6 Java myths that may be holding back your cloud optimisation
Choosing a Java runtime can be an important decision to make, but don't let these pre-conceived notions hold you back from getting it right.
Published on 23rd October 2024
In a clear sign that businesses are searching for practical ways to reduce spending without diminishing the value of their cloud investments, reducing waste moved into the top spot in the 2024 State of FinOps survey for the first time since the report began in 2020.
Because nearly every business uses Java for application development, it makes sense for teams to begin looking at their Java estate for ways to maximise efficiency. Landing on a long-term solution rather than a series of short-sighted fixes requires overcoming some common misconceptions. Here are the biggest myths holding teams back from optimising performance to create value and increase profitability.
Myth 1: All Java runtimes are created equal
Oracle’s share of JDK usage has been declining, with many companies moving off Oracle Java to an open-source distribution like OpenJDK. Azul’s 2024 report found that 86% of respondents were actively migrating, planning to migrate or had already migrated all or some of their Oracle Java.
While many options exist, there are significant differences in performance and optimisation between various distributions. Some runtimes are specifically engineered for cloud-centric workloads, offering improved performance and lower total cost of ownership. The key is to look beyond the surface and understand each runtime’s unique characteristics.
Myth 2: Your choice of Java runtime doesn't affect your cloud bill
The efficiency of your Java runtime substantially affects your cloud costs. As FinOps becomes a priority for enterprises grappling with escalating cloud costs, every technical decision (including your runtime choice) should consider cost implications.
A high-performance Java runtime (called the Java Virtual Machine or JVM for short) can reduce the number of instances needed to run the same workload, directly impacting cloud spending. Ultimately, it boils down to a simple formula: faster code equals less compute equals a smaller cloud bill.
Myth 3: We don't have performance problems in our cloud applications
Many teams unknowingly overprovision resources, leading to wasted cloud capacity. Even tiny performance issues, like 0.1% of transactions taking five to six times longer, can lead to significant overprovisioning. High-performance Java runtimes can reduce CPU usage, freeing up server and instance capacity. With it, some organisations have seen more than a 20% reduction in cloud compute costs simply by using a high-performance Java runtime.
Myth 4: Changing your Java runtime is too difficult
Optimising Java performance and cloud utilisation doesn’t necessarily require code changes or recompilation. Switching to using high-performance Java runtimes with minimal disruption typically involves installing the new Java runtime and making easy configuration changes without the need to alter or recompile application code.
Myth 5: We're running out of ways to optimise our cloud spend
High-performance Java runtimes can be procured through cloud marketplaces, leveraging your committed spend to procure a faster Java runtime that offers multiple benefits such as additional discounts through committed spend thresholds, simplified contracting and, most importantly, less spend on cloud compute.
Myth 6: We must upgrade to the latest Java version for better performance
While staying current has its benefits, you don’t need to move to the latest Java release to reap the benefits of exceptional performance. Many high-performance Java runtimes offer significant “backported” improvements for older Java versions, allowing you to enhance performance without the need to upgrade your major Java version—which can be quite complex and costly.
The Path Forward
As cloud costs continue to be a significant concern for businesses, it’s crucial to look beyond traditional optimisation strategies. Your choice of Java runtime can be a powerful tool in your cost-saving arsenal. Organisations can significantly reduce their cloud spend while improving application performance, creating a culture of cloud cost awareness.
Tech leaders find themselves responsible for continuously exploring and implementing these often-overlooked optimisation strategies. Remember, the goal isn’t just to cut costs but to maximise the value derived from every dollar spent on cloud resources. By doing so, you can drive both efficiency and innovation in the increasingly cloud-dependent world.
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Mohamed Hassan via Pixabay
