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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Oracle Database: To z/OS or To z/Linux? That is the Question!!!

Oracle has been supporting Oracle Databases on z/OS since version 8.

"Experiences with Oracle Database 10g on z/OS", is a good IBM Publication that describes experiences with the installation process of Oracle 10g on z/OS.
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247055.html

"Oracle® Database Installation Guide 10g Release 1 (10.1) for IBM z/OS (OS/390)" from Oracle is a detailed documentation on the subject.
http://docs.oracle.com/html/B13525_01/title.htm

The last supported Oracle Database on IBM z/OS operating system was Oracle Database 10g. Unfortunately, those with this combination of implementation will not benefit from the latest features and benefits of Oracle Database 11g R2 on z/OS.

My Oracle Support (formerly Metalink): Note 461234.1 Oracle Database on z/OS Support Status

The possible options for people with Oracle Database 10g on z/OS, is:
  1. Either, shift to a different RDBMS Database on z/OS (continuing on existing hardware investments);
  2. Or, continue with Oracle Database onto a different Operating System (possible investments in additional Hardware Environments).
Fortunately, IBM offers its "Linux on System z" as a possible alternative to run the Oracle Databases; and Oracle too supports its latest Oracle Database release on z/Linux.

This means that Oracle customers have an option to stick with the latest updates on Oracle Database and leverage their existing hardware investments, by switching on to Linux on System z (a.k.a. z/Linux) on Mainframes as their operating system.

The 10g migration from z/OS to z/Linux must be thoroughly tested. And once found satisfactory and stable, it can be upgraded to latest release of Oracle Database on z/Linux.

For more information on 11gR2 on z/Linux:
"Oracle® Database Quick Installation Guide [11g Release 2 (11.2) for IBM: Linux on System z]"

Download Oracle Database 11g Release 2 (11.2.0.2.0) for zLinux64