In my previous article, I introduced Oracle's 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗞 for Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12.2 and discussed the move to modern components such as WebLogic 14c, Oracle Fusion Middleware 14c, and Java 17.
While reviewing Oracle's documentation, I came across another interesting enhancement—not to the technology itself, but to the upgrade process.
Oracle has introduced a Special Online Patching Cycle that is used exclusively for upgrading to the Next Generation Technology Stack.
A Special Online Patching Cycle
It's important to clarify that Oracle has not changed the standard Online Patching (ADOP) cycle used for everyday patching and maintenance.
The familiar workflow remains:
Prepare → Apply → Finalize → Cutover → Cleanup
However, when upgrading from the Classic Technology Stack to the Next Generation Technology Stack, Oracle provides a dedicated online patching workflow.
In this special upgrade cycle, the traditional Apply phase is replaced by Technology Stack Update Assistant (TSUA).
The workflow becomes:
Prepare → TSUA → Finalize → Cutover → Cleanup → Synch
This workflow is designed specifically for the one-time migration to the Next Generation Technology Stack.
What is TSUA?
The Technology Stack Update Assistant (TSUA) is a new Oracle utility introduced specifically to simplify the migration from the Classic Technology Stack to the Next Generation Technology Stack.
Instead of using the standard Apply phase during this one-time migration, Oracle leverages TSUA as part of the Special Online Patching Cycle to automate and orchestrate the technology stack upgrade.
Behind the scenes, TSUA performs several critical tasks that would otherwise require significant manual effort, including:
- Validates the environment by performing prerequisite checks and ensuring the system is ready for the upgrade.
- Creates backups and installs the Next Generation Technology Stack software from the staged media.
- Updates the application tier directory structure to align with the new technology stack.
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Reconfigures the EBS middleware environment, including:
- Updating the Oracle WebLogic Server (WLS) domain
- Creating the Oracle HTTP Server (OHS) domain
- Configuring the required Node Managers
- Applies the migration patch along with any required co-requisite patches.
- Regenerates Oracle Forms and Reports to ensure compatibility with the upgraded technology stack.
After TSUA completes successfully, the remaining online patching phases continue with:
- Finalize
- Cutover
- Cleanup
- Synch
Why Did Oracle Introduce This?
According to Oracle, this special online patching cycle is intended to make the technology stack migration:
- Less disruptive
- More streamlined
- Capable of keeping users productive for most of the upgrade process
- Simpler than performing a traditional EBS technology stack upgrade
Because the update leverages Online Patching, organizations can migrate to the Next Generation Technology Stack without requiring a major EBS upgrade.
Final Thoughts
One important point to remember is that TSUA does not replace the standard Apply phase for normal Oracle E-Business Suite patching.
Instead, it is part of a special online patching workflow introduced exclusively for migrating to the Next Generation Technology Stack.
This distinction is important for EBS administrators. Your regular ADOP patching process remains unchanged. TSUA comes into play only when performing the one-time transition from the Classic Technology Stack to Oracle's Next Generation Technology Stack.
As Oracle continues to modernize EBS 12.2, understanding this new upgrade workflow will help administrators plan and execute their technology stack migration with confidence.
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