• 18 Mar 2025

Common Challenges When You Migrate Oracle 19c to 23c and Their Solutions

U pgrading a database is a critical process that requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and an in-depth understanding of potential roadblocks. Organizations looking to migrate Oracle 19c to 23c often face challenges related to compatibility, performance, downtime, and data integrity. However, with the right strategy and tools, these challenges can be addressed effectively to ensure a seamless transition. Oracle 23c introduces several enhancements designed to optimize database performance, improve security, and enable greater automation. By following Oracle database migration best practices, businesses can mitigate risks and maximize the benefits of the upgrade.

Compatibility Issues and Schema Adjustments

One of the primary challenges when attempting to migrate Oracle 19c to 23c is ensuring that existing applications, schemas, and database structures are compatible with the new version. Oracle 19c to 23c compatibility requires thorough assessment, as changes in SQL optimizations, deprecated features, and revised system parameters can impact functionality.

To address compatibility concerns, businesses should conduct a comprehensive assessment using Oracle 23c upgrade process tools such as the Database Pre-Upgrade Information Utility. This utility provides insights into potential issues and required modifications before migration. Additionally, Oracle database schema migration should be performed with meticulous testing to ensure data structures remain intact.

Downtime and Business Continuity Risks

Minimizing downtime is a significant concern for enterprises undergoing a database upgrade. A prolonged outage can disrupt business operations, affecting productivity and customer satisfaction. The risk of downtime is particularly high if the migration process involves large volumes of data and complex dependencies.

Implementing a zero-downtime migration for Oracle 23c strategy is crucial for organizations that operate mission-critical applications. Oracle’s Data Guard and GoldenGate provide real-time replication capabilities that allow businesses to maintain continuity during the transition. Additionally, Oracle Data Pump migration enables fast data export and import, streamlining the migration process while minimizing disruptions.

Performance Optimization Challenges

Post-migration performance issues can arise due to configuration mismatches, inefficient query execution plans, or outdated indexing strategies. Without proper tuning, enterprises may not fully leverage the performance enhancements offered by Oracle 23c new features.

To mitigate this challenge, organizations must perform Oracle database performance tuning before and after the migration. Running SQL Performance Analyzer (SPA) helps detect potential regressions, while Automatic Workload Repository (AWR) reports provide deep insights into system performance. These tools assist in fine-tuning configurations to maximize database efficiency after migration.

Automation and Upgrade Complexity

Manually upgrading a database introduces risks of human error, inconsistent execution, and extended timelines. Automating the upgrade process helps standardize procedures and reduces operational complexities. However, businesses often struggle with implementing database upgrade automation for Oracle due to the lack of expertise in scripting and automation tools.

By leveraging Oracle Fleet Patching and Provisioning (FPP), enterprises can automate patching, provisioning, and upgrades across multiple database environments. These automation capabilities significantly enhance efficiency and reliability, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual interventions.

Security and Compliance Considerations

With increasing regulatory requirements, enterprises must ensure that their database upgrade process aligns with industry security and compliance standards. Changes in user roles, access controls, and encryption methods can introduce security gaps if not properly managed.

Oracle 23c security and compliance features include advanced data encryption, privilege control enhancements, and robust auditing capabilities. Businesses should conduct a security assessment before migration and configure database security policies accordingly. Implementing role-based access controls and encrypting sensitive data ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks such as GDPR and HIPAA.

Managing Rollbacks and Contingency Planning

Despite thorough planning, unforeseen issues can arise during migration, necessitating rollback strategies. If a proper contingency plan is not in place, a failed upgrade can result in data corruption, broken application integrations, and operational downtime.

Following rollback strategies for Oracle upgrades helps organizations recover quickly in case of unexpected failures. Creating a full database backup before migration, leveraging Oracle Flashback Technology, and testing rollback procedures in a controlled environment ensure that businesses can revert to the previous state if needed.

Achieving High Availability and Cloud Readiness

For enterprises transitioning to a cloud-based environment, ensuring seamless integration with Oracle Cloud is essential. Oracle cloud database migration enables organizations to take advantage of cloud-native features, scalability, and cost efficiencies.

Moreover, adopting high availability in Oracle 23c ensures continuous operations by utilizing Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) and Automatic Storage Management (ASM). These features enhance fault tolerance and improve database reliability in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

DataTerrain: Your Trusted Partner for Oracle Database Migrations

A successful database upgrade requires expert knowledge, thorough testing, and a well-executed strategy. DataTerrain, a leading provider of enterprise database solutions, specializes in migrating Oracle 19c to 23c, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal disruptions. With a team of seasoned professionals, DataTerrain offers tailored migration strategies, automation solutions, and performance optimization techniques to help businesses maximize the benefits of Oracle 23c.

Driving Business Success with a Future-Ready Database

The decision to migrate Oracle 19c to 23c is a strategic investment that enhances performance, security, and scalability. With new features designed to improve automation, workload management, and cloud integration, Oracle 23c is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern enterprises. Businesses that proactively address migration challenges can unlock the full potential of their database infrastructure and drive long-term success.

With a proven track record of serving 300+ successful clients in the U.S., DataTerrain provides expert guidance for enterprises seeking to upgrade their Oracle databases efficiently. Partner with DataTerrain to ensure a smooth transition, optimize database performance, and secure a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.