{ Abhilash Kumar Bhattaram : Follow on LinkedIn }
This article focuses on patching and how Nabhaas helps you streamline and accelerate your Oracle Cloud database patching process.
- Ground Zero: Where Challenges Start
- Underneath Ground Zero: Finding the Real Problem
- Working Upwards: From Understanding to Solution
Database Patching
Just like the weather databases are both predicatable and unpredicatable.
When it patches , it pours.
One needs to understand why most organizations have issues with patching.
1. Ground Zero: Where Challenges Start - Patching
Lets start with a plain canvas and understand our ground zero , the issues are mostly organizational than technical.
Scroll right for the Solution (→)
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| 1. Ground Zero: Where Challenges Start - Patching |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Weekend patching headaches & corresponding solutions: |
| |
| - Unexpected failures | Solution: Use Non-Prod environments with end-to-end lifecycle testing
| - Moving parts across multiple systems | Solution: Ensure systems are patch-friendly
| - Manual checklist errors | Solution: Focus on database errors post-patch testing
| - Version conflicts | Solution: Understand your applications and certify endpoints
| - Dependency issues | Solution: Track dependencies across DB, infra, and application teams
| - Last-minute approvals | Solution: Build organizational confidence via skillful, methodical planning
| - Communication gaps across teams | Solution: Communicate clearly to all dependent applications
| - Rollback uncertainties | Solution: Collaborate with Oracle Support; no single SOP exists
| - Performance degradation post-patch | Solution: Monitor closely, capture issues, and work with Oracle Support
| - Missing documentation | Solution: Document repeatable and easy-to-follow steps
| - Patching calendar | Solution: Maintain a calendar for all patching activities
| |
| >> This is where most patching challenges begin. |
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As you see, we haven’t even touched technical patching yet — there’s a lot of groundwork to do.
Planning for patching is often tougher than patching itself… period.
2. Underneath Ground Zero: Finding the Real Problem - Why database patching is often a non starter
Once you have understood your Ground Zero problems you need to more on what each issue pertains to , you might spend a lot of time in finding the issues than fixing the issues.
Scroll right for the Solution (→)
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| 2. Underneath Ground Zero: Finding the Real Problem |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Why database patching often stalls (root causes & solutions)|
| |
| - Manual, error-prone steps | Solution: Automate inefficient processes to reduce delays
| - Endless checklists | Solution: Simplify checklists when things get complicated
| - Cross-team coordination challenges | Solution: Close knowledge gaps between DB, infra, and app teams
| - Lack of standardized procedures | Solution: Create repeatable, predictable workflows
| - Unclear system dependencies | Solution: Document dependencies and understand end-user applications
| - Limited Non-Prod testing coverage | Solution: Ensure Non-Prod environments are integration test ready
| - Knowledge gaps in application behavior | Solution: Identify DB features affected by patching and train teams
| - Lack of version/certification mapping | Solution: Maintain version compatibility and certification awareness
| - Organizational risk aversion | Solution: Build confidence to act proactively, reduce fear of downtime
| - Reactive rather than proactive approach | Solution: Shift from “do nothing” mindset to planned patching
| - Insufficient monitoring and metrics | Solution: Capture proper database metrics to track success
| |
| >> These underlying problems makes patching a non starter |
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As you can see they are combination of Technical and Non Technical factors , these needs to be ironed out.
Addressing these root causes is critical before any patching can succeed. Every organization will have its own nuances, but these challenges cannot be ignored.
3. Working Upwards: From Understanding to Solution
Segregate Technical and Non Technical issues , listbed below are things every CTO will need to look into to give the direction to the teams.
Scroll right for the Solution (→)
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| 3. Working Upwards: From Understanding to Solution |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| How structure turns patch chaos into predictable cycles |
| |
| Technical Issues: |
| - Missing dependency mapping | Solution: Certify and document all app–DB dependencies
| - Version mismatches across DB / middleware / apps | Solution: Maintain a clear compatibility and certification matrix
| - No consistent preflight validation | Solution: Automate pre-patch checks and readiness steps
| - Weak rollback planning | Solution: Always prepare tested rollback and post-patch validation
| - Lack of observability after patching | Solution: Capture metrics and feed lessons into the next cycle
| |
| Non-Technical Issues: |
| - Cross-team coordination gaps | Solution: Strengthen collaboration across DB, infra, and app teams
| - Lack of process discipline | Solution: Enforce structured cycles: document → structure → automate
| - Organizational risk aversion | Solution: Build confidence with repeatable, validated steps
| - Reactive rather than proactive culture | Solution: Shift mindset from “do nothing” to predictable patching
| - No clear patching calendar | Solution: Establish a predictable calendar to avoid last-minute rush
| |
| >> Predictability is engineered, one disciplined cycle at a |
| time — not achieved overnight. |
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The most important of them all is the Patching Calendar ,
once you have set it up all the teams will be in a snowball mode and the efficiency just picks up. This will ensures all collaborative teams learn from its collective issues.
How Nabhaas helps you
At Nabhaas, we work closely with teams to uncover dependencies, knowledge gaps, and process inefficiencies to ensure the patching cycle is smooth and predictable.
TAB ( Total Automation Box ) is how we automate patching lifecycles. https://www.nabhaas.com/tab
There is no staright answer to the points mentioned above but all of them needs to be addressed as best fits the organization.
At Nabhaas we ensure we identify all the above before beginning a patch cycle. Feel free to download our whitepaper here
Stay tuned for my next post.
*Managed Services: Why 24/7 Predictability Beats Reactive Firefighting
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