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Oracle Java Licensing changes

Oracle Java Licensing changed in January 2019. This page highlights the changes.

The Java SE platform Licensing has changed. Future software updates, after the current Java Standard Edition (SE) update in January 2019 will be chargeable. The next update is expected in April and will be chargeable except for the use below.

How we are handling this across UCL

Desktop @ UCL machines

We will update Java SE on Desktop @ UCL to work with MyHR and MyFinance but you shouldn’t use the Java on Desktop @ UCL with other applications

We are reviewing packaged applications that need to use Java JRE. These will need to repackaged to use Open JDK and not the native Java version. We will contact application owners to re-test the application.

Departmental (non-Desktop @ UCL) machines

You can use a browser and installed applications with Java 8 (update 202) and other versions listed below, free of charge. However, with future Java updates you will not be able to do this. You will need to purchase a Java SE licence.

 

The exceptions to this for both Desktop @ UCL and non-Desktop @ ucl machines are the

Note for all types of computers (Desktop @ UCL and non-Desktop @ UCL):

Incidental use of Java updates after January 2019 via a browser will not be supported and should not be encouraged.

About Java products

Java products that are currently free:

  • Up to Java 10 (update 1.0.2)
  • Up to Java 9 (update 9.0.4)
  • up to Java 8 (update 202)
  • Up to Java 7 (update 80) 
  • Up to Java 6 (update 45)
  • Open JDK

Any updates after the above versions and iterations will be chargeable.

What is included in Java SE?

The Java Development Kit (JDK), including the JavaFX Software Development Kit (SDK), Java Runtime Environment (JRE), (server and regular packages) JavaFX Runtime JRockit JDK

I will be teaching students Java, do I need a licence for this?

No you can use Java SE for the purposes of teaching, which is covered under the development use.

I will be using Java SE for research, I will use Java code for the collection and/or processing of data, do I need to purchase a licence?

No you can use Java SE for this purpose as long as it is not for commercial research or for any UCL business purposes. Alternatively you can use OpenJDK.

When do I have to pay for a licence?

Java 6,7 and 8: If you use Java 8 and below with MyFinance then you do not need to purchase a licence. However, if you have an application that requires the use of any Java version with an update more recent than the updates listed above, you will need a licence. Please contact us.

Java SE 11+: If you’re using Java SE 11+ for any purpose other than developing, testing, prototyping and demonstrating your application, you will need a licence. Please contact us.

If you are unsure please contact us