Quartet FS

What Quartet FS does

Azul Systems, Inc. is a privately held Java platform company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, that operates as the world's largest independent Java vendor with 100% of its business focused on Java. The company builds and sells two complementary runtime platforms: Azul Platform Prime, a high-performance JVM featuring the patented C4 concurrently compacting garbage collector and the LLVM-based Falcon JIT compiler (with ReadyNow! warmup optimization), and Azul Platform Core, a commercially supported OpenJDK distribution built on Azul Zulu. Both are complemented by Azul Intelligence Cloud, a SaaS analytics layer providing JVM inventory, vulnerability detection, and code inventory across the enterprise Java estate. Sub-brands include Azul Payara Micro (cloud-native microservices runtime) and Azul Payara Server (Jakarta EE application server).

The company monetizes through annual subscriptions to its Java runtimes, professional services for Oracle-to-OpenJDK migration, and SaaS subscriptions to Azul Intelligence Cloud, with distribution through direct enterprise field sales, a global PartnerConnect network of VARs/distributors/MSPs, and AWS and Google Cloud Marketplaces. The customer base is concentrated in large enterprises — Azul claims 37% of the Fortune 100, 100% of the top 10 global trading firms, and 12% of the Global 1000 — with named logos spanning financial services (Mastercard, HSBC, Bank of America), technology (Workday, Salesforce, Adobe, Netflix, Lyft, Taboola), retail (Priceline, Puma), and other verticals. Headcount is reported in the 101–250 range, with global operations spanning North America, EMEA, and APAC.

The fundamental value proposition is replacing Oracle Java subscriptions with a drop-in, supported OpenJDK alternative while delivering measurable performance and cloud-cost improvements — claimed reductions of up to 70% in Oracle licensing costs and up to 50% in cloud infrastructure spend, with Forrester TEI studies reporting 129–224% ROI and customer-documented outcomes of hundreds of servers eliminated. Azul has no parent company, no disclosed institutional investors, and no publicly disclosed revenue or funding history, operating as a closely held independent firm.

Name

Quartet FS

Legal name

Azul Systems, Inc.

Website

https://azul.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Azul Systems is the world's largest independent Java vendor, selling commercial Java runtimes (Azul Platform Prime and Core) and runtime analytics (Azul Intelligence Cloud) to large enterprises as an Oracle Java alternative, claiming 37% Fortune 100 penetration.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Sunnyvale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Revenue model

1. Java Platform Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Azul generates revenue from licensing its commercial Java platforms (Azul Platform Prime, Azul Core/Zulu) via subscription and perpetual license models. Azul's independent Java platform offers an alternative to Oracle Java SE subscriptions.
2. Professional Services and Migration Services: Advisory and delivery services for Oracle Java to OpenJDK migration, including discovery, analysis, migration execution, testing, and post-migration managed services. Provided both directly and through certified PartnerConnect partners.
3. Azul Intelligence Cloud (SaaS): Analytics and insights SaaS product that delivers Java inventory, vulnerability detection, and code usage analytics. Powers MSP partner managed service offerings.
4. Marketplace Sales (AWS and Google Cloud): Azul products are commercially available on AWS and Google Cloud marketplaces, enabling customers to leverage committed cloud spend and standardized procurement agreements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Quartet FS was founded in response to demand from industries with complex business models that need to make timely decisions, suggesting an enterprise-focused offerings portfolio oriented around decision support or analytics for complex operating environments. Specific products, services, and detailed feature descriptions are not provided in the source material; the firm maintains a partner listing at azul.com/partners/quartet-fs.

Product overview

Azul offers a unified Java platform portfolio consisting of Azul Platform Prime (high-performance JVM with C4 garbage collector and Falcon JIT compiler) and Azul Platform Core (OpenJDK with Zulu). Both platforms are complemented by Azul Intelligence Cloud, an analytics module providing runtime visibility. Azul also offers specialized products including Payara Micro (microservices runtime) and Payara Server (Jakarta EE application server), plus components for JVM inventory, vulnerability detection, and code inventory management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Azul Core: Includes Azul Zulu, the world's most secure and stable build of OpenJDK.
• Azul Prime
• Azul Intelligence Cloud
• Azul Platform Prime
• Azul Platform Core
• Azul Payara Micro
• Azul Payara Server

Quantifiable outcome

• 129% ROI reported by Forrester Total Economic Impact study for Azul Prime users
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability1 record

Feature10 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• JetBrainsflagshipTechnology or Integration · 20 May 2025Strategic technical collaboration to enhance runtime performance and scalability of web and server-side Kotlin applications. Azul Platform Prime with Falcon JIT compiler and C4 GC delivers 30.5% higher throughput and 23.9% lower latency vs OpenJDK for Kotlin workloads on TechEmpower Benchmarks. JetBrains is creator of Kotlin, used by 2.5M+ developers yearly.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)flagshipTechnology or IntegrationAzul Platform Prime is technically validated by AWS for AWS Graviton instances. Azul is an AWS Graviton Ready Partner. Azul products are available on AWS Marketplace, enabling customers to leverage PPA and committed cloud spend. Azul benchmarks show 26% faster performance on Graviton 3 and 18% faster on Graviton 2 vs typical OpenJDK.
• Google CloudcoreTechnology or IntegrationAzul products are commercially available on Google Cloud Marketplace, enabling customers to use standardized marketplace agreements and consolidate software purchases.
• 2Oaks ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFeatured MSP in Azul PartnerConnect. Specializes in strategic advisory, program and project management, risk management, and enterprise architecture.
• LogicaliscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFeatured MSP in Azul PartnerConnect. 'Architects of Change' — helps organizations succeed in a digital-first world and harness collective technology expertise.
• SLC (Software Licensing Compliance)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFounded in 2004 by former Oracle executives, SLC is the leading advisory on all-things Oracle including contract and audit negotiations, licensing policies, maintenance and ULA certification. Has helped thousands of clients save more than $1B in contract negotiations.
• QBS SoftwarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized Distributor in EMEA. The largest channel-only online software marketplace offering access to over 12,000 SaaS products. QBS Software is part of QBS Technology Group.
• ZonescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold tier VAR partner in North America. Leading global IT solutions provider specializing in cloud, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity services. Specializes in Java Cloud License FinOps.
• SoftwareOnecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlatinum tier VAR partner. Leading global software and cloud solutions provider redefining how organizations build, buy and manage everything in the cloud. 8,900 employees, 7,500 software brands, 90 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (SWON).
• AquionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured distributor for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific. Leading provider of Value-Added Distribution Services specializing in Business Transformation, DevOps, Modern Workplace, and Cybersecurity solutions.
• Liquid PCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWomen-owned global distributor and trusted advisor to software and hardware companies. Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with warehouse for drop ship orders or inventory management.
• ICE Information TechnologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnd-to-end IT solutions partner for enterprises in Middle East. Helps organizations transition from multi-vendor to single-vendor scenario. Specializes in Application Maintenance & Support Services and Managed Services.
• ChainguardcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership uniting Azul's commercial OpenJDK support with Chainguard's container images. Enables enterprises to accelerate developer productivity, eliminate engineering toil, and harden software supply chain security.
• ModernecoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnical partnership integrating Azul's runtime visibility (Azul Intelligence Cloud) and Java expertise with Moderne's OpenRewrite-based platform for automated multi-repository rules-based code refactoring. Helps Java teams identify, remove, and refactor unused and dead code.
• RapidFort, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnical partnership delivering zero CVE third-party container images backed by Azul's Java support. Addresses software supply chain security by eliminating zombie code (50-90% of unused components). RapidFort serves U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and enterprise customers. Integrates Azul's entire Java portfolio.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• JetBrains: Creator of Kotlin and Azul's strategic technical partner; adjacent rather than competitive, and a key channel for expanding Azul's footprint into Kotlin-based cloud-native workloads.
• Chainguard: Container image vendor and Azul PartnerConnect technology partner; together they offer 'zero-CVE' container images bundled with commercial Java support, complementing rather than competing with Azul's runtime.

Direct peers

• Amazon Web Services (Corretto): AWS Corretto is Amazon's free, long-term-supported OpenJDK distribution; competes with Azul Core for cloud-native and AWS-hosted Java workloads and is technically validated to run on Graviton alongside Azul.
• Red Hat: Red Hat ships Red Hat Build of OpenJDK and competes with Azul Core for Java runtimes on RHEL-based enterprise estates and OpenShift container platforms.
• Oracle: Owner of the canonical Oracle Java SE distribution and Azul's primary competitor for commercial Java runtimes; competes head-to-head on JDK subscriptions, performance, and enterprise support contracts.
• Bellsoft (Liberica JDK): Bellsoft provides Liberica JDK, a commercial OpenJDK distribution with support and container images, competing with Azul Core for cost-sensitive enterprise and embedded Java customers.
• Eclipse Adoptium (Temurin): Eclipse Adoptium's Temurin is the leading vendor-neutral OpenJDK build, often used as the free baseline against which Azul Core's commercial support is positioned.
• SAP (Eclipse OpenJ9): SAP is a key contributor to Eclipse OpenJ9, an alternative high-performance JVM, and competes with Azul in large enterprises running Java on SAP and HCL software stacks.
• IBM (Semeru Runtimes / Eclipse OpenJ9): IBM ships Semeru Runtimes and contributes to Eclipse OpenJ9, an alternative high-performance JVM. Directly competes with Azul Prime in enterprise Java performance and support.
• Microsoft (Microsoft Build of OpenJDK): Microsoft distributes its own free OpenJDK build and competes with Azul in enterprises standardizing Java on Azure, including cloud-native and containerized workloads.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/azulsystems
• Facebookfacebook.com/azulsystemsinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/azul-systems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Quartet FS