In prior releases, Oracle Reports Services was installed in a single Oracle home (ORACLE_HOME), including all files (both binaries and configuration). Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g Release 2 (11.1.2) introduces the option to split installation into an Oracle home (ORACLE_HOME) and an Oracle instance (ORACLE_INSTANCE) to separate binaries from configuration, and allow shared binaries across servers.
The new Oracle Fusion Middleware installation option provides several advantages:
ORACLE_HOME contains binary files, which can be shared across multiple ORACLE_INSTANCEs, reducing the footprint and management of each ORACLE_INSTANCE.
It is easier to apply patches and maintain the binary ORACLE_HOME without needing to reconfigure.
Install of each ORACLE_INSTANCE is easier and lightweight.
Easier backup, restore, and cloning.
Support for Reports-only install.
For complete information about the new installation structure, including how to create a new Oracle instance, refer to Oracle Fusion Middleware Administrator's Guide.