A recent survey by Azul, a company solely focused on Java, has revealed that 86% of Oracle Java users are in the process of migrating, or planning to migrate, away from Oracle’s Java SE platform. The report, titled “Oracle Java Usage, Pricing & Migration Survey and Report,” delves into the reasons behind this significant shift, citing factors such as cost, uncertainty over Oracle’s pricing policies, and concerns about potential Java usage audits.
The study, which surveyed 663 experienced Java professionals worldwide, including development team members and C-level executives, offers valuable insights into the challenges enterprises face in managing their Java applications and Java-based infrastructure. The findings indicate a growing trend of companies seeking alternatives to Oracle Java, with many opting for distributions based on OpenJDK.
Key Drivers for Migration Away from Oracle Java
One of the primary reasons organizations are moving away from Oracle Java is the high cost associated with the platform. Over half of the respondents, 53% to be precise, stated that Oracle Java was too expensive, pushing them to explore more affordable alternatives. This financial burden has made it difficult for companies to justify continued use of Oracle’s distribution, especially when other cost-effective solutions are available.
Another significant factor influencing the migration is a preference for open-source solutions. The survey found that 47% of respondents expressed a desire to use an open-source distribution like OpenJDK. This preference highlights a growing trend within the Java community towards embracing community-driven and more transparent software solutions that provide greater flexibility and control.
Uncertainty surrounding Oracle’s ongoing changes in pricing, licensing, and support has also contributed to the exodus. Approximately 38% of respondents cited concerns about Oracle’s unpredictable policies, which have created uncertainty around the long-term costs and sustainability of using Oracle Java. This unpredictability makes it challenging for organizations to plan and budget for their Java-related needs.
Concerns over potential Java usage audits are another reason for the shift. About 25% of those surveyed mentioned fears of potential audits from Oracle, which can lead to unexpected compliance costs and legal complexities. The risk of facing an audit has become a significant deterrent for organizations, pushing them towards more predictable and less risky alternatives.
In addition to these issues, some respondents felt that Oracle’s support did not meet their expectations. Around 24% of those surveyed cited dissatisfaction with the level of support provided by Oracle. This has prompted them to seek alternatives that offer better service, technical expertise, and more responsive customer support.
Migration Trends & Satisfaction Levels
The report highlights that the migration process for many organizations has been smoother than anticipated. A large proportion of respondents, 84%, who have already transitioned to OpenJDK distributions reported that the migration process was either easier than expected or went as planned. Of these, 41% found the process easier than expected, while 43% stated that it went according to their expectations. This positive feedback reflects well on OpenJDK as a viable alternative, demonstrating that switching from Oracle Java is not as daunting as some had feared.
The timeline for these migrations has been relatively short. Seventy-five percent of respondents who completed their migrations managed to do so within 12 months, with 23% completing the transition in under three months. This rapid adoption indicates that many organizations are able to make the switch quickly and effectively, minimizing disruption to their operations.
Decline in Oracle Java Market Share
The market share of Oracle’s JDK distribution has been steadily declining over the past few years. In 2020, Oracle held approximately 75% of the JDK distribution market. By 2023, this share had dropped to just 42%. This trend, confirmed by the survey findings, indicates a significant shift in the Java community’s preferences. The report revealed that only 14% of current Oracle Java users plan to continue using Oracle’s distribution, and among this small group, about one-third are satisfied with Oracle’s pricing and policies.
The survey also highlighted the importance of support and cost savings for companies using Java. Over two-thirds of organizations that switched from Oracle Java to OpenJDK reported saving costs. This has become a crucial factor for many, especially those seeking to optimize their budgets without compromising on functionality or security.
The respondents emphasized the need for reliable support. A substantial 83% stated that they require support for their production applications, whether through paid support, support bundled with their existing cloud and infrastructure platform, or a combination of both. Companies are not just looking for cost savings but also for dependable support that can ensure the smooth running of their operations.
When considering what they valued most in paid support for an OpenJDK distribution, respondents highlighted several key factors. Technical expertise topped the list, with 61% indicating it as their primary requirement. This was followed by timely releases and fixes, which were important to 54% of respondents. Customer support was also a significant consideration, valued by 42% of those surveyed. Stabilized security-only updates and migration expertise were also crucial, being important to 40% and 39% of respondents, respectively.
The full Oracle Java Usage, Pricing & Migration Survey and Report is available for download here.