OOW2015 CON8685 Ramirez-Best Practices Maintaining FMW OOW2015

Best Practices for Maintaining
Oracle Fusion Middleware

Rafael Ramirez
Senior Principle Technical Support Engineer
Oracle Fusion Middleware
October 2015
Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |
Safe Harbor Statement

The following is intended to outline our general product direction. It is
intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated
into any contract. It is not a commitment to deliver any material, code,
or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing
decisions. The development, release, and timing of any features or
functionality described for Oracles products remains at the sole
discretion of Oracle.
Program Agenda
1
Introduction - Oracle Services Overview
Understanding Fusion Middleware Maintenance
My Oracle Support Tools to Help You
Resources to Help You Go Forward
Program Agenda
1
Oracle Services
Enabling the success of your Oracle hardware and software
investments
Oracle Experts
Helping You
Succeed with
Your Oracle
Investments
Complete
Support for
Oracle
Hardware,
Software, and
Engineered
Systems
Mission Critical
Support Services
for All Oracle
Applications and
Technologies
Your Complete
Training Source
for Oracle
Hardware and
Software
Extend Your
Oracle
Investments to the
Cloud with Value,
Choice, and
Confidence
Oracle Premier Support

Comprehensive Coverage
Service and
Support
Tools and
Resources
Product
Innovation
Quickly diagnose
and resolve issues
Get the most of

your Oracle
products with
proactive services
Keep pace with

change and
capitalize on new
opportunities
Expert technical support

Rapid-response field
service
Lifetime Support
Oracle knowledge base
Updates
Product health checks
New releases
My Oracle Support
Community
Tools to assist with

patching and upgrades
Helping you get the most value from

Oracle Premier Support
Get Proactive Portfolioan integral component of
your Premier Support Contract
Program Agenda
1
Products and Components to Consider

Oracle WebLogic Server
Primary Oracle Fusion Middleware product(s) installed
Bundled components which provide underlying features
Database Client files (in addition to a remote Database
Server)
Java JDK/JRE (used by Oracle products and your applications)
Why a Maintenance Strategy is Important

Security
Quickly address new issues
Proactively fix known issues
Keep your entire environment compatible between
components
Stay within Premier Support guidelines throughout the life
cycle
Lifetime Support and Error Correction

Lifetime Support Policy Dates
Premier and Extended dates
Sustaining Support is forever
Error Correction Policy

Error correction available for the current
release until end of Premier or Extended
Previous releases have a Grace Period date
based on a subsequent release
Doc ID 944866.1 helps planning by

providing all Grace Period dates.
12
Introduction to Patch Set Releases

Patch Sets are planned releases to maintain a product
though a products life cycle
To update existing installations (e.g. 11.1.1.6 to 11.1.1.7)
To install a new installation at the same level (e.g. 11.1.1.7
straightaway)
Patch Sets are usually intended for bug fixes but also
introduce new features, improved documentation and
functionality
Before installing Patch Sets, there must be an understanding
of product documentation, important links, and their
Some Topics Which May Be Confusing

Multiple downloads from various sources
Following proper steps for a specific situation or component
Integrating a Patch Set release within a new installation
Integrated procedure with Oracle WebLogic Server
Different Patch Set release schedules
Download, Installation, and Configuration

Readme
Task 1: Review and Make Note of Your
Operating System Capabilities (32-bit or 64bit)
Task 2: Review the Certification, System
Requirements, and Interoperability Information
Task 3: Understand the Types of Oracle Fusion
Middleware Installers Available in This Release
Task 4: Select an Oracle Fusion Middleware
Software Download Site
Task 5: Download the Software Required for
Your Starting Point
Task 6: Refer to the Installation and
Configuration Documentation for Next Steps
Oracle Confidential Internal/Restricted/Highly
Restricted
15
Other Utilities Used for Maintenance

Repository Creation Utility (RCU) installs the schemas
May be run again to expand your environment
Patch Set Assistant (PSA) updates existing schemas

After a Patch Set has been applied
OPatch Utility installs interim patches

WLS has used Smart Update, 12c now uses OPatch
OPatch Installs Patch Set Updates (in between Patch Sets)
OPatch installs Bundle Patches
OPatch installs Security Patch Updates
16
Java SE (JDK/JRE) Updates Are Separate

Considerations When Updating the JDK
Java updates are always recommended (e.g. Java 1.6.0_xx to

1.6.0_yy)
Java upgrades are subject to certification (e.g. Java 6 to 7)
Test features you use and your applications
JDK location is in configuration files
There can be more than one JDK on system
Many products on system may be sharing a JDK
17
Tips for Maintaining Java with FMW/WLS

Install a separate Java directory
Administer a directory specifically for FMW
Avoid unexpected system updates
Plan testing activities
Choose a generic directory

Avoid continual config file
updates
Just swap out directories
Set your PATH and JAVA_HOME
Oracle Confidential Internal/Restricted/Highly

Restricted
18
Program Agenda
1
19
Topics for My Oracle Support Tools
Get Proactive!
Remote Diagnostic Agent
(RDA)
Oracle Configuration Manager
(OCM)
Certification Tool
Lifecycle Advisors
Recommended Patches
Oracle Premier Support: Get Proactive!

(Doc ID 432.1)
Get Proactive
Index page to most of the topics
discussed in this presentation
Help you solve problems without
having to log a SR
Streamline and simplify your daily
operations
Reduce risks and maximize up-time
and lower your organizations costs
through preventative maintenance
Oracle Premier Support: Get Proactive!

(Doc ID 432.1)
Get Proactive
This note is index page to most of the
topics discussed in this presentation
Help you solve problems without
having to log a SR
Streamline and simplify your daily
operations
Reduce risks and maximize up-time
and lower your organizations costs
through preventative maintenance
Get Proactive!
(RDA)
(OCM)
Certification Tool
Lifecycle Advisors
Recommended Patches
Remote Diagnostic Agent (RDA)

Why is this related to maintenance?
RDA is a command-line diagnostic tool

Provides a unified package of support diagnostics tools and
preventive solutions
Captured data aids in problem diagnosis
Can reduce Service Request resolution time
Can see components installed and patches already applied
Configure RDA with Fusion Middleware 11g/12c

11g installed in ORACLE_HOME/rda
With all Fusion Middleware 11g products, except standalone
WebLogic Server
12c installed in ORACLE_HOME/oracle_common/rda

With all Fusion Middleware 12c (12.1.2+), including standalone
WebLogic Server
Automatically updated quarterly if using Oracle

Configuration Manager (OCM) in connected mode
To configure RDA refer to:
Get Proactive with Fusion Middleware : Resolve Problems Faster! Use
Remote Diagnostic Agent (Doc ID 1498376.1)
Get Proactive!
(RDA)
(OCM)
Certification Tool
Lifecycle Advisors
Recommended Patches
My Oracle Support Certification

Certification
A certification is any combination of Oracle, third-party products and
operating systems that Oracle has tested and confirms work
together.
My Oracle Support accessed via Certifications tab

Simple, easy to use, source of truth for certified Oracle Products
A must use tool for planning maintainable Oracle ecosystems
Easy to lookup popular certifications

Available on the newer versions of each product
Certification Lookup Results

Certification Questions?
Try the New Middleware
Certification Community!
No Service Request
Required
Staffed with Oracle
Support Engineers
Get Proactive!
(RDA)
(OCM)
Certification Tool
Lifecycle Advisors
Recommended Patches
Upgrade Lifecycle Advisors Most Popular

(Doc ID 250.1)
Upgrade Lifecycle Advisors follow a typical customer use

case
Upgrade Guidance from to Fusion Middleware 11g
From Oracle Application Server 10g or WebLogic Server 9.2
Currently working on 12c
Refers you to other Doc IDs, Multimedia & Manuals as

required
Step by step format
Upgrade Lifecycle Advisors Navigation Demo

Lifecycle Advisors
Six Phases of Upgrade

Lifecycle Advisors
Step by Step Guide

Lifecycle Advisors
Check of steps as you review
them. Progress tracked
between visits
Step by Step Guide

Lifecycle Advisors
between visits
Multimedia Training
Lifecycle Advisors
between visits
Available Multimedia Content
Multimedia Training
Lifecycle Advisors
between visits
Available Multimedia content
Patching & Maintenance Lifecycle Advisor

My Oracle Support
Helps you to establish a
patching strategy. Takes you
through four phases of
Evaluate, Plan, Test and
Implement
Contains inline Multimedia
Content & Manuals as
required
Patching & Maintenance Lifecycle Advisor

(Doc ID 305.1)
Covers patching tools and concepts such as:

Fusion Middleware 11g Patch Sets and Patch Set Installers
Fusion Middleware 11g Interim, Merge, Bundle and Backport Patches
OPatch
Smart Update
Critical Patch Updates (CPU)

PatchSet Updates (PSU)
Get Proactive!
(RDA)
(OCM)
Certification Tool
Lifecycle Advisors
Recommended Patches
Patch Recommendations
(Doc ID 859115.1)
List patches and updates for Oracle software

Recommended Patches include:
Security Patch Updates (SPU)
PatchSet Updates (PSU)
Patch Bundles
Performance related patches
My Oracle Support Recommended Patches for Oracle

WebLogic Server & Oracle Fusion Middleware Products (Doc
ID 859115.1)
Patches and Updates Tab

My Oracle Support
Click the Patches & Updates
Tab
Then the Search Tab
Search Tab Has a Recommended Patch Advisor

1. Click here for
Manual Search
1. Click Patch Advisor
My Oracle Support
Click the Patches & Updates
Tab
2. Select
Product
Click the Recommended

& Version
Patch Advisor in the Patch
Search Region
Recommendations across
all Systems (OCM only)
Select your Product and

Version then search
3. Search
Program Agenda
1
43
One Stop Shop: Information Center!
44
Key My Oracle Support Documents

Doc ID 1567707.1 - Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c Release
Announcements
Doc ID 1510284.1 - Oracle Identity Access Management 11g R2
(11.1.2) Announcements
Doc ID 1373061.1 - Steps to Maintain Oracle Forms & Reports 11g
Release 2 (11.1.2)
Doc ID 1073776.1 - Steps to Maintain Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g
Release 1 (11.1.1)
Doc ID 1591483.1 - What is Installed in My Middleware or Oracle home?

Doc ID 1587524.1 - Using OPatch 13 for Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c
(12.1.2+)
Recap Recommendations
1
2
3
4
Know about Oracle Services and Premier Support

value
Understand Basic Fusion Middleware
maintenance concepts
Take advantage of My Oracle Support Tools
Use Support resources to help you
46
Q/A - Need Help After This - See Below

Question/basic issue? Share your enquiry with
My Oracle Support Community (MOSC)
Patch availability, behavior clarification, simple errors
More involved questions / problems log a Service Request via

My Oracle Support
Detailed consultative enquiries. Multiple / complex failures, errors, unexpected
behaviour
Cross suite questions or issues (e.g. Patch set planning / application,

CPU questions)
Community post: Choose Oracle Application Server
Logging SR: Choose product Oracle Fusion Middleware
Product specific questions / issues (e.g. bundle or interim patches)

2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |
Community post or loggingCopyright
SR:Choose
the appropriate product
48
Oracle Support Stars Bar & Mini Briefing Center
ASK THE EXPERTS

Moscone West Exhibition Hall
Extra:
Every Wonder what all the
different digits in a version
mean?
Both Patch Sets and Patch Set
Updates have a direct impact.
See the next two slides
50
Understanding Version Numbers (11g and 12c)
Major Version
Example:
Oracle Access Manager
11. 1. 2. 2. 1
Patch Set Update Number
General identifier representing

major new edition with
ignificant new functionality.
Minor Version
Patch Set Updates released

via the proactive patching
program are named by
incrementing the fifth
decimal place
Patch Set
release number
First three decimal places together

describe the minor version number of
Patch sets primarily deliver bug fixes
a major release. 11gR1 (11.1.1) and
May include new features
11gR2 (11.1.2) are minor versions of
11g. Minor versions can contain significant notably WebCenter 11.1.1.8
new functionality as well as bug fixes
51
WebLogic Server Has New Version Format

Oracle WebLogic Server
10 . 3 .6
Major Version
The versioning system for 10.3 derives

from earlier release structure.
Patch Update Number

Similar purpose to a Patch Set
Often referred to as an Upgrade
12. 1. 2. 0. 2
Major + Minor Version
Patch Set Update (PSUs)
0 = No Patch Sets released

2 = Two proactive bundles released
52

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Best Practices for Maintaining

Oracle Fusion Middleware

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Safe Harbor Statement

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Introduction - Oracle Services Overview

Understanding Fusion Middleware Maintenance

My Oracle Support Tools to Help You

Resources to Help You Go Forward

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Introduction - Oracle Services Overview

Understanding Fusion Middleware Maintenance

My Oracle Support Tools to Help You

Resources to Help You Go Forward

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Oracle Premier Support

Get the most of

Keep pace with

Expert technical support

Oracle knowledge base

Product health checks

Tools to assist with

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Helping you get the most value from

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Introduction - Oracle Services Overview

Understanding Fusion Middleware Maintenance

My Oracle Support Tools to Help You

Resources to Help You Go Forward

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Products and Components to Consider

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Why a Maintenance Strategy is Important

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Lifetime Support and Error Correction

Error Correction Policy

Doc ID 944866.1 helps planning by

Introduction to Patch Set Releases

Some Topics Which May Be Confusing

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Download, Installation, and Configuration

Other Utilities Used for Maintenance

Patch Set Assistant (PSA) updates existing schemas

OPatch Utility installs interim patches

Java SE (JDK/JRE) Updates Are Separate

Java updates are always recommended (e.g. Java 1.6.0_xx to

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Tips for Maintaining Java with FMW/WLS

Choose a generic directory

Oracle Confidential Internal/Restricted/Highly

Introduction - Oracle Services Overview

Understanding Fusion Middleware Maintenance

My Oracle Support Tools to Help You

Resources to Help You Go Forward

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Topics for My Oracle Support Tools

Oracle Premier Support: Get Proactive!

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Oracle Premier Support: Get Proactive!

Copyright 2015, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. |

Topics for My Oracle Support Tools