Oracle Java SE Licensing

Oracle Java SE (Standard Edition) is the core platform for the Java programming language. It provides the essential libraries and tools needed to develop and run Java applications on desktops, servers, and cloud environments. Java SE 8 is an older, but still actively developed, version of Java SE that was necessary for accessing certain UW-Madison Oracle applications for many years, but the bulk of those applications have been retired or are now only relevant to a very small subset of users.

Oracle has updated their terms of service to require commercial users purchase a subscription to continue to receive updates for Java SE 8 except in a limited set of circumstances. If you require Java SE 8, you will need to confirm directly with your application's vendor or service provider whether they have an agreement in place with Oracle to continue to use Java without a subscription. Alternatively you can transition from Oracle's Java SE distribution to an open source OpenJDK option.