Traditionally, a patch is a fix, a quick repair operation, or a piece of programming aimed at handling functionality issues, improving security, and adding new features in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Throughout its existence, the software encounters regular faults known as bugs, which result in unanticipated effects, and a patch is an immediate solution to those problems.
Oracle Patching is the process of making changes to the Oracle Fusion Applications environment. Patching is required to address security vulnerabilities, improve speed, correct issues, and introduce new features.
Continuous patch application reduces the number of events where bugs are detected. It ensures that the Oracle Fusion Applications instance is running effectively and thereby increases security.
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Patching Tools for Oracle Fusion
There are many tools to use depending on the patching categories and patch kinds.
OPatch is an Oracle utility Tool that assists organizations in the process of applying and rolling back fixes to Oracle Software.
FASPOT: FASPOT is used to manage the P4FA bundle patch installation. It has specific preparation actions to follow before applying bundle patches.
FASPOT employs patches from the following categories:
- Identity and Access Management (including OHS and OID) Fusion Middleware Components (including ODI, atgpf, Oracle Common, webtier, SOA, BI, WebCenter, ECM, SES, wls)
- FASPOT does not cover the installation of RDBMS fixes, which must be done manually by Database Administrators (DBAs).
Oracle Fusion Applications Patch Manager (Patch Manager)– A Patch Manager’s primary duty is to apply functional standard patches and bundle patches.
It can also determine whether or not patches may be implemented and generate patching reports. Patch Manager has a command-line interface that allows it to systemize its patching functions.
Important things to consider when preparing a patching exercise for an Oracle Fusion Applications environment
- Patch Preparation
- Patching Tools are enabled.
- System backup preparation Impact analysis of patches
- Patch Test Strategy
Opkey For Oracle Patch Testing
It’s worth noting that every Oracle Cloud patch involves at least two rounds of regression testing, one in the testing environment and one in the production environment. Manually doing these tests can be extremely time-consuming and costly.
Furthermore, relying on guesswork to identify regression tests may result in either too much or too little testing. Opkey’s No-Code test automation overcomes this issue.
Opkey undertakes a rigorous series of automated tests to check the features being delivered before applying them to customers’ environments. Opkey then uses these tests to clearly show you what has changed in your transactions, setups, and custom screens.
Our impact analysis report will then immediately highlight things you should be aware of. If you want to stay secure, you must keep your systems up to date. This is why Oracle promotes the importance of timely upgrades.
Oracle’s Critical Patch updates are released on a regular basis, allowing customers to plan for these changes and reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities. Opkey facilitates efficient and successful collaboration between your Business and technical teams by offering real-time system visibility.
