Java Platform Licensing

Java Platform comprises of Java Runtime Environment (JRE), class libraries and development tools (compiler & debugger). Collectively these are called Java Development Kit (JDK). Since 2007, Sun Microsystems released JDK as open source under GNU General Public License, hence the name “OpenJDK”.

Oracle took stewardship of OpenJDK after they acquired Sun in 2010. They continue to develop Java as open source.This version of OpenJDK is referred as “upstream”.

Oracle is a software company with a lot of product portfolio which all of them running on Java platform. To enhance the performance and stability of their ERP product lines, they created minor function/feature/add-on in OpenJDK, which are not incorporated in the original OpenJDK. They have created their own version called “Oracle JDK”, which is a derivative/downstream release from the original.

The changes in Oracle License Agreement which is not free anymore for commercial use is actually apply to Oracle JDK, not to the OpenJDK.

Some other big companies also have their own derivative of OpenJDK, especially to support their software products. For example : SAP, IBM, Red Hat, Amazon Web Service, etc. Each of them have their own kind of licensing.