Using webPDF and Java: Changes to Oracle Terms and Conditions

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The US software and hardware company Oracle announced that new conditions would apply from 2019 onward and especially with Oracle Java 11. See also the Java SE support roadmap. These changes mean that only the latest version of Java SE still receives free updates for private use. For commercial use and for other versions, a paid license is required in order to receive important updates.

Many enterprise applications are based on Java SE, require exactly the Java SE versions affected by these changes, or even depend on specific releases. Adjustments or migrations, for example to OpenJDK, are not always easy and in some environments may not be possible at all. At present, many users have little visibility into the extent to which Java is used across their organization. Applications based on Oracle Java SE may therefore become more expensive as a result of these changes. There is already talk of a "cost explosion" in some discussions. In addition, the release cycles and support roadmap for Java are also changing.

These changes have far-reaching consequences because Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, and Java technology and the Java platform are often used for critical applications in many companies. The conclusion, however, is that Java can still remain free of charge because there are alternative sources for Java JDKs besides Oracle. Further developments remain to be seen.

Next Steps​

Assess your current situation and initiate the necessary measures promptly, for example a move to OpenJDK if appropriate. First, you need to determine where Java is used across the company. It is important to understand which and how many versions are in use. You should also find out whether you depend on a specific Java release and whether you can follow the new six-month JDK release cycle. It must be decided whether the JDK can be used under GPLv2+CPE or whether a commercial license with support is required. Companies that previously did not need paid support must now decide relatively quickly whether they can or want to continue using Java free of charge, or whether they need commercial support.

Using webPDF and Java​

What must be considered when webPDF is used together with a local Java installation? The answer depends on which webPDF version and which platform are in use:

webPDF 7 - WindowswebPDF 7 - Linux
Oracle JRE 7 or 8, recommended: 8u172 or newerOpenJDK 7 or 8 from the Linux distribution, recommended

Important Notes​

  • The Java environment or a license for its usage is not delivered together with the software.
  • The required Java environment or license cannot be provided or procured through us.
  • No other JREs were tested with webPDF 7. Java/JRE is not part of the product and must be available before installation.
  • With webPDF, at the customer's own responsibility, any JRE can be used if it is placed in the installation directory inside the $jre/ folder. The local one always has priority over a system-wide version. However, it must be Java 8. More recent versions are not supported there.

List of Alternative Sources​

Upcoming webPDF Version: Future Planning​

webPDF 8, planned for 10/2019:

webPDF 8 - WindowswebPDF 8 - Linux
OpenJDK 11OpenJDK 11

Note​

  • Starting with webPDF 8, the product switches to OpenJDK and OpenJDK 11 will be delivered together with the installation.
  • Starting with webPDF 8, at least Java 11 is required. The code base is raised accordingly, so lower versions can no longer be used.
  • An optimized JRE is installed in the jre/ folder and used as the default.
  • No system-wide JRE needs to be installed anymore. A custom JRE can still be used via $jre/.
  • Switching to another JDK/JRE is technically possible, but remains the customer's responsibility.