The OIT Next Generation Database Program is upgrading Oracle Databases to version 19c. Three major PeopleSoft Production databases were upgraded as planned. Additionally, all non-production environments have been upgraded. Next is the upcoming scheduled upgrade of Hotel Production databases on the weekend of March 27 and 28.
Table of Contents:
Installing the Upgrade
Oracle databases are being upgraded to version 19c. The new Oracle Instant Client will be required. The new version of SQL Developer is optional. These software can be distributed via Software Center or Self Service.
- Installing Oracle 19c and SQL Developer
- Note: SQL Developer 4 will no longer be supported by OIT DBAs.
You can install Oracle Instant client from Software Center or Self Service on University managed computers.
- Software Center: Install and Uninstall Available Software
- Using the Self Service application on macOS Computers
Signing In After the Upgrade
Login is typically done using Internet ID, password, and Duo Multi Factor Authentication. After August 17th, 2021, you will need to start Connecting to UMN VPN before logging in to any Oracle database.
Locked accounts using Duo Multi Factor Authentication follow standard automatic unlock timers, and should unlock within 15 minutes.
You must submit requests for access.
- Submit Access Request Form (ARF): Enterprise Access Requests: Complete an Access Request Form (ARF)
It is still critical that application teams update old database schema/account password with Oracle Instant Client version 12 or higher. Please contact Technology Help to reset these passwords if you have not reset before the upgrade.
- Groups that still need to reset passwords are listed in links to surveys.
Checking Standard Database Connection Names
Only standard database connection strings will be allowed with Oracle 19c (based on CNAMES). For those who have been following the standard connection instructions, no change is required.
See the Database Connection Strings list to check if your database Service Name has changed.
Updating Oracle Database Configurations
Your unit should upgrade their Oracle clients on systems that use software that connects to a database.
Configurations differ throughout the University, please contact Technology Help if you have problems with the upgrade.
ODBC Driver Using Oracle Instant Client Drivers
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers can be installed based on the Unit's documented connections, and may require the Oracle Database client or other software-specific ODBC driver packs. Units with ODBC configurations should upgrade to Oracle 19c, and check ODBC settings for their Windows systems.
TNSnames Update with Oracle 19c
A TNSnames file is required for applications that connect to the Data Warehouse. Most departments at the University of Minnesota use a file that can be found in Obtaining a Copy of TNSNAMES.ORA.
- If you use App Designer or an SQL tool, update your local TNSnames file.
- If you don't connect directly to the database, no action is required.
Users with SQL Developer installed from Software Center for Self Service will have the Oracle Home folder at C:\OIT-Oracle for Windows and /Users/$USER$/Oracle/Instantclient_19_3 for MacOS.
Caution: Remove all TNS files from the Oracle Home folder before updating the file.
- Local folders with multiple TNS names files should be cleaned up.
- SQLDeveloper is known to search for any files within the TNS_ADMIN folder, which could lead to problems using the right file.
Windows
- Click on Start
- Open folder OIT-Oracle 19
- Click Update TNSnames
- Check the file at C:\OIT-Oracle\tnsnames.ora
MacOS
- Click Go then Connect to Server
- Go to smb://files.umn.edu/it-tnsnames
- Copy tnsnames.ora, and paste into the folder /Users/$USER$/Oracle/Admin
What Communications Were There About the Upgrade?
Not sure if you received a communication from IT about the database update?
All IT Unit leaders and application owners associated to existing Oracle databases have been communicated throughout the program of requirements and updates. You can find the list of Units and departments engaged via the list of surveys made. Additionally, e-mails have been sent out to all customers enrolled in the Database Notifications group e-mail list ([email protected]).
If you are the owner or user of a database schema or account that authenticates directly to the database and did not receive any of communications, please place a request to have your account updated in OIT Database Hosting Services records.
Updates for the Oracle 19c Upgrade can be seen on the Project Dashboard. Additional information about which databases have been upgraded and program contact persons is available there as well.
Application teams can share experiences with the technical upgrades in the Oracle 19c Upgrade Google Chat room.