Oracle 26ai Database Released

Oracle just released a big update to its Autonomous Transaction Processing (ATP) database, called ATP 26ai. This update brings a bunch of new AI-powered features to help businesses use their data better and faster.

OCI Console Change:

Oracle Database is now Oracle AI Database

Autonomous Database is now Autonomous AI Database

 

What’s New in Oracle ATP 26ai?

• Built-in AI Tools: You don’t have to move your data anywhere. You can now use AI and machine learning directly in your Oracle database.
• Faster Performance: ATP 26ai uses AI to speed up how it answers questions and runs reports.
• Easier Data Prep: New tools help clean and organize your data automatically, so you spend less time getting your data ready.
• Better Developer Tools: The update comes with easier ways to connect your own apps and use these AI features, including support for different programming languages.

How Do You Upgrade to Oracle ATP 26ai?

If you’re already using Oracle ATP, upgrading is simple:

• Automatic Upgrade: Most users will get a notification in the Oracle Cloud dashboard to upgrade. Just follow the on-screen steps, there’s usually very little downtime.

·       Schedule upgrade to 26ai: You may select the earliest available schedule or a future schedule.

 

Steps:

a.      Login to the ATP database and go to the dashboard. In this case my database version is 19c. You might be using 23ai database version. Steps remains the same.

b.     Click on Schedule upgrade to 26ai

c.      

       Choose the schedule

 

d.     Two Schedule options are available

 

e.     Click on Schedule

f.     

          Database will be upgraded to 26ai.

     

Upgrade Scheduling Options

• Earliest Available Upgrade
• No additional charges apply.
• Quickest upgrade slot.
• Future Scheduled Upgrade
• Reserves extra upgrade resources.
• Additional charges apply until the upgrade is complete.

 

Important Upgrade Notice

• Temporary Downtime: The database will be unavailable for several minutes during the upgrade process.
• Automatic Upgrade for Related Systems: Any attached refreshable clones and standby databases will be upgraded at the same time as the main (source) database.
• Restrictions During Scheduled Upgrade: While the upgrade is scheduled, you won’t be able to create new refreshable clones or disaster recovery standby databases.

 

If you’re running Oracle databases on your own hardware (not in the cloud) or using a hybrid setup, you’ll need to work with Oracle support to plan your upgrade.