Oracle Database 23c Beta

By participating in the Oracle Database 23c beta program, we are positioning ourselves as industry leaders when it comes to innovative database technologies. We are excited to see what this new release has in store and look forward to offering our clients the latest and most advanced solutions available.

Many of our clients come to us for assistance in upgrading their databases to Oracle Database 19c. We expect to see a similar demand for upgrading to Oracle Database 23c once it becomes generally available. Our approach to upgrading involves using a tried-and-true systematic methodology that our team has developed over the years. Our database engineers will work with the customer to create a project plan that is tailored to their specific applications, databases, and infrastructure. We partner with our clients to develop an upgrade strategy that involves collaboration with their development team and creates a joint execution plan. From the start of the project to the end of the upgrade, both the development and database administrator teams are aligned and understand their respective roles and responsibilities.

One of the key advantages of our systematic approach to upgrading is that it helps to minimize disruptions and downtime for our customers. We understand that any downtime can be costly and disruptive to a business, so we take great care to ensure that the upgrade process is as seamless as possible. Our team is highly experienced in upgrading databases and has the skills and knowledge to identify and address any potential issues before they occur.

In addition to minimizing downtime, our systematic approach also helps to ensure that the upgraded database is fully optimized and functioning at its best. We take the time to thoroughly test the upgraded database to ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently. We also provide ongoing support to our customers after the upgrade is complete, so they can feel confident that they have the resources they need to keep their database running at peak performance.

Overall, our goal is to provide a comprehensive and efficient upgrade process that helps our customers take full advantage of the latest features and capabilities offered by Oracle Database 23c. By working closely with our customers and using a systematic approach, we are able to deliver a successful upgrade that meets their specific needs and helps them achieve their business objectives. 

Upgrading Oracle databases can be a complex process, so it’s important to do your due diligence beforehand to ensure a smooth transition. One way to do this is to review some of the common support notes and alerts for the version you are upgrading to. These resources may contain information about known issues or recommended patches that could save you time and headaches in the long run.

One support note to consider reading before you begin the upgrade process is “FAQ: Database Upgrade and Migration” (Doc ID 1352987.1). This document provides useful information on the various steps involved in upgrading and migrating a database.

To find out about known issues and bugs, check out the “Database Releases Supported Status Summary” (MOS Note 161818.1). From this note, you can click on the link for the version you are upgrading to (e.g. 19c) and then click on the “Availability and Known Issues” link (e.g. Note 2527930.1 for 19c). These are critical issues that could cause availability or security problems, so it’s worth considering starting with these recommended patches.

Another general support document to start with is “Avoiding and Resolving Database Performance Related Issues After Upgrade” (MOS Note 1528847.1). This note provides guidance on how to avoid and troubleshoot performance-related issues after upgrading a database.

Additionally, MOS Note 2118136.2, “Assistant: Download Reference for Oracle Database/GI Update, Revision, PSU, SPU(CPU), Bundle Patches, Patchsets and Base Releases,” is a useful tool for finding the correct quarterly patch releases for each version of the database. 

In addition to the resources mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to check the Oracle Support website for any updates or alerts that may be relevant to your upgrade. The Oracle Support website provides a wealth of information on Oracle products and services, including documentation, technical articles, and community forums. If you encounter any issues during the upgrade process, you can use the website to search for solutions or to open a support request with Oracle.

It’s also worth considering reaching out to Oracle partners like Viscosity North America in the industry for guidance and support. Many companies and individuals have a wealth of experience with Oracle databases and can provide valuable insights and recommendations for a successful upgrade. Whether you need help with the technical aspects of the upgrade or simply want to bounce ideas off someone with more experience, these resources can be invaluable. 

When planning an upgrade to a new Oracle database, it’s important to consider both the target database release and the operating system (OS) that will host the new database. These factors can significantly impact the complexity and duration of the upgrade process, so it’s essential to carefully consider your options before proceeding.

Here are a few examples of upgrade options based on these factors:

• If you are currently running Oracle 11.2.0.4 and want to upgrade to 19c, you will likely need to plan for both an OS upgrade and a database upgrade as part of a single outage. This is because the OS and database versions are not compatible, so you will need to upgrade both at the same time to ensure that the new database can run properly on the new OS.
• If you are currently running Oracle 12.1.0.2 and want to upgrade to 19c, you may also need an OS upgrade. However, it is possible to perform the OS upgrade and database upgrade separately, with the OS upgrade being completed in one outage and the database upgrade in a later outage. This can be a good option if you are unable to take your database offline for a prolonged period of time.
• If you are unable to perform an OS upgrade at this time but still want to upgrade the database, it’s possible that you could complete an 18c upgrade without an OS upgrade if your source database is on 11.2.0.4 or 12.1.0.2. This is because the database and OS versions are compatible, so you can upgrade the database without also needing to upgrade the OS.
• If you are running a legacy database version prior to 11.2.0.4, you will likely need both an OS upgrade and a database upgrade. This is because the database and OS versions are not compatible, and you will need to upgrade both in order to run the new database on the new OS.

There are a few minor exceptions to these scenarios, such as Windows Server 64-bit 2012 and HP-UX Itanium platforms, which currently have longer lifespans. However, it is still important to keep your OS level patched on these platforms to ensure that your system is secure and performing optimally.

It’s worth noting that upgrading a database can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially if you are also needing to perform an OS upgrade. It’s important to thoroughly research and plan for the upgrade to ensure a smooth and successful transition. This may include reviewing support notes and alerts, testing the upgrade in a staging environment, and even seeking guidance from Oracle experts in the industry.

When it comes to upgrading an Oracle database, there are several methods to choose from, each with its own benefits and considerations. It’s important to carefully evaluate your options and select the method that best fits your needs and resources.

The three main methods for upgrading an Oracle database are:

1. In-Place Upgrade: This method involves installing the new Oracle software version and running the database upgrade on the same server and storage where the database currently resides. This is the simplest option, as it requires the least amount of planning and setup. However, it may be disruptive to users if the database needs to be taken offline during the upgrade process. It’s important to carefully plan the downtime and communicate with users to minimize the impact on their work.
2. Cross-Platform Upgrade: In this scenario, you would create a new system to host the Oracle database and migrate the data to this new system and version using Oracle’s built-in tools. This option allows you to perform the upgrade without disrupting the current system, as the database can continue to operate on the old system while the new system is being prepared. However, this method is more complex and may require more time and resources, as you will need to set up the new system, migrate the data, and test the new database to ensure it is functioning properly.
3. Real Time/Rolling Upgrade: This method involves creating a new system to host the Oracle database, setting up logical replication of the database to the new platform, upgrading the replicated environment in place, and then performing a switchover once both the source and target databases are in sync. This option allows for minimal disruption to users, but it is the most complex and may require advanced planning and resources. 

Which method you choose will depend on your specific circumstances and needs

When planning an Oracle database upgrade, there are several factors to consider that will depend on your current source and target database environments. These factors can impact the complexity and duration of the upgrade process, so it’s important to carefully evaluate them before proceeding. Some of the key considerations include:

• The size of the source database: A larger database will take longer to migrate and may require more resources and planning.
• The technology available for transferring data between systems: Different methods, such as data pumps or logical replication, may be more or less suitable depending on your specific needs and resources.
• The hardware on which the source and target databases are running: The performance and capabilities of the hardware can impact the speed and reliability of the upgrade process.
• The version of the database and OS currently being used: Compatibility issues may arise if the source and target database or OS versions are not compatible, which can complicate the upgrade process.

By considering these factors and carefully planning the upgrade process, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new Oracle database. 

Here is additional information to consider when planning an Oracle database upgrade:

One of the key factors to consider when choosing a method for upgrading your Oracle database is the amount of downtime you can afford. If your application requires high availability and cannot tolerate extended periods of downtime, you may need to choose a method that allows you to perform the upgrade with minimal disruption. Options such as cross-platform upgrades or real-time/rolling upgrades may be more suitable in this case, as they allow you to migrate the data and switchover to the new database without taking the entire system offline.

Another important consideration is the hardware and software environment in which your database operates. If you are running on outdated hardware or an unsupported version of the operating system, you may need to upgrade these components as part of the database upgrade process. This can add complexity and cost to the project, so it’s important to factor this into your planning.

Training and expertise are also key factors to consider when upgrading your Oracle database. It’s important to ensure that your team is familiar with the tools and processes required for the chosen upgrade method, as well as any application-specific requirements. Proper training and preparation can help to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth and successful upgrade.

Finally, it’s important to consider the long-term goals and objectives of your organization when planning an Oracle database upgrade. What are you trying to achieve with the upgrade, and how does it fit into your overall strategy? By aligning your upgrade efforts with your long-term goals, you can ensure that you are making investments that will pay off in the long run.

By carefully considering these factors and properly planning and funding the upgrade process, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new Oracle database.