
Live Webinar, Tuesday, April 28th 2026
11:00 – 11:45 AM CET
Choosing A Java Runtime: Should You Go Free or Supported?
The Java platform (JDK) is an open-source project, much like Linux. While the source code is freely available, most organisations don’t build Java from source. Instead, they rely on binary distributions of OpenJDK to run their applications.
In this webinar, we’ll break down what really matters when choosing a Java runtime for your organisation. We’ll explain the critical differences between maintenance and support, why those distinctions matter in production environments, and how they affect everything from patching timelines to incident response.
Enterprise and mission-critical applications demand consistent security updates, predictable performance, and fast access to expert help when something goes wrong. Choosing the wrong Java runtime can introduce hidden risks, unexpected costs, or gaps in coverage—especially as Java versions age and licensing models evolve.
Whether you’re running Java in the cloud, on-premises, or in regulated environments, this session will give you a practical framework for evaluating free versus supported Java runtimes, so you can make an informed, confident decision that aligns with your technical and business requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Why “free” Java distributions are not all the same
- The difference between Java maintenance and *support—and why it matters
- How security patches, CVE fixes, and update cadence vary by distribution
- What enterprises should expect from a supported Java runtime
- Common risks of running unsupported or community-only Java in production
- How to align Java runtime choices with compliance, SLAs, and business continuity goals
What You’ll Learn
- How OpenJDK distributions are built and delivered
- What questions to ask when evaluating a Java runtime provider
- How to assess security, stability, and long-term viability
- How to reduce operational risk for mission-critical Java applications

SPEAKER
Simon Ritter
Deputy CTO at Azul
PARTNER

Azul is the only company 100% dedicated to advancing Java for the modern enterprise, and the trusted leader in commercially supported Java. Its open-source–based Java platform delivers industry-leading security, efficiency, performance, and cost effectiveness, backed by the most comprehensive end-to-end Java portfolio — from high-performance runtimes and application servers to Java intelligence —helping organizations build, run, and modernize Java applications with confidence. Azul powers mission-critical systems for 36% of the Fortune 100, 50% of the Forbes Top Ten World’s Most Valuable Brands, all of the world’s top 10 financial trading companies, and many of the world’s leading brands including Mastercard, BMW, Deutsche Telekom and Workday. Learn more at azul.com and follow @azulsystems.
Digitaler Webinar Pass
✓ Live-Streaming: Exclusive webinar on April 28th, 2026
✓ On-Demand: Webinar recording available in our event app
✓ Digital Multi-Touchpoint Networking: Digital networking with all participants
✓ Digital Exhibition: Full access to all services & solutions from our partner Azul
