8.2.2.6 Version Compatibility and Mixed Version Support

It is recommended that software for all components be updated regularly to stay in step with the recommended minimum release in order to maintain the most stable and secure system.

However, it is supported to update only a subset of components during a software maintenance window while the remaining components remain at an earlier version. For example, the following scenarios are supported:

• Update a subset of the Oracle Exadata storage servers to a higher Oracle Exadata System Software version while the remaining storage servers remain at the earlier version.

• Update the Oracle Exadata storage servers to a higher Oracle Exadata System Software version while the database servers remain at the earlier version.

• Update the Oracle Exadata database servers to a higher Oracle Exadata System Software version while the storage servers remain at the earlier version.

• Update the Oracle Exadata storage servers to a higher Oracle Exadata System Software version while the RDMA Network Fabric switches remain at the earlier version.

• Update the RDMA Network Fabric switches to a higher Oracle Exadata System Software version while the Oracle Exadata storage servers remain at the earlier version.

• Update the Oracle Exadata storage servers to a higher Oracle Exadata System Software version while the Oracle Grid Infrastructure and Oracle Database software remains at an earlier release and update level.

While mixed versions are supported (within the same component or across different components), it is highly recommended that this be only a temporary configuration that exists for the purpose and duration of rolling upgrade.

If mixing versions the following rules and considerations must be observed:

• Each generation of Oracle Exadata hardware has a minimum required Oracle Exadata System Software version.

• Each Oracle Database release requires a minimum Oracle Exadata System Software release to fully support all Oracle Exadata features.

• Features supplied with a specific Oracle Exadata System Software release may require a minimum Oracle Grid Infrastructure or Oracle Database software release or release update.

• Oracle Grid Infrastructure supports mixed versions only during a rolling update. Some Oracle Clusterware functionality is restricted while the cluster is in rolling upgrade mode.

• Oracle Database supports mixed versions only during a rolling update.