Most Oracle Java users migrate to alternatives, says survey

A survey conducted by Azul has revealed that 86% of Oracle Java users are in the process of migrating away from Oracle Java, citing concerns over cost, a preference for open-source alternatives, uncertainty regarding Oracle’s pricing changes, and the threat of Java usage audits. The Oracle Java Usage, Pricing, and Migration Survey and Report examined the attitudes of 663 Java professionals globally, including developers and C-level executives.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by enterprises in managing their Java applications and infrastructure. It also investigates why users are migrating to alternatives based on OpenJDK, detailing the migration process, timing, and the importance of support and technical expertise for an OpenJDK distribution.

"The data from the Oracle Java Usage, Pricing & Migration Survey and Report paints a clear picture: Java users are looking for an equivalent or better alternative to Oracle Java SE which can address their business concerns regarding licensing and support costs and risk of an audit," said Scott Sellers, co-founder and CEO at Azul.

The survey found that Oracle’s share of Java Development Kit (JDK) usage has significantly decreased over the past few years, falling from approximately 75% in 2020 to 42% in 2023. Of the 86% respondents migrating away from Oracle Java SE, 53% cited high costs, 47% expressed a preference for open-source distributions like OpenJDK, 38% were concerned about ongoing changes in Oracle’s pricing and licensing policies, and 25% mentioned the risk of potential usage audits.

For those migrating off Oracle Java, the process has generally been smooth. According to the report, 75% of those who have already made the shift completed their migrations within 12 months, with 23% doing so in under three months. Furthermore, 84% of respondents felt that the migration met or exceeded their expectations; 41% found the process easier than anticipated, while 43% indicated that it went as planned.

The report highlights several motivations behind the moves away from Oracle Java: cost-saving opportunities, a need for more reliable support, and the stability offered by open-source alternatives. 68% of organisations that shifted to OpenJDK reported reducing costs. In terms of support, 83% of respondents indicated their need for support for production applications, whether through paid support or support bundled with existing cloud and infrastructure platforms.

When asked about the most valued aspects of paid support for an OpenJDK distribution, respondents prioritised technical expertise (61%), timely releases and fixes (54%), customer support (42%), stabilised security-only updates (40%), and migration expertise (39%).

“The exodus away from Oracle Java is driven by mounting concerns over pricing changes and a growing preference for open-source alternatives,” added Sellers. “While some organisations initially hesitated to make the switch, our survey reveals that those who have migrated to OpenJDK distributions have had a positive experience. It's clear that the Java community is voting with its feet, seeking more cost-effective, flexible, and open solutions for their Java applications and infrastructure.”