As we can see the innovations rise within databases, Oracle Database 23ai has extensive features that supports workloads at scale for any industry. This article highlights its features by uncovering:
- The necessity of Oracle Database 23ai in the evolving digital landscape.
- Key enhancements improving database performance and reliability.
- Advanced security and compliance features ensuring data integrity.
- Innovations in database management, migration, and automation.
Why Oracle Database 23ai?
The exponential growth of data, coupled with the need for real-time insights and stringent security requirements, demands a database that is not only powerful but also intelligent. Oracle Database 23ai represents a paradigm shift in database management, combining automation, performance enhancements, and security innovations to meet modern enterprise demands. Organizations seeking to streamline operations, optimize storage, and fortify their data protection strategies will find 23ai indispensable in their digital transformation journey.
Key Feature Highlights
- Data Pump New Diagnostic V$ Views for Performance Optimization
To accelerate troubleshooting and enhance the performance of Data Pump operations, Oracle 23ai introduces three new views:
(G)V$DATAPUMP_PROCESS_INFO – Provides insight into Data Pump processes.
(G)V$DATAPUMP_PROCESSWAIT_INFO – Identifies bottlenecks and wait events.
(G)V$DATAPUMP_SESSIONWAIT_INFO – Facilitates quicker resolution of session wait issues.
These enhancements significantly reduce downtime, allowing enterprises to process large volumes of data more efficiently.
- Creating Immutable Backups Using RMAN
As cyber threats escalate, ensuring backup integrity is non-negotiable. With Oracle 23ai, RMAN now supports:
- Immutable OCI Object Storage – Prevents deletion or modification of backups.
- Regulatory Compliance – Aligns with stringent data retention policies.
- Flexible Retention Strategies – Enables organizations to create unmodifiable, long-term backups.
This feature is crucial for enterprises prioritizing data integrity and compliance in regulated industries.
- Consolidated Service Backgrounds for Oracle Instance
Oracle 23ai streamlines database operations by consolidating service actions into background processes, reducing system overhead and boosting efficiency. These processes include:
- Archiver Processes (ARCn) – Manages redo log file archival.
- Job Queue Processes (CJQ0 and Jnnn) – Automates batch job execution.
- Flashback Data Archive Process (FBDA) – Archives historical table data.
- Space Management Coordinator Process (SMCO) – Optimizes space management.
This consolidation ensures better resource utilization, enhancing database scalability and maintainability.
- Bigfile Tablespace Shrink for Storage Optimization
Oracle 23ai introduces a game-changing feature allowing organizations to reclaim unused storage efficiently. The DBMS_SPACE.SHRINK_TABLESPACE procedure enables:
- Reduction of storage costs by resizing bigfile tablespaces.
- Enhanced data management by reorganizing storage dynamically.
- Optimal utilization of database resources, preventing unnecessary storage expansion.
- Refreshable PDBs in DBCA for Seamless Cloning
The Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA) now supports:
- Automated cloning of Pluggable Databases (PDBs).
- Periodic refresh of cloned PDBs from the source database.
- Graphical and scripted interfaces for streamlined operations.
This feature enhances database agility, making it easier to manage multi-tenant environments efficiently.
- Enhanced Per-PDB Data Guard Integration
Oracle Data Guard now allows independent failovers for Pluggable Databases (PDBs), providing:
- Granular disaster recovery controls.
- Real-time query offloading for enhanced performance.
- Simplified setup and automatic housekeeping tasks.
This advancement reduces operational costs while improving resilience and availability.
- Simplified Database Migration Across Platforms Using RMAN
RMAN now offers a more streamlined approach for migrating databases across different operating system platforms, with enhanced support for databases encrypted using Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and multi-section backups. New command options enable the reuse of existing RMAN backups to efficiently transport tablespaces or pluggable databases to a new destination with minimal disruption.
These advancements make database migrations using RMAN significantly faster and more straightforward, reducing the number of steps required. The improved process ensures minimal downtime, lowers operational risk, and enhances overall productivity, making it easier for organizations to manage seamless transitions between platforms.
These enhancements significantly reduce complexity and risk in database migrations.
Methods of Transporting Data Using RMAN Backups
Starting with Oracle Database 23ai, use one of these methods to transport PDBs and tablespaces using their corresponding RMAN backups:
Transport PDBs and tablespaces across platforms with a recovery catalog connection
In this method, RMAN must be connected to the same recover catalog when you create backups and perform restores.
On a destination database, you must first run the RESTORE PREVIEW command along with the TO TRANSPORT LIST option to generate an in-memory transport list. You can then run the RESTORE command using the transport list. RMAN restores the data files from backups, rolls forward the restored data files by applying incremental backups, and then plugs in a tablespace or PDB on the destination database.
Transport PDBs and tablespaces across platforms in NOCATALOG mode
In this method, you must create a transport file on the source database. Run the RESTORE PREVIEW command along with the TO TRANSPORT FILE option to store information about the source database backups in a transport file.
On the destination database, run the RESTORE command using the transport file. RMAN restores the data files from backups, rolls forward the restored data files by applying incremental backups, and then plugs in a tablespace or PDB on the destination database.
Transport pluggable databases and tablespaces over the network
In this method, RMAN uses the source database files to optimally transfer data over the network. RMAN can connect to the source platform, create the required backups, transfer the backups over the network to the destination platform, and perform the restore operation.
- Real Application Clusters: Local Rolling Database Maintenance
Local Rolling Database Maintenance introduces the ability to establish a new local database home and initiate a secondary instance of the same database on the same server. This approach enables seamless rolling patching and maintenance on a single node within a multi-node Oracle Real Application Clusters (Oracle RAC) or Oracle RAC One Node setup.
By leveraging Local Rolling Database Maintenance, businesses can ensure continuous database availability during essential maintenance activities such as patching. This capability significantly enhances database uptime while minimizing disruptions to other nodes in the cluster.
With the introduction of Oracle Database 23ai, organizations can now execute out-of-place patching for Oracle RAC and Oracle RAC One Node databases locally, preserving database performance and availability.
- Understanding Local Rolling Database Maintenance: Oracle Database 23ai allows administrators to apply rolling patches and conduct maintenance activities locally for Oracle RAC and Oracle RAC One Node configurations.
- Prerequisites for Local Rolling Maintenance: To successfully implement local rolling database maintenance, it is essential to meet specific configuration requirements.
- Performing Local Rolling Patching on Oracle RAC Databases: Administrators can leverage local rolling mode to apply patches to Oracle RAC and Oracle RAC One Node databases, reducing downtime and streamlining connection migration.
INFOLOB: Your Partner for Oracle Database Upgrades, Patching, and Implementation
INFOLOB stands at the forefront of Oracle database services, helping enterprises harness the full potential of Oracle Database 23ai. Our expertise includes:
- Seamless Oracle Database Upgrades – Ensuring minimal disruption and maximum performance.
- Comprehensive Patching Services – Enhancing security and stability with strategic patch management.
- Enterprise-scale Implementations – Enabling high-performance and resilient database environments.
- Customized Migration Strategies – Facilitating smooth transitions across platforms with optimized RMAN methodologies.
- Ongoing Support & Optimization – Delivering round-the-clock expertise to maintain peak database performance.
With a deep understanding of Oracle’s evolving technology landscape, INFOLOB empowers organizations to scale operations, enhance security, and optimize costs with cutting-edge database solutions.
Oracle Database 23ai is a milestone in database innovation, offering powerful enhancements in performance, security, and manageability. As organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation, adopting 23ai ensures they remain competitive, resilient, and agile. With INFOLOB as your strategic partner, you can unlock the full potential of Oracle’s latest advancements, driving efficiency and innovation at an unprecedented scale.
For all queries, please write to:
