Java remains one of the most widely deployed programming languages in enterprise environments, but for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), it has also become one of the trickiest to manage. Licensing is evolving, security expectations are higher, and customers want expert, proactive guidance. Azul’s new Managed Service Provider Program, built on its Intelligence Cloud, aims to simplify that challenge while creating new revenue opportunities for MSPs.

Simon Taylor , Senior Vice President of Worldwide Partners & Alliances at Azul, says the core problem is that most discovery tools stop at identifying installed Java versions. “They only focus on what’s installed. They don’t focus on what’s actually being used,” he explained.

The Azul Intelligence Cloud changes that by creating a live Java Inventory—tracking real JVM activity across Oracle, Red Hat, Corretto, IBM, Microsoft, and other distributions.

This usage-level insight matters because many licensing and security obligations depend on active runtime, not just presence on disk. For example, Oracle’s shift toward employee-based licensing and its more aggressive audit stance have pushed organizations to get precise about what’s in use. MSPs using Azul’s platform can quickly pinpoint active instances, assess compliance risks, and advise clients with confidence.

Observability, Purpose-Built for Java

General observability and security tools weren’t designed for Java’s specific runtime behavior. Azul’s JVMI capability collects telemetry directly from the JVM, revealing not just when applications run but also which classes and libraries they load. This data can power performance optimization, modernization planning, and—critically—security analysis.

Because the platform correlates loaded code against known CVEs, MSPs can detect vulnerabilities in active code paths with far greater precision than traditional application vulnerability scanners. “We can find Log4j almost instantly,” Taylor noted, even in cases where generic scanners miss it. That precision eliminates false positives and directs remediation efforts where they matter most.

Improving Signal-to-Noise in Security
Typical application vulnerability scans generate millions of alerts, many irrelevant. Azul’s Intelligence Cloud filters that noise by focusing only on code that actually executes. This not only tightens security posture but also speeds incident response.

If an MSP’s client suffers a breach that traces back to an application flaw, usage data from Azul can guide teams to the exact vulnerable component. The platform can push telemetry into existing SOC tooling via REST APIs, allowing integration with SIEMs like Splunk or QRadar without replacing established workflows.

Taylor also points out a less obvious benefit: identifying unused but still present code. Many teams patch or protect libraries that have been dormant for years. Removing such dead code reduces the attack surface and frees up DevOps resources.

Code Inventory and Developer Efficiency
Azul extends its usage-based insights with code inventory capabilities, mapping which classes and libraries are actually loaded. This lets MSPs help customers cut code maintenance waste—work on modules that haven’t been executed in a decade can simply stop.

In one large-scale deployment, Azul’s analysis revealed the equivalent of 30 developer-years annually spent maintaining unused code. Eliminating that overhead delivered immediate ROI and accelerated modernization projects.

White-Label, Partner-Friendly Model
The MSP Program is designed so partners own the customer relationship. “White labeling means shielding the customer from really understanding if Azul is being used in the background or not,” Taylor said. MSPs deliver branded reports—security posture, compliance status, modernization recommendations—while Azul’s platform quietly powers the insights.

Some MSPs run weekly “Oracle defense” scans to detect any reintroduction of unlicensed Oracle Java into client environments. The platform can detect and flag this within minutes, helping avoid compliance breaches before they escalate.

Onboarding and Enablement
Azul isn’t just shipping software; it actively supports MSP onboarding. Dedicated provisioning, monthly reporting, and decommissioning workflows ensure clean separation of customer data for compliance with regulations like GDPR. Partners also gain access to structured online training designed for rapid skill-up—not just slide decks, but interactive learning modules tailored for licensing, security, and code optimization services.

Starting the Java Conversation
For MSPs new to Java advisory services, Taylor recommends beginning with targeted discovery questions:
– What decision-making processes do you have for Java licensing?
– Do you know the difference between what’s installed and what’s used?
– How efficient are your development teams—are they maintaining dead code?
– Do you have an active Java security management process?

Such questions open the door to offering managed licensing reviews, code modernization audits, and security posture assessments—all backed by the Intelligence Cloud’s granular runtime analytics.

The Bottom Line
Azul’s MSP Program offers more than a tool—it’s an enablement framework that turns Java’s complexity into a revenue engine. By combining JVM-level visibility, CVE-focused security intelligence, and white-label delivery, MSPs can differentiate their services, deepen client trust, and drive measurable efficiency gains.

As Taylor puts it, “With the right tools and the right partner, you can lead smarter conversations around licensing, code modernization, and security posture right out of the gate.” For MSPs, that’s not just opportunity—it’s competitive advantage.