A new survey reveals that Java continues to be a key player in enterprise technology, especially as companies ramp up their AI initiatives. Over 2,000 Java professionals worldwide participated in the study, highlighting trends that could shape the future of Java development. Notably, many organizations are shifting away from Oracle Java due to rising costs and licensing concerns, while Java’s importance in AI is on the rise.

Java Becomes Essential for AI Workloads

Java has long been a staple for enterprise applications, but its role in AI is rapidly expanding. The latest report shows that 62% of organizations now use Java to develop AI features—up from 50% last year. This indicates a growing reliance on Java for integrating machine learning models and AI functionalities into existing systems.

Many companies are moving AI from experimental phases into production, making Java even more critical for scaling AI workloads. Around 31% of respondents say that more than half of their Java applications now include AI capabilities. This trend is supported by a mature ecosystem of Java-compatible AI libraries like JavaML and Deep Java Library (DJL).

Key Features to Keep Java Competitive in AI

Survey participants identified several features that will help Java stay relevant in an AI-driven world. The most important are long-term support for modern Java versions (35%), built-in security features (34%), and better observability tools (32%). Support for large data access and integration with large language models are also seen as crucial, each at 30%.

These features will help Java developers handle the demands of modern AI applications, ensuring Java remains a reliable choice for enterprise AI projects. As the AI landscape evolves, Java’s ability to adapt will be vital for its continued success in enterprise environments.

Migration Away from Oracle Java Accelerates

The survey also highlights a major shift in the Java community: many organizations are leaving Oracle Java due to cost concerns. Since Oracle introduced its new licensing model in 2023, 92% of respondents expressed concern about Java pricing—nearly double the rate from last year. Only 7% are not worried at all, showing widespread dissatisfaction.

This dissatisfaction is prompting companies to migrate to open-source alternatives. About 81% of organizations are moving or planning to move some or all of their Java workloads away from Oracle Java to open-source versions like OpenJDK. A significant 63% aim to migrate their entire Java estate. Cost is the main driver, with 37% citing it as the top reason for switching.

Other reasons include a preference for open-source software (31%), uncertainty caused by ongoing licensing changes (29%), and worries about Oracle Java audit risks (26%). These factors together are pushing organizations to explore alternative Java distributions that offer more flexibility and lower costs.

Overall, the survey paints a picture of a Java ecosystem at a crossroads—balancing the need for innovation in AI with the financial and licensing challenges posed by Oracle’s policies. As companies continue to migrate and adapt, Java’s future will depend on its ability to meet evolving enterprise needs while providing cost-effective, secure, and scalable solutions.

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• https://ai-techpark.com/azul-report-62-of-enterprises-use-java-for-ai-workloads/