A journey from Oracle E-Business Suite R12.1 to R12.2

What’s coming in the next major version of Oracle E-Business Suite 12.2?

I will try to analyze architectural overview of the latest updates, installation and upgrade options, new configuration options, and new tools for hot-cloning and automated “lights out” cloning in R-12.2

Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 Architecture

Oracle E-Business Suite 12.2 Architecture

Release 12.2 will replace Oracle Containers for Java (OC4J) 10g with WebLogic Server 11g

Release 12.2 Database tier will run RDBMS 11gR2 to support online patching

There will be number of updates coming in release R12.2, from a technology stack perspective, EBS 12.2 will be notable for two things:

1-Replacing Oracle Containers for Java (OC4J) 10g with WebLogic Server 11g

EBS 12.2 will use WebLogic Server from Fusion Middleware 11g in place of OC4J 10g as part of the release’s internal technology stack. Other additional new Fusion Middleware 11g components used will include WebLogic JSP and UIX 11g

2-Online Patching support via 11gR2 Edition-Based Redefinition

EBS 12.2 will use the 11gR2 Database’s Edition-Based Redefinition features to provide support for Online Patching. Edition-Based Redefinition is really exciting new technology. From the 11gR2 Application Developer’s Guide:

“Edition-based redefinition enables you to upgrade the database component of an application while it is in use, thereby minimizing or eliminating down time.

“To upgrade an application while it is in use, you copy the database objects that comprise the application and redefine the copied objects in isolation. Your changes do not affect users of the application—they continue to run the unchanged application. When you are sure that your changes are correct, you make the upgraded application available to all users.”

It is not released yet but It will include significant changes to the Application Server architecture, It will use RDBMS Version 11gR2 or higher, It will change Patching, Cloning, the User Experience

Comparison of Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 vs 12.2 Installation Steps

Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 installation 

• Database Technology Stack
• Database
• Apps Technology Stack
• Apps File System

Oracle E-Business Suite 12.2 installation

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 installations:

1. Native Technology Stack Install
2. Database RMAN Restore
3. Dual File System
4. Optional 11g Home for Upgrades
5. WebLogic Server (WLS)

• Graphical UI to manage WLS Domain
• Administration (Start/Stop WLS Instances)
• Configuration (Config and Deploy, Cluster, Host, JDBC, JMS Messaging)
• Monitoring (Server & Application Performance)
• Troubleshooting (Performance Tuning, Log Viewer)

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Native Technology Stack Install:

• Better integration with Oracle
  Universal Installer
• Faster Technology Stack Installation
• Silent-mode calls to install and configure Oracle Database 11.2, WebLogic Server (WLS) and Oracle HTTP Server (OHS)
• AutoConfig Integration

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Database RMAN Restore:

• Simplifies Integration with Grid Infrastructure
• Seamless integration with different storage methods (OCFS2, NFS, etc)
• Faster integration with Automatic Storage Management (ASM)

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Dual File System:

• Online Patching allows users to continue using the application while patching
• Dual File System allows replacing files with minimum downtime
• Improves High Availability

• Dual Port Pool configuration
• Easier port assignments
• Allows port customization in runtime and patching file systems

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Optional 11g Home for Upgrades:

• Allow integration with an existing 11gR2 Oracle Home
• Simplified Technology Stack Upgrade
• Reduced Upgrade time

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 WebLogic Server (WLS):

• Graphical User Interface
• WebLogic Scripting Tool (WLST)
• High Availability & Failover
• Consolidated Administration, Configuration and Deployment
• Monitoring & Messaging
• Troubleshooting framework
• Integration with OAM

End Notes:

http://blogs.oracle.com/stevenChan/entry/glimpses_of_e_business_suite