Guest: Simon Taylor (LinkedIn)
Company: Azul 
Show: Java Reloaded
Topic: Cloud Native

For managed service providers (MSPs), Oracle’s evolving Java licensing model has become one of the biggest operational challenges of the past few years. The shift from infrastructure-based to employee-based licensing has caused confusion, unexpected costs, and increased audit pressure. In this conversation, Simon Taylor, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Partners & Alliances at Azul, explains how the Azul Intelligence Cloud is helping MSPs regain control, improve compliance, and build trust with their enterprise customers.

The complexity of Oracle’s licensing strategy has forced organizations to rethink how they manage their Java environments. According to Taylor, many customers are now taking a more thoughtful approach instead of reacting to audit threats or renewal costs. “We’re seeing customers who are much more considered now,” he says. “They’re looking for expert services to identify exactly where Java is installed and being used.”

This is where Azul Intelligence Cloud comes in. Built to go beyond traditional inventory tools, it provides deep visibility into how Java is actually used across an organization — not just what’s installed. That difference may sound subtle, but it fundamentally changes how MSPs can support their clients.

“Most of the tools out there only look at installations,” Taylor notes. “They don’t tell you what’s running or where you’re at risk. Intelligence Cloud gives you a live view of real Java usage across all distributions — Oracle, IBM, Red Hat, Corretto, Microsoft, and others.”

That breadth is key. Many enterprises run multiple Java distributions across complex hybrid environments, and the inability to see usage clearly can lead to licensing blind spots. By collecting telemetry directly from the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Azul Intelligence Cloud eliminates that guesswork. It empowers partners to identify underutilized licenses, flag compliance gaps, and even optimize performance.

This usage-based visibility is increasingly important given Oracle’s aggressive auditing practices. Over the past few years, Oracle has pushed many organizations toward new licensing models that tie cost to employee headcount. For customers already running multiple versions of Java — some free, some paid — tracking compliance manually has become nearly impossible.

Taylor explains that Azul’s Intelligence Cloud offers a way to cut through the noise. “With Intelligence Cloud, MSPs can quickly show their customers what’s running where, what’s compliant, and what’s not,” he says. “That’s a level of insight you can’t get from legacy audit tools.”

For managed service providers, that capability opens new business opportunities. Instead of merely responding to customer concerns, MSPs can now deliver proactive compliance management and advisory services. “If a customer was using Intelligence Cloud directly, they’d need a whole internal team to interpret the results,” Taylor says. “Partners are already doing that — they just need the right toolset to generate greater intelligence.”

By providing MSPs with that toolset, Azul effectively extends their value to clients. The Intelligence Cloud not only helps partners deliver compliance reports but also supports ongoing license optimization, cost control, and risk mitigation.

The platform’s real-time data collection also enhances security and modernization. MSPs can see which Java versions or libraries are still in use and which are outdated, potentially exposing vulnerabilities. This allows them to recommend patching strategies, identify unpatched libraries like Log4j, and eliminate unused components that no longer serve a purpose.

Beyond compliance, the Intelligence Cloud supports the transition from reactive support to strategic advisory services. By pairing data analytics with Azul’s licensing expertise, partners can guide clients through audits, reduce renewal costs, and improve the overall health of their Java estates.

Taylor emphasizes that Azul’s approach is not limited to technology — it’s about partnership. “We built Intelligence Cloud three years ago,” he says. “Now it’s coming to fruition in terms of real value. It’s giving partners the ability to interpret results, provide context, and help customers make smarter licensing decisions.”

He also points out that this kind of intelligence is not limited to Azul’s own distribution. The platform is completely vendor-neutral, designed to support multi-vendor environments. This openness strengthens MSP credibility and customer trust, positioning them as impartial advisors rather than product resellers.

As Java continues to evolve and licensing terms grow more complex, visibility will only become more critical. Azul’s Intelligence Cloud is already proving that managed service providers can turn compliance risk into a strategic advantage — and a new source of recurring revenue.

“Partners don’t want to be in the business of compliance panic,” Taylor concludes. “They want to deliver predictable, repeatable services that drive real business outcomes. That’s what this platform enables.”

For managed service providers navigating the Oracle landscape, that’s not just a technical edge — it’s a competitive one.