Hi everyone,

Over the last week, we’ve been listening closely to your feedback on the new Liferay DXP Free Tier. Some of the conversations, particularly around database limitations, highlighted a gap between what we intended to do and how the software actually behaved.

The Free Tier exists to lower the barrier to entry for Liferay. If we’re creating friction instead of removing it, we need to adjust. So, we’re making two key updates.

1. Database Support: Restoring Flexibility

Historically, while Liferay CE didn't "officially" provide the ability to use commercial databases like SQL Server or Oracle, the Community always found a way to make them work.

With the move to a single Liferay DXP distribution, our new Activation Key mechanism was designed to protect subscriber-only features. An unintended side effect, however, was that it ended up breaking the existing workarounds too. It turned a "not officially possible" scenario into an "impossible" one.

That wasn’t the intention. And more importantly, it isn't helpful.

So we’re removing this restriction: Free Tier users can now use the same databases as subscribers, including SQL Server and Oracle, without needing custom workarounds.

2. A "Stability-First" Release Model

We’re also making a change to the exact minor version of the Quarterly Release that is available for Free Tier users. Previously, the plan was to provide access to the first release of every quarter (e.g., 2026.Q1.0).

However, software is rarely at its most "settled" in a .0 release. To ensure the Free Tier is a reliable place to build, we are moving away from the "point-zero" requirement. Each quarter, we will instead designate a specific release for the Free Tier based on stability and quality.

Sometimes that will be .0; other times it might be .1 or .2. The goal is simple:

When you download the Free Tier, you get the version we believe is most ready for work.

The Bottom Line

The Free Tier is a journey for us, too. These changes mean:

• Zero friction on your database of choice.
• Better reliability with curated quarterly releases.
• A faster path from "download" to "done."

If something is getting in the way of you using Liferay, we want to hear about it. Thanks for helping us get the balance right!

Cheers,

Ben

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Liferay DXP 2026.q1.2 is now available, and can be downloaded here.