Amazon RDS for Oracle Database | Database Engine Versions

Question 1

Can I change the Oracle edition I’m running for a DB instance (e.g. from Oracle 11g R2 SE2 to EE)?

Database Engine Versions

Amazon RDS for Oracle Database | Database

Answer 1

For the BYOL model, you can migrate from one edition of Oracle software to another as long as you possess an unused Oracle license appropriate for the edition and class of DB instance you plan to run. To change the edition and retain your data, you should take a snapshot of your running DB instance and then create a new DB instance of the desired edition from that snapshot. You should then delete the old DB instance, unless you wish to keep it running and have the appropriate Oracle Database licenses.

Question 2

What are Amazon RDS DB engine versions for Oracle and how do they relate to Oracle Patch Sets?

Database Engine Versions

Amazon RDS for Oracle Database | Database

Answer 2

In the context of Oracle, Amazon RDS DB engine versions are organized as follows:

DB Engine Versions for Oracle = X.Y.Z

X = Major version (for ex: 11.2), Y = Release level (for ex: 0.2), Z = version number within release series (for ex: v2). For example, a DB Engine version for Oracle could be 11.2.0.2.v2

Oracle releases Database Patch Set Updates (PSU) for supported release levels on a quarterly basis. (e.g. 11.2.0.2.1). The PSUs include security fixes and additional non-security fixes recommended by Oracle.

The Amazon RDS DB Engine Versions are built with a given PSU as a baseline and may contain additional fixes beyond it.

From the Amazon RDS standpoint, a version change would be considered major if either major version or release level is being changed. Example: going from 11.2.0.2.Z -> 11.2.0.4.Z. A version change would be considered minor if the version number within the release is being changed. Example: going from 11.2.0.2.v2 -> 11.2.0.2.v3.

As of today, Amazon RDS supports major versions 11.2 (11g Release 2) and 12c. We plan to support additional major versions in the future.

Question 3

What is the patch set composition of my DB engine version for Oracle?

Database Engine Versions

Amazon RDS for Oracle Database | Database

Answer 3

Refer to the Amazon RDS User Guide for details of the patch set composition of each DB engine version of Oracle.