Upgrading Oracle 18c to 19c: Seamless Path to Stability

If you’re currently running Oracle 18c databases, upgrading to the long-term support release Oracle 19c is recommended to ensure continued stability and support. Oracle 18c, as an Innovation Release, had a relatively short lifecycle and has been end of life since June 30, 2021. Here’s what you should know about the Oracle 18c to 19c upgrade process.

Reasons for Upgrading from Oracle 18c to 19c?

In addition to moving to a currently supported Oracle database version, going through the 18c to 19c upgrade process includes the following benefits:

• Access to Premier Support until at least 2024, along with Extended Support to at least 2027.
• Ability to license your database software and cloud infrastructure together in unified deployments.
• Optimized compatibility for migrating to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).
• New innovations like integrated persistent memory support, enhanced automation, and JSON binary data type.
• Improved integration across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments with unified management.
• Robust security features like always-on encryption, new redaction modes, and masking techniques.
• Higher performance through vectorized query execution, In-Memory optimizations, and native OLTP compression.

Steps for Upgrading from Oracle 18c to 19c

Here’s a general overview of the Oracle database upgrade process when you switch from 18c to 19c.

1. Run pre-upgrade checks with the Pre-Upgrade Information Tool utility.
2. Install 19c binaries while 18c continues to run.
3. Use AutoUpgrade or manual upgrade steps to transition databases.
4. Switch over applications and clients to the new 19c environment.
5. Apply any one-off patches or fixes as needed post-upgrade.
6. Monitor database performance, queries, and loads to ensure smooth operation.
7. Work with Oracle database experts who have extensive hands-on experience in upgrading mission-critical systems.

Take Care of Your End of Life Oracle 18c Databases

Upgrading from 18c to 19c requires a strong upgrade plan but provides long-term stability along with the latest Oracle innovations. Learn more about this process in our white paper “How to Handle Oracle 11g, 12c, and 18c End of Life.”