Support (LTS) versions like Java SE 8, 11, 17, and 21 receive extended support
- Employee-based pricing model introduced in 2023, replacing processor and Named User Plus metrics
This policy shift has created three primary paths for organizations:
- Subscribe to Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription
- Migrate to OpenJDK or alternative free distributions
- Continue using pre-licensing Oracle JDK versions (without security updates)
2. Java Version End-of-Support (EOS) Schedule
Understanding version-specific support timelines is crucial for infrastructure planning and security compliance. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of major Java versions and their support lifecycles.
Oracle JDK Version Support Timeline
| Version | Release Date | Standard Support End | Extended Support End | LTS Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Java 6 | December 2006 | February 2013 | December 2018 | – |
| Java 7 | July 2011 | April 2015 | July 2022 | – |
| Java 8 | March 2014 | March 2022 (Personal) December 2030 (Commercial) |
– | LTS |
| Java 9 | September 2017 | March 2018 | – | – |
| Java 10 | March 2018 | September 2018 | – | – |
| Java 11 | September 2018 | October 2023 | October 2026 | LTS |
| Java 17 | September 2021 | September 2026 | September 2029 | LTS |
| Java 21 | September 2023 | September 2028 | September 2031 | LTS |
| Java 25 (Planned) | September 2025 | September 2030 | September 2033 | LTS |
Oracle established its LTS framework starting with Java SE 8, typically providing approximately 8 years of support for LTS versions. Java 8 and Java 11 received support extensions due to widespread adoption and enterprise demand.
Version-Specific Features and Enhancements
- Java 8: Introduced Lambda expressions, Stream API, modern Date/Time API, and numerous performance improvements
- Java 9: Module system (Project Jigsaw), JShell interactive tool
- Java 11: Standard HTTP Client API, var in lambda parameters, ZGC garbage collector
- Java 17: Pattern matching enhancements, Sealed classes, Foreign Memory API improvements
- Java 21: Virtual threads, enhanced pattern matching, String templates
3. Oracle Java SE Universal Subscription Pricing Structure
Oracle’s current subscription model addresses both enterprise licensing needs and ongoing support requirements. The pricing structure varies significantly based on deployment scenarios and organizational size.
Current Pricing Model (2025)
Oracle transitioned to an employee-based pricing model in January 2023, fundamentally changing cost calculations for organizations. Key pricing details include:
- Base Price: $15 per employee per month for smaller organizations
- Enterprise Pricing: $5.25 per employee per month for organizations with 40,000+ employees
- Minimum License: Must equal total employee count as of order date
- Standard Terms: 1-year agreements, with 2-3 year options available for price protection
Employee-Based Licensing Scope
The employee count includes:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Contractors and consultants
- Temporary workers
- All personnel regardless of Java usage
This comprehensive employee definition can significantly impact licensing costs, particularly for large organizations with substantial non-technical workforces.
Desktop vs. Server Considerations
While the new model simplifies licensing by using employee count, organizations should consider:
- Desktop Applications: All employees count toward licensing, not just Java application users
- Server Deployments: No separate processor-based calculations under the new model
- Cloud Environments: Covered under the universal subscription without additional metrics
- Development Environments: Still available for free under development use terms
4. Free OpenJDK Alternatives and Market Analysis
Following Oracle’s licensing changes, numerous organizations have migrated to free OpenJDK-based distributions. These alternatives provide production-ready Java implementations without commercial licensing fees.
Leading OpenJDK Distribution Comparison
| Distribution | Vendor | Key Features | Platform Support | Commercial Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse Temurin | Eclipse Foundation | Vendor-neutral, TCK certified, broad enterprise backing | Extensive OS and architecture coverage | Available through third parties |
| Azul Zulu | Azul Systems | Comprehensive platform support, JRE builds available | Widest platform coverage including embedded | Commercial support available |
| BellSoft Liberica | BellSoft | Spring Boot default, lightweight options | Includes Alpine Linux and embedded platforms | Professional support options |
| Amazon Corretto | Amazon | AWS-optimized, long-term support commitments | Linux, Windows, macOS | AWS-integrated support |
| Microsoft Build of OpenJDK | Microsoft | Azure-optimized, enterprise focus | Linux, Windows, macOS | Microsoft support available |
| Red Hat OpenJDK | Red Hat | RHEL integration, enterprise-focused | RHEL, Windows | Included with RHEL subscriptions |
OpenJDK Selection Criteria
When evaluating OpenJDK distributions, organizations should assess:
- Support Duration: Each vendor offers different LTS timeline commitments
- Update Frequency: Most provide quarterly updates aligned with Oracle’s schedule
- TCK Certification: Java SE standard compliance verification
- Platform Coverage: Required operating system and architecture support
- Commercial Support: Professional support service availability
- Performance Optimization: Environment-specific optimizations
- Additional Features: JavaFX inclusion, containerization optimizations
5. Enterprise Java Migration Strategies
Successful Java migration requires careful planning and risk assessment. Here are proven strategies for different organizational contexts.
Migration Planning Framework
- Current State Assessment: Catalog existing Java deployments and dependencies
- Target Architecture Selection: Choose appropriate Java version and distribution
- Compatibility Testing: Validate application and library compatibility
- Phased Implementation: Prioritize non-critical systems for initial migration
- Performance Monitoring: Track post-migration performance and stability
Version Selection Guidelines
For Long-term Stability: Choose LTS versions (Java 11, 17, or 21) for enterprise applications requiring extended support and minimal upgrade frequency.
For Feature Access: Consider latest feature releases if your organization can handle bi-annual upgrades and wants access to cutting-edge Java capabilities.
For Cost Optimization: Evaluate OpenJDK distributions that align with your infrastructure and support requirements.
6. Enterprise Case Studies and Implementation Patterns
American enterprises have adopted various strategies in response to Oracle’s licensing changes. Here are representative approaches across different industry sectors.
Financial Services Approach
Many Wall Street firms and regional banks have maintained Oracle Java subscriptions due to:
- Strict regulatory compliance requirements
- Risk-averse IT policies
- Existing Oracle infrastructure investments
- Need for enterprise-grade support
These organizations typically justify the subscription costs through regulatory compliance value and reduced operational risk.
Technology Startups Strategy
Cloud-native startups commonly adopt:
- Amazon Corretto for AWS-deployed applications
- Eclipse Temurin for multi-cloud flexibility
- Azul Zulu for comprehensive platform support
Cost considerations drive these decisions, with organizations prioritizing operational efficiency over vendor support.
Enterprise Software Companies
Large enterprise software vendors often choose:
- Eclipse Temurin for vendor neutrality
- Red Hat OpenJDK for enterprise Linux environments
- Microsoft Build of OpenJDK for Azure-hosted solutions
These selections balance support requirements with distribution licensing concerns.
Manufacturing and Traditional Industries
Established manufacturing companies frequently:
- Maintain Oracle subscriptions for critical systems
- Migrate non-critical applications to OpenJDK alternatives
- Implement hybrid approaches based on system criticality
7. Strategic Recommendations for Organizations
Navigating Java’s evolving landscape requires strategic thinking aligned with organizational priorities and technical requirements.
For Enterprise Organizations
- Conduct Licensing Assessment: Evaluate current Java usage and licensing compliance status
- Perform TCO Analysis: Compare Oracle subscription costs against OpenJDK alternatives including support costs
- Develop Migration Roadmap: Create phased approach for Java version upgrades and potential vendor transitions
- Establish Security Patch Management: Ensure continuous security update processes regardless of chosen distribution
For Development Teams
- Standardize on LTS Versions: Prioritize stability through LTS adoption for production systems
- Learn Modern Java Features: Stay current with language evolution and new API capabilities
- Test Multiple Distributions: Validate application compatibility across different OpenJDK vendors
- Implement Automated Testing: Create comprehensive test suites for version migration validation
Cost Optimization Strategies
For Large Enterprises: Consider employee-based Oracle pricing impact versus departmental OpenJDK adoption with third-party support.
For Growing Companies: Plan for licensing cost scaling under Oracle’s employee-based model versus fixed OpenJDK support costs.
For Cloud-Native Organizations: Leverage cloud provider OpenJDK distributions aligned with your primary cloud platform.
Key Strategic Imperatives
Immediate Actions: Assess current licensing compliance, evaluate total cost of ownership across options, and develop clear migration strategies for unsupported versions.
Long-term Planning: Establish sustainable Java version management processes, maintain flexibility for future technology shifts, and invest in team capabilities for modern Java development.
Risk Management: Implement comprehensive compliance monitoring, maintain vendor relationship options, and prepare for continued ecosystem evolution.
The Java ecosystem’s continued innovation ensures the platform’s relevance for enterprise development. Organizations that thoughtfully navigate licensing complexities while embracing modern Java capabilities will be best positioned for long-term success.
Whether choosing Oracle’s commercial support, migrating to OpenJDK alternatives, or implementing hybrid strategies, success depends on aligning Java choices with broader business objectives, technical requirements, and organizational capabilities.
This guide reflects information current as of July 2025. Policies and timelines may change. Consult official vendor documentation and legal counsel for the most current licensing information.