Oracle Patch Set policy

Can anyone tell me what Oracle's patch policy is for 9i and 10g. I want to know:

1. Do Oracle generally release individual patches as problems are found, or do they only release a patch if they think it will fix a support request. How well are these patch regression tested.
2. Do Oracle release regression-tested patch sets. If so, what frequency are these released. Is it possible to schedule regular Oracle maintenance (e.g. 1 or 2 times per year) knowing that a new regression-tested patch set will be available.
3. When is the next significant upgrade to Oracle planned. Is it likely to be called Oracle 11, or 10.x?

For comparison, this is what is done for SQL Server and DB2:

SQL Server) Hotfixes are generally released as they are produced, but some fixes are only released in respoonse to a support request. Hotfixes have little regression testing.

Service Packs are released about 1 every 6 - 15 months and are regression-tested. The irregular frequency makes it hard to plan regular SQL Server maintenance.

The next major version of SQL Server is codenamed Yukon, and is likely to be released (very) late 2004. The current version (SQL Server 2000) was released about mid-2000.

DB2) Individual fixes are generally released as they are produced, and have limited regression testing.

Fix packs are regularly released about 3 or 4 each year, and are regression-tested. Most sites plan regular DB2 maintenance to pick up the available fix packs.

The next significant release of DB2 for Windows & Unix will be 8.2, planned for later this year. DB2 V8.1 was released in 3Q 2003.

All information given is a personal opinion which may not reflect reality. Received on Tue Mar 02 2004 - 07:20:18 CST