Does Oracle Own Java: JDK Migrations & Oracle

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is the official software development environment for building Java applications, originally created by Sun. It includes essential tools such as the Java Compiler, Java Virtual Machine, a debugger, and various utilities that developers use to write, compile, test, and run Java programs.

Then in 2010, Oracle acquired Java when it purchased Sun Microsystems, taking over the development and stewardship of the Java platform and the JDK. Since then, Oracle has continued to lead the evolution of the Java language and ecosystem, delivering regular updates, performance enhancements, and long-term support releases that power enterprise and open-source Java development worldwide.

What is JDK migration? As the Java ecosystem continues to evolve, many organizations need to migrate between different versions of the JDK or even between different JDK distributions. While upgrades between recent versions of Java are typically straightforward, migrating from a legacy version of Java to a modern version can be extremely complex, especially if you’re also changing JDK providers at the same time, These migrations are often driven by a combination of factors: new features, security patches, performance improvements, and changes in licensing that can have a large impact on pricing.

Oracle has changed its pricing structure for Oracle Java SE multiple times. In January 2023, Oracle changed the licensing model to the Java Employee Licensing Model (JELM) based on the number of employees an organization has. The new pricing structure has become difficult for many organizations to afford. As a result, organizations are looking to migrate from Oracle Java SE to a supported distribution of OpenJDK.

To learn more about the challenges Java developers are facing and the actions they are taking, see the State of Java 2025 Survey & Report.

Migrating to a new version or distribution of the JDK can be straightforward, but only with proper planning. A structured approach minimizes risk, avoids downtime, and ensures long-term stability and performance.

Follow these practices when migrating to a new JDK:

• Audit your current environment: Start by understanding what you have in terms of JVMs and where they’re deployed. Identify your current JDK version, dependencies, frameworks, and third-party libraries that your application uses. This will help you uncover any compatibility risks before migration.
• Choose the right JDK distribution: Select a JDK that aligns with your organization’s goals. Whether it’s Oracle JDK or else an OpenJDK-based alternative that can provide cost savings and flexibility.
• Test for compatibility early: Use staging or testing environments to validate that your application runs correctly on the target JDK. Focus on key areas such as API changes, deprecated features, and behavior differences in garbage collection or performance.
• Update tooling and CI/CD pipelines: Ensure your build tools, IDEs, and CI/CD pipelines support the new JDK version. You also might need to update your container images and scripts.
• Benchmark and tune performance: After completing the migration, benchmark your application under the expected workloads. Monitor key performance indicators such as startup time, throughput, and memory usage. Then fine-tune the JVM if necessary.
• Plan for long-term support: Choose a JDK version and provider that offers the right support lifecycle. For production systems, consider using a long-term support release of Java to ensure stability over time.

For detailed information about JDK migrations, see OpenJDK Migration for Dummies.

As businesses evolve and modernize their Java applications, many are re-evaluating which JDK best suits their long-term needs. With changes to Oracle’s licensing model, demand is increasing for flexible, cost-effective alternatives.

If you aim to reduce your Java development costs while ensuring long-term support and stability, migrating to Azul Platform Core can provide a seamless transition and deliver enterprise-grade performance.

JDK Comparisons

When selecting a JDK, factors such as licensing, support, secruity, and compatibility come into play.

Azul Platform Core stands out by providing full compatibility with existing Java applications, security updates delivered on a strict SLA, and flexible support options without the commercial licensing constraints of Oracle JDK.

For a full comparison between Oracle Java SE and some of the top OpenJDK distributions, see Oracle Renewal vs OpenJDK Comparison Guide.

Support Services

One of the key advantages of choosing Azul Platform Core is access to expert support and long-term maintenance. These services are critical for enterprises that require stability, compliance, and security in their Java environments.

Migrating to Azul Platform Core

Migration doesn’t have to be complex. Azul Platform Core has designed its platform for ease of adoption with minimal risk.

Azul Platform Core is a drop-in replacement for any server-based JVM, including Oracle. When it comes to Java on the desktop, Azul offers open source alternative solutions for legacy technologies such as Java Applets and Java Web Start.

Azul provides Migration Advisory expertise based on hundreds of successful migrations from Oracle Java SE to Azul Platform Core that include best practices, risk mitigation strategies and a knowledgebase of issue resolutions.

Additionally, Azul provides a set of tools that dramatically decrease migration timelines, speeding JVM discovery and classification (i.e., whether the JVM is used/unused; which application(s) it runs, whether it requires a paid Oracle license, etc), as well as JVM replacement. These tools can also help mitigate the risk of Oracle JVMs being redeployed in the enterprise following migration

Azul Platform Core provides a stable, secure, and high-performance Java runtime that meets the needs of modern enterprises. Whether you’re migrating due to Oracle licensing changes or seeking a more scalable solution, Azul Platform Core offers an attractive path forward with enterprise support and zero disruption.

To get started with Azul Platform Core, contact an Azul Java expert.