The database administrators (DBAs) or system Engineer often argue that if it is not broken why fix it, and an upgrade risks breaking something on the system affecting uptime. Other times, I hear Client say that their Board has not approved updated version of Oracle in its software, or that database upgrades are too time-consuming.  However, despite these objections, there are many reasons to go ahead with an Oracle WebLogic and database upgrade. Here are the some of the reasons why you should consider it.

Support

If you pay for an Oracle support contract, the latest version of Oracle Database 19c currently available for on-premises use, is covered under Premier Support.

Updated Hardware and Operating Systems

I have received a question from an individual on Oracle 11.2  who asked how to install it on oracle Linux 8.x But older Oracle versions aren’t supported or certified on newer operating systems. If you want to keep up with whatever platform changes your server team has planned, you should keep up with Oracle and WebLogic upgrades.

Reduced Labor.

Each new Oracle WebLogic and database version contains a host of new features, many of which save you time. Some might fear that these features are meant to put an end to the DBA’s and system engineer’s careers. But, in reality, they can free you up to do other things. Features such as automated undo management, automated memory management and Unified Auditing are all designed to put a stop to DBAs having to micromanage these areas.

Marketplace Relevance.

It’s tough to keep up with your business competitors if your IT systems aren’t up to date. In-memory data stores and database sharding, the latter an addition to Oracle 12.2, are some of the features available only in Oracle 12c and 19C that can be leveraged to provide the best database functionality for your company’s operations. You can bet your competitors are upgrading to take advantage of these, as well as other new features.

Easier Future Upgrades.

The easiest way to upgrade an Oracle database is to use the Oracle Database Upgrade Assistant (DBUA). The DBUA automates the upgrade process and handles the bulk of the work. However, you can only upgrade to Oracle 19c with the DBUA if your current version is 10.2.0.5, 11.1.0.7, 11.2.0.2 or later. If you don’t keep current, you’ll need to do multiple upgrades or use a different upgrade method, which is often riskier.

Data Protection.

The cardinal sin a DBA can make is to lose data. Last month’s database backup works if you don’t mind losing all of the transactions since it was done. Oracle’s Data Guard software protects that data by sending transactions to an off-site location. The Far Sync feature, added as part of an Active Data Guard implementation for Oracle Database version 12c and 19c, makes it possible to implement zero data loss protections with minimal impact on the primary database.

Database Consolidation.

You can reduce the servers needed in your data center by implementing Oracle Database 12c’s and 19c’s Multitenant Architecture, which lets you plug multiple databases into a single container on one system. Fewer servers mean big cost savings in hardware, as well as in labor to support those servers.

Cloud Migration.

Oracle’s cloud platform makes it easy for your database infrastructure to be flexible enough to meet your company’s changing IT needs. With a few clicks in SQL Developer, you can migrate an Oracle 19c database to the cloud — and back to an on-premises system again if you change your mind later on.

Application Vendor Support.

While some application vendors are stuck in the database past, many keep current. If you want to continue to run those applications, you must keep up, as well. Vendors that use Oracle as the database for their applications should be on 11.2.0.4 at a minimum by now — and you should be, too.

Integration with Emerging Technologies

Support for running in cloud native Kubernetes environments, with a set of tools for migrating, deploying, monitoring and managing WebLogic Server applications in Kubernetes. This is vital for clients who are cloud focused or would wish their infrastructure to run on cloud. New capabilities in areas such as Maven support, automated scaling of WebLogic Server clusters, and management of WebLogic Server configurations using REST, which enable broader automation and DevOps support for the full application development lifecycle. Improved scalability of WebLogic Server clusters and applications, particularly when using cloud-friendly unicast messaging protocols. High availability enhancements, such as Application Continuity integration, Zero Downtime Patching, and Maximum Availability Architecture solutions.

Summary

With many changes afoot in terms of database and WebLogic deployment options and a recent change in the Oracle version number scheme, this may lead to confusion over which option is right for your deployment. Without a doubt, 19c for database and 12c for WebLogic server is strongly recommended since it provides the latest features and will future proof the application landscape of your organization.

With all the changes that have happened, it makes sense to step back and look at the offerings to determine what may be suitable for your core business application keeping in mind security, availability and emerging technologies integration.

To find out more about Weblogic and Database Upgrade please send email to sales@turnkeyafrica.com

{Wesley Akonya is the ICT Infrastructure manager for Turnkey Africa Ltd}