Oracle Applications 12.2.X - Editioning and Online Patching

Oracle patching is a recurring periodic activity typically performed by the DBAs. In this activity, the patches released by Oracle are applied to the existing Oracle application or data base to fix the security vulnerabilities or to introduce new and advanced features. Prior to Oracle version 12.2.X, applying these patches would need the application and/ or database to be brought down, there by impacting application availability. With Oracle 12.2.X, Oracle introduced a new architecture and AD Online Patching (ADOP) and editioning concepts, where these patches can be applied without bringing down the application for the entire tenure, but for a brief cutover period. To enable online patching, the Oracle instance needs to be properly set-up and there are pre and post patching activities that need to be done to take full advantage of this ability. However, for all practical purposes, there are benefits and challenges in adopting the online patching strategy that the team needs to consider.