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]"

http://docs.oracle.com/cd/E11882_01/install.112/e24328/toc.htm

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

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/database/enterprise-edition/downloads/index.html

Toad World PIPELINE Newsletter (Sept '11 Issue) has my Third Technical Paper

The September 2011 Edition of Toad World PIPELINE Newsletter has published my third Oracle Technical Paper titled "How to resolve Root Certificate Expiry Issue for Enterprise Manager - Database Control".

In it I have tried to explain how to resolve the Oracle Enterprise Manager – Database Control configuration errors for Oracle Database versions 10.2.0.4 or 10.2.0.5, as a result of the expired Root Certificate since 31st December, 2010.

I had written the paper in June 2011, after encountering and resolving the issue at my end. Not much has been written on this in detail, apart from the My Oracle Support. So I thought it will be a good idea to jot it down for others to benefit.

Click on the hyperlink to read the Toad World PIPELINE Newsletter (September '11 Issue):

I hope it is a nice read and means to a quick resolution.