Advanced Data Guard Migration Options

You can use advanced migration options based on Oracle Data Guard to perform a database upgrade during the migration while providing limited downtime and easy fallback if issues arise.

You can use a Transient Logical Rolling Upgrade to migrate and upgrade a database. However, to use this technique the source database must be compatible with the prerequisite conditions for creating a logical standby database. This method provides the lowest downtime as the upgrade does not impact the primary database.  The upgrade is performed on the migration destination database prior to switching over, leaving the original source database open for use.  After completing the upgrade, you can switch over to the upgraded database and all applications can use the migrated and upgraded database.

If your source database is not compatible with the prerequisite conditions for creating a logical standby database, you can use an alternative method where the upgrade is performed to the migrated database after it is switched over to the primary role. Using this method requires longer downtime since no changes can be applied back to the original source database after the upgrade commences.

For details about both methods, see Migration to Exadata Cloud Using Advanced Data Guard Approach with Minimal Downtime.

See also Creating a Logical Standby Database in Oracle Data Guard Concepts and Administration for Release 18, 12.2, 12.1, or 11.2.