Oracle Database 23c: What is new in the new LTS Release?

Introduction to Oracle Database 23c

What is new in Oracle Database 23c?

• Resilience Enhancements: Improved database robustness against failures.
• JSON Relational Duality: Bridges relational databases and JSON data.
• Sagas for Microservices: Enhanced support for microservices architectures.
• JavaScript Stored Procedures: Use of JavaScript in stored procedures.
• SQL Property Graphs: Create and manage property graphs using SQL.

Focus/Theme of Oracle Database 23c

The overarching theme of Oracle Database 23c seems to be resilience and adaptability.

This latest iteration introduces features to fortify database robustness, enhance data integrity, and ensure unparalleled data availability.

These advancements make Oracle Database 23c a standout choice for enterprises looking to safeguard their critical data assets while embracing modern data management practices.

Below, we go into the major new features and improvements that define Oracle Database 23c.

Major New Features in Oracle Database 23c

1. JSON Relational Duality:

• Overview: Oracle Database 23c introduces JSON Relational Duality, a groundbreaking feature integrating traditional relational data models with modern, flexible JSON-based data structures. This duality provides the best of both worlds, offering the structured, transactional integrity of relational databases alongside the agility and scalability of JSON.
• Benefits: Enterprises no longer need to choose between relational and non-relational models. This feature supports more diverse applications and workloads, facilitating easier data migration, interoperability, and application development.

2. Sagas for Microservices:

• Overview: Recognizing the growing adoption of microservices architectures, Oracle has enhanced support for distributed transactions across microservices. The Sagas pattern provides a robust mechanism for managing long-running, distributed transactions, ensuring consistency and reliability.
• Benefits: This enhancement simplifies the development and management of microservices-based applications, enabling developers to focus on business logic rather than the complexities of transaction management across services.

3. JavaScript Stored Procedures:

• Overview: Oracle Database 23c extends its programmability by introducing the ability to write stored procedures in JavaScript. This addition leverages the widespread familiarity with JavaScript, opening up database programming to a broader audience.
• Benefits: With JavaScript stored procedures, developers can utilize their existing JavaScript skills to develop database logic, fostering innovation and speeding up application development cycles.

4. SQL Property Graphs:

• Overview: The introduction of SQL Property Graphs in Oracle Database 23c offers a powerful tool for creating, managing, and querying property graphs directly using SQL. This feature enhances the database’s capabilities in handling complex data relationships and graph-based data models.
• Benefits: SQL Property Graphs enable more sophisticated data analysis and visualization, particularly for applications that require the modeling of complex relationships, such as social networks, recommendation systems, and fraud detection algorithms.

Real-Life Value for Oracle Customers

The new features introduced in Oracle Database 23c are not just technical advancements; they offer tangible benefits to Oracle customers:

• Enhanced Data Management: With features like JSON Relational Duality, businesses can seamlessly manage relational and JSON data, ensuring flexibility in data management.
• Microservices Support: Introducing Sagas for Microservices ensures that businesses adopting a microservices architecture can easily manage their data without compromising performance.
• Versatility: The ability to use JavaScript for stored procedures means that developers have more tools at their disposal, reducing the learning curve and ensuring faster application development.
• Improved Data Visualization: SQL Property Graphs allow businesses to visualize complex data relationships easily, aiding in better decision-making.

Oracle Database 23c – Long-Term Support for Enterprise Stability

Oracle Database 23c has been designated as a Long-Term Support (LTS) Release, underscoring Oracle’s commitment to providing a stable, reliable, and continuously supported database solution for enterprises worldwide.

This LTS designation is crucial for businesses strategizing their database infrastructure, software lifecycle management, and overall IT planning.

Below, we explore what being an LTS release means for Oracle Database 23c and its advantages to enterprises seeking a dependable database platform.

Understanding Long-Term Support Releases

• Extended Support: As an LTS release, Oracle Database 23c benefits from an extended support period provided by Oracle. This extended support ensures enterprises can access critical updates, security patches, and technical assistance for longer than non-LTS releases.
• Stability and Reliability: LTS releases focus on providing businesses a stable and reliable platform, prioritizing long-term stability over immediate access to the latest features. This approach is ideal for critical applications where predictability and minimal disruption are paramount.

Advantages of Oracle Database 23c as an LTS Release

1. Longevity: Choosing an LTS release like Oracle Database 23c allows enterprises to plan their database strategy with a longer horizon. Businesses can rely on a consistent, stable platform without frequent upgrade cycles, reducing operational overhead and simplifying compliance.

2. Security and Compliance: With extended support, Oracle Database 23c receives ongoing security updates, helping businesses protect their data against emerging threats over a more extended period. This continuous protection is crucial for maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards.

3. Technical Support: Oracle’s commitment to long-term support means that enterprises can count on receiving timely technical assistance and troubleshooting help throughout the lifespan of Oracle Database 23c. This support is invaluable for maintaining the high availability and performance of business-critical applications.

4. Investment Protection: By adopting Oracle Database 23c as an LTS release, organizations can maximize their return on investment (ROI). The extended support period allows businesses to leverage their database infrastructure for longer before considering an upgrade or migration, ensuring they get the most out of their initial investment.

Recommendations for Prospective Adopters

For businesses contemplating the adoption of Oracle Database 23c, here are some recommendations:

• Assess Your Needs: While Oracle Database 23c is feature-rich, assessing whether its features align with your business needs is essential.
• Training: With the introduction of new features, ensure that your team undergoes the necessary training to leverage these features thoroughly.
• Consultation: Engage with Oracle consultants or experts to understand the best practices for implementing and managing Oracle Database 23c.
• Plan for the Future: 23c is a Long-Term Support Release, making it a wise choice for businesses looking for a stable and long-lasting database solution.

FAQ for Oracle Database 23c

In conclusion, Oracle Database 23c is a testament to Oracle’s commitment to innovation and excellence, with a slew of new features and the promise of long-term support.