Upgrading from Oracle 11g to 19c: What You Need to Know

Oracle 11g reached the end of its Premier Support on December 31, 2021. This means if you are still running Oracle Database 11g, it is now crucial to upgrade to a supported version like 19c.

Introduction to Oracle 19c

Oracle Database 19c is the latest long-term support release in the Oracle database family, designed to deliver enhanced stability, performance, and security. As a non-CDB (non-Container Database) release, Oracle 19c introduces a range of new features and improvements that make it a compelling choice for organizations looking to modernize their database infrastructure. Upgrading to Oracle 19c can be a complex process, but it ensures your database environment remains supported and benefits from the latest advancements in Oracle technology.

The upgrade process to Oracle 19c involves several key steps, including thorough pre-upgrade checks, executing the upgrade itself, and performing essential post-upgrade actions. Whether you are upgrading from Oracle 11g or 12c, this guide will walk you through the necessary procedures to ensure a smooth transition to Oracle Database 19c. By following best practices and leveraging Oracle’s robust upgrade tools, you can minimize downtime and maximize the value of your upgraded database environment.

Why Upgrade from Oracle 11g Now?

Here are some key reasons you should upgrade from Oracle 11g:

• Security vulnerabilities: Oracle 11g will no longer receive regular security patches and fixes, leaving your system vulnerable to hackers.

• Lack of new features: By upgrading to 19c, you gain access to improved performance, scalability, and new capabilities not present in 11g.

• Avoid compliance issues: Many regulations require keeping systems updated. Running 11g may lead to audit issues.

• Limited support: Upgrading provides full access to Oracle bug fixes, patches, and other support.

• Cost savings: Maintaining outdated systems gets more expensive over time. Upgrading can reduce maintenance costs.

• Cloud enablement: 19c makes it easier to move Oracle databases to the cloud when you are ready.

Upgrade Path from Oracle 11g to 19c

If your Oracle database uses version 11.2.0.4, you can skip this step, as you have a direct upgrade path to 19c. Otherwise, you need to upgrade to one of the following releases: 11.2.0.4, 12.1.0.2, or 12.2.0.1. You can use Oracle’s in-place upgrade utility for this process.

After this, you can upgrade directly to 19c, which doesn’t reach end of extended support until at least April 2027.

Preparing for the Oracle 11g Upgrade

Here are some tips to help you execute a smooth Oracle database upgrade.

• Download the Oracle 19c software and install it in a new Oracle Home directory, such as /u01/app/oracle, ensuring all required components are installed and properly configured.

• Assess existing hardware and infrastructure for compatibility with 19c.

• Review licensing and support costs for newer versions.

• Test upgrades thoroughly in staging environments before production.

• Develop a backup/rollback strategy in case issues arise.

• Ensure backup: Take a full backup of your source database and verify its completion before starting the upgrade process.

• Purge the recycle bin to free up space and prevent potential issues during the upgrade.

• Check application compatibility and make any needed changes beforehand.

• Validate data integrity and performance post-upgrade.

• Leverage an experienced Oracle Partner that has handled database upgrades and migrations for 100s of customers.

The upgrade from 11g to 19c enables you to modernize your Oracle databases with the latest features and security. Get our guide “How to Handle Oracle 11g, 12c, and 18c End of Life” to learn more about this process.