AQS Java Memo

EPA MEMORANDUM

From:                    Robert Coats, U. S. EPA, AQS Federal Team Leader

To:                          All AQS Users

Subject:               Java Runtime for AQS Use

Oracle Corporation owns the intellectual property rights to the Java runtime that is utilized by AQS.  Starting on April 16, 2019, Oracle changed the license terms and conditions for the use of the Java runtime.  Prior to this date, it could be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.  After this date, the version that may be freely downloaded is restricted to personal non-commercial use and in support of products developed using licensed Oracle development tools.  AQS is an Oracle Forms application that was developed and is maintained using Oracle development tools.   As a result, AQS users are licensed to use all present versions of the Java runtime environment.  EPA staff have communicated with Oracle sales and licensing representatives on numerous occasions, and are assured that this is the correct legal understanding.

The license for use of the Java runtime is posted on the Oracle website at https://www.oracle.com/downloads/licenses/javase-license1.html.   All AQS users are invited to review the license for themselves, and with their organization’s IT support staff.   Please take specific note of the paragraph quoted below, and the link to https://java.com/oaa therein.  You will see that it specifically allows use of the Oracle Java SE runtime with “Oracle Forms, and applications that contain Oracle Forms”, which qualifies AQS.

“Oracle Approved Product Use” refers to Your internal use of the Programs only to run: (a) the product(s) identified as Schedule A Products at https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/approved-product-use-list.html; and/or (b) software Applications developed using the products identified as Schedule B Products at java.com/oaa by an Oracle authorized licensee of such Schedule B Products.

Note:  For users who previously installed the Java runtime, you will typically have an update program that automatically runs and lets you know when there is a newer version of Java available.  If you select the option to download and then install the new version, you will receive warning pop-ups about the new license terms.  For AQS use, you are authorized to use the new version, and should accept its installation.