Java is a widely adopted computer programming language and runtime environment that powers many software applications – including Coviant Diplomat MFT. The Java platform was originally developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-90’s, and Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems in early 2010. Throughout its history, Java has been freely available for people to build and run software applications (which undoubtedly played a large part in its widespread adoption). For Coviant, this meant that we could write Diplomat MFT in Java and freely distribute the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) with our application, using the “Binary Code License.” Our customers could have peace of mind that Diplomat MFT would run properly on their systems, and the underlying JRE on which it ran would receive patches and updates from Oracle when necessary.
Times have changed, though. Oracle has given notice that Java will no longer be available to customers for free (see this release notice for details). Oracle will begin charging license fees for Java customers to receive updates – including security patches – to their JRE on which applications run.
Therefore, starting with Diplomat MFT 8.1.1, Coviant Software will ship with an OpenJDK implementation of the JRE, specifically the Zulu platform from Azul Systems. Zulu provides a free, Long Term Support (LTS), fully Java SE compliant option that ensures that our customers will be able to run the Diplomat MFT platform securely and efficiently for many years to come … without any paid licensing encumbrances.At Coviant, we do not wish to encumber our customers with the burden of licensing the JRE from Oracle. At the same time, we need our Diplomat MFT to operate properly in our customers’ environments and receive the necessary bug fixes and security patches.
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