Oracle recently announced a major change to the Oracle Java subscription pricing model – switching to a new employee-based model. In other words, subscriptions will no longer be calculated based on the number of desktops running Java or the number of Processors associated with servers running it (no longer sold on a Named User Plus metric (for clients) or a Processor metric (for servers)). Instead, Oracle Java SE subscriptions will now be measured by “Employees.”

For licensees who have found annual monitoring and measurements of Java deployments hard to track, this change is very welcome. However, for licensees who have a disproportionate number of employees compared to servers and desktops, this change could be less beneficial.

What does this change mean?

The new change applies to Oracle’s Java SE programs only. Sold now on what Oracle calls the "Employee for Java SE Universal Subscription" metric – Oracle defines this as:

Employee for Java SE Universal Subscription: is defined as:

• all of Your full-time, part-time, temporary employees, and
• all of the full-time employees, part-time employees and temporary employees of Your agents, contractors, outsourcers, and consultants that support Your internal business operations.

And continues, “The quantity of the licenses required is determined by the number of Employees and not just the actual number of employees that use the Programs. For these Java SE Universal Subscription licenses, the licensed quantity purchased must, at a minimum, be equal to the number of Employees as of the effective date of Your order. Under this Employee metric for Java SE Universal Subscription Programs(s), You may only install and/or run the Java SE Universal Subscription Program(s) on up to 50,000 Processors, If Your use exceeds 50,000 Processors, exclusive of Processors installed and/or running on desktop and laptop computers, you must obtain an additional license from Oracle.”  

We do not yet know the price for subscriptions over 50,000 possessors. But as this subscription model continues to develop, we are sure they will let us know.  

Benefits of the change

Java deployment measurements historically were highly complicated and difficult to manage. Previously the pricing model was based on the location where the Java SE instance was installed/running. As a result, Java deployments had to be measured annually for renewal purposes. Historically the number of desktops (end-user workstations) and Processors available to servers using Oracle Java SE had to be recorded – further complicated by Java embedded in many Oracle products.  

Connor can help you through its Oracle Java Advisory Services to let you know your actual commercial liability to Oracle, give you a view of the risk (from a compliance perspective) and vulnerabilities in the system.

Connor, your partner for success 

Partnering with a software advisory (SA) firm that understands Oracle license management can save you time and money. Connor is the only Trust and Transparency partner operating in the region, equipped with an Oracle-approved audit methodology to get you on your way sooner. 

Our SA team can conduct an assessment and cost-benefit analysis to help you determine how the new subscription model will alter your Oracle fees. We can also provide you with the information necessary to make an educated decision to improve the return on investment for your Oracle investment. 

For more information or to speak with a team member about your Oracle Java SE subscription, please contact us at softwareadvisoryservices@connor-consulting.com.  

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