Why Paying for OpenJDK Support Makes Sense for Enterprise Java Teams
OpenJDK support is important to develop, implement, and deploy Java applications. Most OpenJDK distribution vendors provide just basic support for OpenJDK. If you look at some of the OpenJDK vendors that include free support, what they offer is very limited. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about OpenJDK support.
Is OpenJDK Supported?
While most OpenJDK distribution vendors, like IBM and Red Hat, offer free OpenJDK support, what you get is extremely basic. For example, it doesn't include:
- Application server architecture
- Proactive best practices recommendations
- Performance and optimization
- Support for core Java
RedHat and IBM will not extend their support beyond installation of the JVM into the environment or beyond the operating system layer.
Back to topWhat You Need in Enterprise OpenJDK Support
Enterprises need OpenJDK support vertically along the Java application stack. Making sure Java is properly installed is just the bare minimum requirement for the typical enterprise.
Developers need support for the core language itself, especially with the recently introduced rapid release schedule.
OpenJDK is continually receiving new features and fixes from upstream. Teams need to be able to understand application server landscape as well as the emerging Java microservices landscape. Plus, enterprise organizations understand how to deploy Java at an enterprise scale.
And all of this knowledge and maintenance needs to be owned by resources who understand the protocols and culture of the OpenJDK communities. With the transition of the enterprise at large to OpenJDK (Gartner is predicting an 80% shift to OpenJDK by 2023), Java shops will require conduits into the developer groups that direct OpenJDK’s growth.
Back to top[Forrester Report] Weigh Your Options for OpenJDK Support
Considering your best options for Java support? Find out what the Forrester analysts have to say about OpenJDK support.
OpenJDK Support Limits and Vendor Lock-In
Most OpenJDK support vendors will not extend their support beyond integration at the operating system level.
The majority of vendors will help organizations make sure Java is properly installed. But there is no support beyond that.
While these support duties absolutely extend from a larger set of responsibilities which deserve credit and recognition. For instance, obtaining the source code and creating the specific build. Once OpenJDK is set up within your environment, you’re largely on your own.
Plus, relying on these vendors solely for OpenJDK support creates additional lock-in. Vendors tend to only support their own builds. So, you would not be free to run supported OpenJDK in other flavors that make more sense for your environment.
OpenJDK Support For Windows and Linux
Enterprises commonly have a blend of OpenJDK Windows and Linux environments supporting their business.
It is easiest in these cases to use a Windows-specific build of OpenJDK. This includes as the ones available from AdoptOpenJDK in Windows environments. It's also a good idea to use a package manager provided distribution in a Linux environment, such as the RedHat RPM distribution of OpenJDK.
Finding a single vendor that will provide equal support for both distributions is difficult. This fragmentation in OpenJDK has led to confusion on who supports what and as to what kind of support is available for OpenJDK.
Getting OpenJDK support from OpenLogic by Perforce is different.
Back to topOpenJDK Support For All Stages
With OpenLogic, it doesn’t matter where you got your OpenJDK build from, our team can support it. OpenLogic enables you to get support at every stage of your OpenJDK journey. We also have the ability to produce obscure builds of Java for intricate and specific enterprise purposes.
Our support of the product doesn’t stop at installation. The majority of problems we help customers solve tend to deal with the Java language, both in syntax and practices, as well as quirks in the JVM (such as class loading or memory behavior).
OpenLogic provides support even further on up the stack, as we get into application servers, middleware, and broader deployment strategies.
Back to topNext Steps to Get OpenJDK Support
Interested in learning more about how you can get your OpenJDK supported? Our enterprise architects are ready to help. Get connected with an enterprise architect today. We can help you understand what you need out of OpenJDK support and how to get it.
