Version History
9i
This release is mentioned for the i as opposed to the g and lately the c after the database versions.
i stands for Internet, G represents Grid Computing and C is a cloud computing moniker.
10g
Released 2003, this version heralded the introduction to Grid Computing Technology, whereby hardware resources could be shared in a data centre. 10g also supported 64 bit linux which, combined with Real Application Clusters RAC (formerly known as Parallel Server), allowed for deployment with lower costs whilst still providing High Availability HA and High Performance.
11g
Released in 2007, this version contained more features than other Oracle Databases in its history.
Oracle stated that this version was more “Self Managing” than ever before, including fault diagnosis, a browser interface, Automatic SQL tuning, and automatic memory management with a focus on manageability for system DBA’s.
12c
Released In 2013, this version introduced the new versioning methodology with versions being named after their year release date. 12, 18, 19 and recently 21, the other notable addition to this version was the added “C”; this represented “Cloud” and was the first ever release in the cloud series of releases, pluggable databases within Container databases whereby only the container database needs to be patched and upgraded.
This was a Long-Term release and goes end of life and out of support in July 2022.
18c
Released as the first Autonomous Database in 2018, this database repaired itself, was self-securing and introduced a host of features that promised to change the Database world with its vision to effectively run and manage itself.
18c was an innovation release and effectively went out of support in 2021 with Oracle not offering extended support.
19c
First released for general use in April 2019, 19c is considered the version of choice for upgrade from previous 12c versions. It is a long-term release with extended support to be available to 2027.
21c
Although an innovation release, the Oracle database version 21c can be used in a production environment, allowing users to take advantage of some of the new feature availabilities.
