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Home -> Community -> Mailing Lists -> Oracle-L -> RE: Multiple installed versions of Oracle
This is a new rule for me; I've always mixed versions long term without =
problems. We don't have the luxury of upgrading on new / separate =
servers here; how would we run paralells / test the new version without =
mixing versions?=20
That said, in an environment where they can afford more dbas and = servers, I can see confusion arising where junior/careless/sleepy dbas = could screw up and update the wrong database. But that is a procedural = problem; they didn't make an upgrade plan, or they didn't follow it if = they had one. These kinds of rules come about because of the size of = the org/db structure; do you have 3 shifts of dbas?
Unfortunately, it is tough to counter an argument that says 'it's safer = this way' unless you can tie it to cost. Dollars are something upper = management understands. Can your organization afford the hardware to = separate versions? (Also include cost of separating test/staging = environments). Another idea is to lay out an upgrade plan for an = upcoming project and show the difference in completion time between his = way/your way (if it comes out in his favor, nevermind!).
Just out of curiosity, do you have root access on db servers?
Mary
-----Original Message-----
From: oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org
[mailto:oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org]On Behalf Of Tracy Rahmlow
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 7:55 AM
To: oracle-l_at_freelists.org
Subject: Multiple installed versions of Oracle
We are in the process of upgrading several databases from 8i on AIX =
4.3.3=20
to 9 on AIX 5.2 or 10g on AIX 5.2. The target version depends upon=20
whether or not the application is supported on 10g or not. If not will =
be=20
migrating toward 9.
The manager of the unix area has indicated that he has seen issues at =
his=20
previous shop with co-locating multiple versions of Oracle on the same=20
server and is basically not allowing the practice. I have never seen or =
heard of this issue, but am trying to remain open-minded to his concern. =
Here are his statements verbatim:
Several occasions where server and db crashed due to dba administering =
db=20
in an incorrect manner. IE mistook one version for the other. Applied=20
the incorrect maintenance patch to the incorrect instance.
Several occasions where db versions did not play nice together 7.3.4 and =
8i.
All occasions impacted SLA's and one instance required restore of db due =
to corrupt data.
I also contacted two DBA Manager friends and they are aware Oracle=20 supports this strategy, however, both shops have standards in place that =
do not permit this practice - due primarily to the above incidents and =
to=20
keep the environments simple / less complex. Does this make the =
planning=20
of upgrades and maintenance a little more difficult - yes, but they both =
agreed that this best practice has solved many headaches and saved many=20 hours of work.
Prior to his arrival we did have success running 7 and 8 on the same=20
server. Frankly, I do not think the restriction is warranted. So what=20
are your thoughts? And if you agree with me help me make a case for=20
changing his mind. To complicate matters, he has more authority than =
me.=20
Thanks
Tracy Rahmlow
The American Express Property Casualty companies
3500 Packerland Drive
DePere, Wisconsin 54115-9034
tel: 920-330-5164
fax: 920-330-5350
American Express made the following
annotations on 04/05/05 07:58:11
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