Is the use of J2SE becoming no more free of charge?

General Discussions
#1

Hi!

I read this on Sun website:
http://java.sun.com/javase/support/javaseforbusiness/

Some anti-Java people responsible of the website Programmez! conclude that the use of Java is becoming no more free of charge
http://www.programmez.com/actualites.php?id_actu=5177&xtor=EPR-129

[quote]Que se passe-t-il donc ? Nous en apprenons plus à cette page. Sun y explique clairement, du moins semble-t-il, que Java devient désormais à deux vitesses. D’un côté une Java SE for Business, pour les clients et partenaires, ceux pouvant continuer de recevoir les mises à jour critiques, ainsi que le support pour leurs application existantes, mais sous réserve d’acquérir une licence d’utilisation. De l’autre côté une OpenJDK qui continuera d’exister et d’être maintenue régulièrement et qui sera gratuite.
[/quote]
My translation into English is below:

[quote]What is happening there? We learn more on this page. Sun explains clearly, at least it seems that Java is now at two speeds. On one side a Java SE for Business, for customers and partners, they may continue to receive critical updates, and support for existing applications, but subject to acquire a license. On the other side an OpenJDK will continue to exist and be maintained regularly and to be free.
[/quote]
What is going on exactly?

#2

For me this reads like:

“Either follow the current OpenJDK releases or pay to get updates to older JRE/JDK releases”

Business IT management is different from the open source or consumer world in respect to release adaption. A company might have a policy to forbid major version updates, but might need security or bug-fixes. The JavaSE for Business seems to address this need. Nothing noteworthy for the rest of the world here I think.

#3

a support licence not a license for use…

#4

Ok I am reassured, thank you very much.

#5

Sun Clarifies on the G1 Garbage Collector Licensing Controversy