Difference between Oracle E-Business Suite R12.1 and R12.2

I will try to analyze architectural overview of the latest updates, installation and upgrade options, new configuration options, and new tools for hot-cloning and automated “lights out” cloning in R12.2.

Release 12.2 will replace Oracle Containers for Java (OC4J) 10g with WebLogic Server 11g

Release 12.2 Database tier will run RDBMS 11gR2 to support online patching

There will be number of updates coming in release R12.2, from a technology stack perspective, EBS 12.2 will be notable for two things:

1-Replacing Oracle Containers for Java (OC4J) 10g with WebLogic Server 11g

EBS 12.2 will use WebLogic Server from Fusion Middleware 11g in place of OC4J 10g as part of the release’s internal technology stack. Other additional new Fusion Middleware 11g components used will include WebLogic JSP and UIX 11g

2-Online Patching support via 11gR2 Edition-Based Redefinition

EBS 12.2 will use the 11gR2 Database’s Edition-Based Redefinition features to provide support for Online Patching. Edition-Based Redefinition is really exciting new technology. From the 11gR2 Application Developer’s Guide:

“Edition-based redefinition enables you to upgrade the database component of an application while it is in use, thereby minimizing or eliminating down time.

“To upgrade an application while it is in use, you copy the database objects that comprise the application and redefine the copied objects in isolation. Your changes do not affect users of the application—they continue to run the unchanged application. When you are sure that your changes are correct, you make the upgraded application available to all users.”

It is not released yet but It will include significant changes to the Application Server architecture, It will use RDBMS Version 11gR2 or higher, It will change Patching, Cloning, the User Experience

Comparison of Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 vs 12.2 Installation Steps
Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 installation

Database Technology Stack
Database
Apps Technology Stack
Apps File System

Oracle E-Business Suite 12.2 installation
Following will be main features planned for R12.2 installations:
Native Technology Stack Install
Database RMAN Restore
Dual File System
Optional 11g Home for Upgrades
WebLogic Server (WLS)

Graphical UI to manage WLS Domain
Administration (Start/Stop WLS Instances)
Configuration (Config and Deploy, Cluster, Host, JDBC, JMS Messaging)
Monitoring (Server & Application Performance)
Troubleshooting (Performance Tuning, Log Viewer)

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Native Technology Stack Install:
Better integration with Oracle
Universal Installer
Faster Technology Stack Installation
Silent-mode calls to install and configure Oracle Database 11.2, WebLogic Server (WLS) and Oracle HTTP Server (OHS)
AutoConfig Integration

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Database RMAN Restore:
Simplifies Integration with Grid Infrastructure
Seamless integration with different storage methods (OCFS2, NFS, etc)
Faster integration with Automatic Storage Management (ASM)

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Dual File System:
Online Patching allows users to continue using the application while patching
Dual File System allows replacing files with minimum downtime
Improves High Availability

Dual Port Pool configuration
Easier port assignments
Allows port customization in runtime and patching file systems

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 Optional 11g Home for Upgrades:
Allow integration with an existing 11gR2 Oracle Home
Simplified Technology Stack Upgrade
Reduced Upgrade time

Following will be main features planned for R12.2 WebLogic Server (WLS):
Graphical User Interface
WebLogic Scripting Tool (WLST)
High Availability & Failover
Consolidated Administration, Configuration and Deployment
Monitoring & Messaging
Troubleshooting framework
Integration with OAM