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Use

Upgrades of the database management system are normally done in line with an SAP upgrade. An Oracle upgrade might involve one or more of the following activities:

  • Upgrade of the Oracle software

  • Changes to the Oracle Data Dictionary

    For example, executing scripts to create updated versions of Data Dictionary views

  • Changes to Oracle internal structures

    For example, changes in the structure of database blocks. Changes to internal structures usually imply an upgrade of the Oracle software and changes to the Oracle data dictionary as a prerequisite. To make the changes to internal structures, you can perform either of the following:

    • A migration, where the changes are made when objects are accessed the first time after the upgrade

    • A full database export, re-create the database, and import

Most upgrades include an upgrade of the Oracle software and changes to the SAP system Data Dictionary only. The elapsed time to expect for a database upgrade as part of an SAP upgrade is around one hour. If upgrading to a new SAP release or doing a large upgrade, this is a minor part of the overall upgrade. The database cannot be used for normal operation during an upgrade.

Process

  1. You read the upgrade documentation.

    This helps to avoid unexpected problems during the upgrade.

  2. You plan the upgrade carefully.

    Rather than simply starting the upgrade and hoping for the best, plan the procedures involved in advance. Make sure that all the resources (that is, people and equipment) are available.

  3. You rehearse the upgrade using a test system.

    The best preparation of all is to rehearse the upgrade fully using a test system that is as similar to the production system as possible.

Result

You can now upgrade the database with the minimum possible downtime.

More Information

Upgrade to Oracle Version x: UNIX

Upgrade to Oracle Version x: Windows

You can find the above documentation at:

  • SAP Service Marketplace

    Start of the navigation path http://service.sap.com/instguides Next navigation step Database Upgrades End of the navigation path

  • SDN

    Start of the navigation path http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/ora Next navigation step SAP on Oracle Knowledge Center Next navigation step Installation and Upgrade End of the navigation path