Oracle database 12cR2 new patching concept RU RUR
The new database patching for Oracle 12cR2 (12.2) and above using new RUs and RURs patches replaces the old patching concept. Means, the legacy terms and patches Patchset, Patchset Update (PSU), Database Bundle Patch, Critical Patch Update (CPU) will no longer be meaningful for 12.2 database software. The new patches will be applied in the same way using opatch utility with ability using RAC Rolling or Data Guard/GG switchover techniques.
The major points about the new patching concept are below:
New quarterly Release Update (RUs)
– More aggressive patching for test / dev and early production roll-outs -> more testing required
– Released quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct)
– Proactive, highly tested bundles of critical fixes
– Include all security fixes for the same quarterly cycle
– Enable customers to avoid known issues.
– Might contain small, important new features
– Query optimizer fixes that can change execution plans might be included but must be enabled manually by the customer after patching.
– Separate Database RU, Grid Infrastructure RU, and OJVM RU available
New quarterly Release Update Revisions (RURs)
– A bit similar to former PSUs
– Less aggressive pathing for stable production environments -> less testing required
– Released quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct)
– Contain security and regression fixes
– Include all security fixes for the same quarterly cycle
– Applied to a particular RU
– Extend lifetime of RUs up to 2 quarters
– No new features included
– No RURs for Windows available
You can switch back and forth between RUs and RURs
Interim patches will be delivered on top of base version and on any RUs or RURs for a supported release as long as technically feasible
I recommend the new Patch Download Assistant on MOS that will help you to find the proper patch for your Oracle 12cR2 database.