Oracle now requires a paid subscription to Java Standard Edition (SE) to receive all updates and security patches. Java is used widely on campus by ITS and others to support university applications, infrastructure, and other technology.
The change to a paid subscription model may pose a significant financial impact to units with Java-dependant applications, or may require applications to be modified to use a no-cost, open source version of Java. For more information about the security impacts, see IA Notice: Oracle Java users need to switch to a supported version (May 23, 2019).
Below is a summary of how the change may impact your unit’s IT services and how ITS is managing Java-dependant services.
ACTION REQUIRED: Review unit-provided applications and other instances of Java
If your unit is responsible for maintaining applications or other instances of Java, it is critical that you use a supported version and update with security patches as they are released.
To avoid annual subscription costs, ITS recommends modifying applications to use an open source version of Java or to use a different development resource. However, if your application requires Oracle Java SE for desktop or servers, licensed subscriptions are available for purchase in the ITS Software Store.
ITS Services
The majority of ITS services using Java will be modified during a standard release window to use a no-cost, open-source Java version. All changes will be posted to the ITS Service Status page.
The following is an overview of the services that may require action from units, have financial considerations, or have direct impact those who use the services.
BusinessObjects
Most faculty and staff who use BusinessObjects can avoid Java subscription charges by using the HTML editor rather than the Java Applet. The HTML editor provides the same features as the Java Applet, with a few exceptions.
To confirm that you have selected the HTML editor rather than the Java Applet, log in to BusinessObjects and select Preferences > Web Intelligence. Verify that HTML is selected under both View and Modify, then click Save & Close. For details, see this My LINC procedure.
Other useful information
- The next version of BusinessObjects (version 4.3) will not use Java. It is due to be released in the second quarter of 2020, and ITS plans to upgrade soon after.
- BusinessObjects does not work with Version 9 and later versions of the Java Applet.
- If you require functionality that is only available in the Java Applet, you will need to download JRE 8.x. Oracle Java SE Desktop subscriptions for named user licenses are available for purchase at the ITS Software Store.
Action: Determine if you are able to use the HTML editor. If you need to purchase an Oracle Java subscription, please follow your unit’s usual process for purchasing software.
Campus Computing Sites, Virtual Sites
Java Runtime Environment (JRE), a Java component now requiring a subscription, was part of the standard software on devices supported by Campus Computing Sites, including Virtual Sites. ITS does not plan to purchase licenses for Campus Computing Sites, and JRE will be removed from devices by the start of the Fall term.
Amazon Corretto 8, a no-cost open source alternative, will replace JRE on Campus Computing Sites and Virtual Sites when necessary.
Action: Awareness only. See Software section below for impacts to specific applications provided on Sites computers.
MiServer
MiServer virtual machines (VMs) that require Oracle Java may require a paid subscription for Java SE. The MiServer team is tracking unit requirements to ensure that the MiServer infrastructure is adequately licensed to meet campus needs.
If you currently have Oracle Java installed on your MiServer VM, please review the following five statements. Your server will need a license subscription for Oracle Java if all statements are true.
- Oracle Java is installed on the server
- Java is needed on the server
Note: If Java is not needed, we recommend uninstalling it to minimize security risks. - Alternatives, such as OpenJDK, won't work
- The server is a production server
- Oracle Java license was not bundled with a vendor application
Action: Please review MiServer virtual machine (VM) for Java dependencies and report them to [email protected] if your VM requires an Oracle Java subscription.
MiWorkspace, Platform as a Service (Windows and Izzy for macOS)
Standard software provided by MiWorkspace does not require Oracle Java. However, if you use a web application or software not provided by MiWorkspace that requires Java, you may install Open-Source Java, the free alternative version, yourself using the Software Center (Windows) or Managed Software Center (macOS) after July 19.
Please note that the open source alternative may not work when Oracle Java is required. See the software section for applications which may require your unit to purchase Oracle desktop subscriptions.
Action:
- MiWorkspace: If your unit uses an application that requires Oracle Java, please notify the ITS Service Center. ITS may not be aware of all applications installed outside of the MiWorkspace standard software, unit software, or the Software Centers.
- Platform as a Service: Admins may deploy Amazon Corretto to managed computers as necessary.
Payment Card Assurance (PCA) Workstations
Java Runtime Environment (JRE), a Java component now requiring a subscription, was part of the standard software on all PCA Workstations. JRE will be removed from all current and future workstations as soon as a critical patch is required to keep it PCI Compliant.
Action: If your unit is a merchant and has a contract with a vendor to provide PCI-compliant software, infrastructure, or equipment, please contact your vendor to determine if:
- Oracle Java licenses are included with the products you use,
- your unit is required to purchase licenses,
- no-cost, open source options, such as OpenJDK or Amazon Corretto, are compatible with the products you use, or
- Java is not needed at all
Software - Campus Computing Sites, MiWorkspace, Software Services, UmichITAM
The majority of the software provided by ITS do not require Java or the licenses are provided with the product by the vendor.
Action: If your unit uses software listed below, please notify the ITS Service Center. Your unit may need to purchase subscriptions to Oracle Java.
Exceptions
| Software Title | Provided by | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Creative Cloud |
|
Use a supported version of Adobe Creative Cloud to avoid Java licensing issues. Adobe supports versions 2019 and 2018. If you are using version 2017 or older, you are required by Adobe to upgrade. |
| Adobe Creative Suite (Legacy) |
|
Upgrade to Adobe Creative Cloud versions 2019 or 2018 if you are using any Creative Suite version. Creative Suite is no longer supported by Adobe and requires Oracle Java Runtime 6 or older. As of August 1, 2019, Creative Suite will be removed from Campus Computing Sites computers and will no longer be available from UmichITAM or for future installations on MiWorkspace computers. Visit the ITS Software Store for information about purchasing Creative Cloud licenses. |
| BusinessObjects | See the BusinessObjects section above for details. |