2 Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) Interoperability and Compatibility

This chapter summarizes the specific interoperability and compatibility considerations and issues for the Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) release.

This chapter contains the following sections:

2.1 Products and Features Available in Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1)

Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) includes updates to the following products that were originally distributed in Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.1.3):

  • Oracle JDeveloper

  • Oracle WebLogic Server and Coherence

  • Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure

  • Oracle HTTP Server

  • Oracle Data Integrator

  • Oracle Data Service Integrator

  • Oracle SOA Suite

  • Oracle Business Process Management

  • Oracle Service Bus

  • Oracle Managed File Transfer

  • Oracle Event Processing (Oracle Stream Explorer)

  • Oracle Data Service Integrator

Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) also includes the following Oracle Fusion Middleware products, which have been re-introduced and re-engineered for Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c:

  • Oracle WebCenter Content

  • Oracle WebCenter Portal

  • Oracle WebCenter Sites

  • Oracle Business Intelligence

  • Oracle Traffic Director

  • Oracle MapViewer

This is not a definitive list of products released with Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1). For information about all the Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) products, refer to the Oracle Fusion Middleware Understanding Oracle Fusion Middleware.

2.2 Oracle Fusion Middleware Compatibility with Previous Releases

Refer to the following sections for information on Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) compatibility with previous Oracle Fusion Middleware releases:

2.2.1 Compatibility with Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g

If you are currently running Oracle WebLogic Server 11g products, then be aware of the following:

  • Do not install Oracle WebLogic Server 12c (12.2.1) in the same Middleware home or Oracle home as any previous Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g or Oracle WebLogic Server 11g products. This includes Oracle WebLogic Server 10.3.

  • Do not install any Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g products in the same Oracle home as Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1).

Similarly, you cannot extend an existing Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g or Oracle WebLogic Server 11g domain with Oracle WebLogic Server 12c (12.2.1).

2.2.2 Compatibility with Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.1.3)

If you are currently running Oracle WebLogic Server 12c (12.1.3) products, then be aware of the following:

  • Do not install Oracle WebLogic Server 12c (12.2.1) in the same Oracle home used by Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.1.3).

  • Do not install any Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.1.3) products in the same Oracle home as Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1).

Similarly, you cannot extend an existing Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.1.3) domain with Oracle WebLogic Server 12c (12.2.1).

2.3 Interoperability with Supported Databases

Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) supports specific database versions for hosting the required Oracle Fusion Middleware product and component schemas and for other specific product features.

The certification information on the Oracle Technology Network (OTN) provides information about the specific database versions supported by Oracle Fusion Middleware. For more information on using the certification information, see Section 1.4.2, "Using Oracle Certification Matrices".

However, in some cases, an Oracle Fusion Middleware feature or component requires a more specific database version or a specific database feature that is available in a particular database release.

The following sections describes some of those specific features and database requirements:

2.3.1 Oracle Database Interoperability Considerations

In addition to the information available in the certification information on the Oracle Technology Network (OTN), Table 2-1 provides some additional considerations when using specific Oracle database features.

Table 2-1 Database Version Requirements for Selected Products and Features

Product or Feature Database Requirement Restrictions More Information

Using SCAN addresses with GridLink data sources.

Oracle Database 11.2 or later, with Single Client Access Name (SCAN) enabled

None

"SCAN Addresses" in Administering JDBC Data Sources for Oracle WebLogic Server

JDBC Multi Data Sources

All Oracle Database versions supported by Oracle Fusion Middleware

None.

"Configuring JDBC Multi Data Sources" in Administering JDBC Data Sources for Oracle WebLogic Server

Using Edition-Based Redefinition (EBR) when creating schemas in an Oracle database

Oracle Database 11.2 or later

EBR is supported by all Oracle Fusion Middleware schemas, except where noted.

Support for pluggable databases (PDBs)

Oracle Database 12.1 or later

PDBs are supported for Oracle Fusion Middleware schemas.

Connecting to a multitenant container database (CDB) from the Repository Creation Utility is not supported.

'"Managing Pluggable Databases Using Enterprise Manager" in the Enterprise Manager Lifecycle Management Administrator's Guide.

2.3.2 Java DB Interoperability Considerations

As described in the certification information, Oracle supports the use of Java DB as a repository for the required Oracle Fusion Middleware schemas in a limited set of Oracle WebLogic Server domain configurations.

Specifically, for evaluation or development purposes only, you can use Java DB to host the required schemas for an Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure domain.

For example, you can install the required Oracle Fusion Middleware schemas in a Java DB database and reference the Java DB data sources during the configuration of an Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure domain.

In addition, by default, the Oracle JDeveloper Integrated WebLogic Server, which is installed with the Oracle SOA Suite Quick Start and Oracle Business Process Management Quick Start installers, is configured to use a pre-configured instance of Java DB. For more information, see Installing SOA Suite and Business Process Management Suite Quick Start for Developers.

For more information about Java DB, refer to the Java DB documentation at the following URL:

http://docs.oracle.com/javadb

For more information on certified databases, see Section 1.4.2, "Using Oracle Certification Matrices".

2.3.3 Additional Database Interoperability Considerations

The certification matrices and My Oracle Support Certifications define the following terms to differentiate between types of database support:

2.3.3.1 Application Data Access

Application Data Access refers to those applications that use the database for data access only and do not take advantage of WebLogic Server features that are Database dependant. WebLogic Server support of databases used for application data access only are less restrictive than for database dependent features.

WebLogic Server provides support for application data access to databases using JDBC drivers that meet the following requirements:

  • The driver must be thread safe.

  • The driver must implement standard JDBC transactional calls, such as setAutoCommit() and setTransactionIsolation(), when used in transactional aware environments.

Note the following restrictions:

  • JDBC drivers that do not implement serializable or remote interfaces cannot pass objects to an RMI client application.

  • Simultaneous use of automatic database connection failover and load balancing and global transactions (XA) with a highly-available (HA) DBMS architecture is supported with Oracle DB RAC only, and only for the Oracle DB RAC versions indicated on the System worksheet. These HA capabilities are only supported by Active GridLink for RAC and Multi Data Sources with RAC. These HA capabilities are not supported on other Oracle DB RAC versions or with other HA DBMS technologies on other non-Oracle DB products. Multi Data Sources are supported on other Oracle DB versions, and with non-Oracle DB technologies, but not with simultaneous use of automatic failover and load balancing and global transactions.

  • Application data access to databases meeting the restrictions articulated above is supported on other Oracle DB versions, in addition to those documented in the certification matrix.

  • WebLogic Type 4 JDBC drivers also support the following databases. For these databases, WebLogic Server supports application data access only, and does not support WebLogic Server database dependent features:

    • DB2 V9.1 for z/OS, DB2 V10 for z/O

    • Informix 11.0, Informix 11.5, Informix 11.7

2.3.3.2 Database Dependent Features

When WebLogic Server features use a database for internal data storage, database support is more restrictive than for application data access. The following WebLogic Server features require internal data storage:

  • Container Managed Persistence (CMP)

  • Rowsets

  • JMS/JDBC Persistence and use of a WebLogic JDBC Store

  • JDBC Session Persistence

  • RDBMS Security Providers

  • Database Leasing (for singleton services and server migration)

  • JTA Logging Last Resource optimization

  • JDBC TLog

2.4 Interoperability with Oracle Identity Management Products

This section provide information about Oracle Identity Management Interoperability with Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c:

2.4.1 Interoperability with Oracle Identity and Access Management

Table 2-2 shows the interoperability of Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) with the available versions of Oracle Identity and Access Management.

When reviewing the interoperability of Oracle Identity and Access Management and Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c, consider the following:

  • In most cases, you can use currently available versions of Oracle Identity and Access Management with Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c because the Oracle Identity and Access Management products are installed in a separate Oracle home and configured in a separate Oracle WebLogic Server domain.

    For more information, see Section 2.6, "Oracle Home and Domain Extension Interoperability".

  • The information shown in Table 2-2 was accurate at the time this document was published. Always check the certification information on the Oracle Technology Network (OTN) for the latest certification information.

  • Oracle HTTP Server 12c includes WebGate 12c, which can be used to integrate Oracle WebLogic Server or Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure with Oracle Access Manager 11g (11.1.1.5.0) or later.

Table 2-2 Oracle Identity and Access Management Interoperability with Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c


 Oracle Identity and Access Management Versions Before 11.1.1.5.0 Oracle Identity and Access Management 11.1.1.5 or later Oracle Identity and Access Management 11g Release 2 (11.1.2)

Oracle WebLogic Server and Coherence 12c (12.2.1)

 Red "X" icon Green check icon Green check icon

Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure 12c (12.2.1)

 Red "X" icon Green check icon Green check icon

2.4.2 Interoperability with Oracle Identity Management Directory Services

Table 2-2 shows the interoperability of Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) with the available versions of Oracle Identity Management Directory Services.

When reviewing the interoperability of Oracle Identity Management and Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c, consider the following:

  • In most cases, you can use currently available versions of Oracle Identity and Access Management with Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c because the Oracle Identity and Access Management products are installed in a separate Oracle home and configured in a separate Oracle WebLogic Server domain.

    For more information, see Section 2.6, "Oracle Home and Domain Extension Interoperability".

  • The information shown in Table 2-3 was accurate at the time this document was published. Always check the certification information on the Oracle Technology Network (OTN) for the latest certification information.

Table 2-3 Oracle Identity Management Directory Services Interoperability with Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c


 Oracle Internet Directory and Oracle Virtual Directory Versions Before 11.1.1.5.0 Oracle Internet Directory and Oracle Virtual Directory 11.1.1.5 or later Oracle Unified Directory 11g (11.1.2)

Oracle WebLogic Server and Coherence 12c (12.2.1)

 Red "X" icon Green check icon Green check icon

Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure 12c (12.2.1)

 Red "X" icon Green check icon Green check icon

2.5 Oracle Web Services Interoperability

Web services are Web-based applications that use open, XML-based standards and transport protocols to exchange data with clients. Web services are developed using Java Technology APIs and tools provided by an integrated Web services category.

Oracle supports several Web services categories, which are associated with specific Oracle Fusion Middleware products and components. For more information, see Understanding Web Services.

These Oracle Web services categories support a variety of Web services message formats, capabilities, and security features. While this support varies from one category to another, all the Oracle Web services categories support the following standard features in the communication messages they send and receive:

  • Plain SOAP

  • WS-Security, With SSL

  • WS-Security, No SSL

As a result, if you develop Web services applications that support these types of Web services messages, then the services you create can be used Interoperability with any of the Oracle Web services security categories.

For a more information about the supported WS-Security scenarios between the categories and information on how to configure Web services endpoints, refer to Interoperability Solutions Guide for Oracle Web Services Manager.

2.6 Oracle Home and Domain Extension Interoperability

The following sections provide information about the interoperability of Oracle Fusion Middleware products when installing products in an Oracle home and when extending existing Oracle WebLogic Server domains:

2.6.1 Oracle Home Interoperability

When installing Oracle Fusion Middleware products, be sure that each Oracle home you create contains only products that are at the same version or patch set. Each product has its own maintenance schedule, and it is possible that future interoperability issues could result.

For example, unless otherwise documented, you cannot install Oracle SOA Suite 11g Release 1 (11.1.1.9.0) into the same Oracle home with Oracle Fusion Middleware Infrastructure 12c.

This rule applies when installing new products, as well as when applying patches.

2.6.2 Domain Extension Interoperability

You can extend an existing Oracle Fusion Middleware product domain to support another Oracle Fusion Middleware product, as long as they are the same version number or patch set.

For example, if you have an existing SOA Suite 11g Release 1 (11.1.1.7.0) domain, do not attempt to extend or patch that domain using Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c. To avoid potential interoperability issues, wait until both suites are available at equivalent versions.

Exception to the Domain Extension Interoperability Rule:

Oracle does not support the configuration of Oracle Business Process Management 12c and Oracle SOA Suite for Healthcare Integration 12c in the same domain. If you plan to use both these Oracle Fusion Middleware products, be sure to configure them in separate domains.

2.7 Interoperability with Custom and Client Applications

When you upgrade to Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c, or if you apply any patches on an existing Oracle Fusion Middleware, you should consider the impact on your custom applications, such as:

  • Applications written using JDeveloper

  • Applications using any other IDE, but also using any of the Oracle Fusion Middleware public Java APIs.

Specifically, the information in this section applies in the following situations:

  • If you have created custom applications that you have deployed on Oracle Application Server 10g or Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g.

  • If you have created or if you maintain client applications that interact with applications you deployed on Oracle Application Server 10g or Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g.

Oracle attempts to support binary and source-level compatibility between the current version of Fusion Middleware and patch set updates applied to it. Where incompatibilities arise with public interfaces, they are documented in the related API reference guides. For more information, see "Reference and APIs" in the Oracle Fusion Middleware 12c (12.2.1) documentation library.

Oracle recommends that you ensure the business applications adopting new versions or upgrades are tested through your normal release process to ensure there are no regressions.

In general, applying Oracle Fusion Middleware patch sets should require no additional changes to your custom or client applications. When upgrading, however, you should expect some changes.

For more information on WebLogic Server compatibility, see WebLogic Server 12.2.1 Compatibility with Previous Releases in Upgrading Oracle WebLogic Server.

2.8 Oracle Data Integration 12c (12.2.1) Interoperability with Other Fusion Middleware Products

Oracle Data Integrator is designed to be used with specific Oracle SOA Suite, Oracle Enterprise Data Quality (EDQ), and Oracle GoldenGate software releases. The following table shows which releases of these software products can be used with Oracle Data Integrator 12c (12.2.1).

The asterisk (*) indicates that the software is interoperable with releases later than one shown.

Oracle Data Integrator 12c (12.2.1) Component Can be used with... Interoperability Details
Oracle Data Integrator (Agent, Console, Studio) Oracle Enterprise Data Quality 11.1.1.7.* You can configure, launch, and monitor EDQ jobs from Oracle Data Integrator.
Oracle Data Integrator (Agent, Studio) Oracle Enterprise Data Quality 12.* You can launch and monitor EDQ jobs from Oracle Data Integrator.
Oracle Data Integrator (Agent, Console, Studio) Oracle GoldenGate 11.2.1.* You can configure, launch, and monitor GoldenGate jobs from Oracle Data Integrator.
Oracle Data Integrator (Agent, Console, Studio) Oracle GoldenGate 12.* You can configure, launch, and monitor GoldenGate jobs from Oracle Data Integrator.
Oracle Data Integrator Agent Oracle SOA Suite 11.1.1.9.0

Oracle SOA Suite 12.1.3
  • Oracle Data Integrator can invoke SOA Web services.

  • Oracle SOA Suite can launch ODI Web services.
Oracle Data Integrator Agent Oracle SOA Suite 12.2.1.0.0
  • You can install Oracle Data Integrator in the same Oracle home as Oracle SOA Suite

  • Oracle Data Integrator can invoke SOA Web services.

  • Oracle SOA Suite can launch ODI Web services.

2.9 Oracle Enterprise Data Quality 12c (12.2.1) Interoperability with Other Fusion Middleware Products

Oracle Enterprise Data Quality (EDQ) is designed to be used with specific releases of the EDQ Address Verification Server and EDQ Customer Data Services Pack. The following table shows which releases of these software products can be used with EDQ 12c (12.2.1).

The asterisk (*) indicates that the software is interoperable with releases later than one shown.

Oracle Enterprise Data Quality 12c (12.2.1) Component Can be used with...
Oracle Enterprise Data Quality Oracle Enterprise Data Quality Address Verification Server 14.* and 15.*
Oracle Enterprise Data Quality Seibel Connector Oracle Enterprise Data Quality Customer Data Services Pack 11.* and 12.*

2.10 Oracle GoldenGate Studio Interoperability with Other Fusion Middleware Products

Oracle GoldenGate Studio is designed to be used with specific releases of the GoldenGate software components. The following table shows which releases of these components can be used with GoldenGate Studio 12c (12.2.1).

The asterisk (*) indicates that the software is interoperable with releases later than one shown.

Oracle GoldenGate 12c (12.2.1) Component Can be used with...
Oracle GoldenGate Studio Oracle GoldenGate 12.2.0.1.*
Oracle GoldenGate Studio Oracle GoldenGate Monitoring Jagent 12.2.1.0.*