Upgrading Oracle Databases
By Charles Kim, Gary Gordhamer, and Sean Scott
Upgrading databases often raises concerns about potential downtime or performance regressions, but with the right tools and approach these risks can be managed effectively. Oracle Database 23ai, which became Oracle AI Database 26ai, introduces capabilities that make the process more predictable and resilient. This book is a practical guide for DBAs and architects, focused on the AutoUpgrade utility, performance optimization, and high availability considerations with Data Guard.
Readers will learn how to automate upgrade steps, address deprecated and desupported features, and validate workloads with confidence.
What You Will Learn
How to use AutoUpgrade for end to end upgrade automation, from pre-checks to post-upgrade validation. How to identify deprecated and desupported features that could affect upgraded environments. Techniques to detect and remediate SQL execution plan changes with Real-Time SQL Plan Management. How to factor high availability into upgrade planning with Data Guard, including new broker commands, PREPARE DATABASE, and REST API integration. New features for performance. New features for Data Guard. Key support dates for premier and extended support for Oracle Database 19c, 21c, and Oracle AI Database 26ai. Why you should upgrade to Oracle AI Database 26ai.
Who This Book Is For
This book is for any Oracle DBA, architect, or engineering leader planning an upgrade to Oracle Database 19c, 21c, or Oracle AI Database 26ai. It is especially valuable for teams who have not run a major Oracle upgrade in several years and need a current, practical playbook grounded in real production experience rather than marketing material.