Oracle Java SE supports long-term support (LTS) versions including Java 8, 11, 17, 21, and the upcoming Java 25 LTS. OpenJDK distributions are compatible with these LTS Java versions, as well as more recent non-LTS versions. Because many Java applications still use older technologies, Azul Platform Prime also offers extended support for Java 6 and Java 7.
Beyond supported versions of Java, organizations will likely need commercial support to cover a wide variety of platforms and development environments, including Windows, Windows Server, MacOS, Linux systems, Solaris, and cloud platforms, as well as 32-bit builds for Windows and Linux systems.
Additional support services include 24/7 support with an SLA and security-only Critical Patch Updates (CPUs) to allow developers to address vulnerabilities without installing full Patch Set Updates (PSUs) that requires extensive testing and potential time and effort to
change the code for new feature compatibility. Also, patent, IP, and non-contamination indemnification can help organizations ensure their applications don’t infringe on related patent rights. For detailed information about the various support services of a JDK, see Oracle Renewal vs OpenJDK Comparison Guide.
On the Differences Between OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK page and related Oracle Renewal vs OpenJDK Comparison Guide, you’ll find a detailed description of some of the top OpenJDK options available to you, along with a detailed comparison of their support service offerings.
The OpenJDK options that are covered include Oracle Java SE (which is built on OpenJDK), Azul Platform Core (which has the most comprehensive support, features, compatibility, and updates), Amazon Corretto (for AWS apps), Microsoft Build of OpenJDK (for Azure apps), Red Hat build of OpenJDK (for applications that run on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Red Hat Openshift), and Eclipse Temurin.
Only Azul offers extended support for Java 6 and Java 7. Azul’s long-term support (LTS) of the top Java versions lasts the longest. Only Azul fully supports 32-bit Windows and Linux operating systems. Only Azul, Oracle Java SE, and Eclipse Temurin offer full compatibility with all the major OS platforms. Only Azul, Amazon Corretto, Microsoft, and Eclipse Temurin offer compatibility with Native Alpine Linux. Only Azul, Oracle, and Eclipse Temurin provide all the top installation types (used the most commonly by organizations) for their distributions.
Only Azul offers Mission Control as a standard component in their distribution. Only Azul includes JavaFX as part of its build and supports JavaFX on Java 8. Only Azul, Oracle Java SE, and Red Hat’s OpenJDK 8 build provide support for Java Web Start and applets. Only Azul and Oracle offer an SLA for their quarterly updates and provide timely CPUs for urgent deployments. Only Azul and Oracle provide full global support. Only Azul offers indemnification and non-contamination certifications to help protect you against any potential legal issues from open-source OpenJDK infringement.
For details about each of these support services and how the distributions compare, see the Oracle Renewal vs OpenJDK Comparison Guide.
Azul Platform Core is a one-to-one replacement for Oracle Java SE and is available at a far lower cost to your organization. Platform Core offers compatibility with more versions of Java and more operating systems than any other OpenJDK distribution. It also features the most package types, configuration options, support services, and software updates of all the JDK options.
See Azul’s Java Support Roadmap & Lifecycle for details and comparisons about the support lifecycle that Azul and Oracle Java SE offer for all the existing and planned Java versions.
