SINGAPORE, July 29, 2024 – A new survey and report released by Azul, a company solely focused on Java, reveals a significant migration trend among Oracle Java users. The global Oracle Java Usage, Pricing & Migration Survey and Report highlights that 86% of Oracle Java users are transitioning to alternative solutions due to costs, a preference for open source, uncertainty over pricing changes, and audit risks.
The comprehensive study, which surveyed 663 experienced Java professionals worldwide, provides critical insights into the migration challenges faced by enterprises. Among the respondents, 84% reported that their migration process was either easier than expected or went as planned, with 75% completing the transition within 12 months.
Key Findings:
- Decline in Oracle Java Usage: Oracle’s share of JDK usage has significantly decreased from 75% in 2020 to 42% in 2023. The survey confirms that 86% of current Oracle Java SE users are moving or planning to move to alternatives.
- Drivers of Migration: The main factors prompting the shift include:
- High costs (53%)
- Preference for open-source alternatives like OpenJDK (47%)
- Uncertainty over Oracle’s pricing and licensing changes (38%)
- Audit risks (25%)
- Unsatisfactory support from Oracle (24%)
- Migration Experience: Among those who have migrated to OpenJDK distributions, 41% found the process easier than anticipated, while 43% said it went as expected. Notably, 23% completed the migration in under three months.
Support and Cost Savings: The report also emphasizes the importance of support and cost considerations. Over half of the respondents cited price as a key reason for seeking alternatives. Furthermore, 83% of participants indicated a need for support for production applications, with top priorities including technical expertise, timely releases and fixes, customer support, security updates, and migration expertise.
Azul’s CEO, Scott Sellers, commented on the findings, stating, “The data paints a clear picture: Java users are seeking better alternatives to Oracle Java SE to address their business concerns regarding licensing, support costs, and audit risks. Those who have switched to commercially supported OpenJDK distributions report smooth transitions and significant cost savings.”
The report underscores the ongoing exodus from Oracle Java, driven by pricing changes and a growing preference for open-source solutions. The positive migration experiences of those who have already switched highlight a promising path forward for other organizations considering the transition.