Last December Oracle released Oracle Fusion Middleware 14.1. This is the latest iteration of Oracle’s comprehensive suite of tools for building, deploying, and managing enterprise applications. This version brings significant enhancements, bolstered capabilities, and a forward-looking approach to enterprise middleware solutions. Below, I’ll explore sum up some of the key features of the main components of Oracle Fusion Middleware 14.1—WebLogic Server, Application Development Framework (ADF), and SOA Suite—and provide guidance for organizations upgrading from the previous version, 12.2.1.4.
1. Oracle WebLogic Server 14.1
Oracle WebLogic Server remains the cornerstone of Oracle Fusion Middleware. Version 14.1 introduces several performance and security improvements to help organizations run mission-critical applications with greater efficiency.
Key Features:
- Support for Java SE 11 and 17: The platform now supports the latest Java versions, ensuring compatibility with modern development environments.
- Enhanced Kubernetes Integration: WebLogic Kubernetes Operator has been updated to simplify container orchestration and scaling.
- Improved Monitoring and Diagnostics: Advanced metrics and diagnostic capabilities empower teams to identify and resolve issues faster.
These improvements align WebLogic Server with modern cloud-native architectures while maintaining backward compatibility for existing applications.
2. Oracle Application Development Framework (ADF) 14.1
Oracle ADF is a robust framework for developing enterprise applications, and version 14.1 introduces new tools and capabilities to enhance productivity and user experiences.
Key Features:
- Support for Modern UI Standards: Enhanced components and themes provide developers with tools to create more responsive and visually appealing applications.
- Integration with Cloud-Native Services: Expanded support for Oracle Cloud services simplifies the deployment of ADF applications in hybrid environments.
- Improved Developer Tools: Updates to JDeveloper and ADF tooling streamline the development lifecycle, enabling faster prototyping and deployment.
With these enhancements, Oracle ADF continues to empower developers to build scalable, enterprise-grade applications efficiently.
3. Oracle SOA Suite 14.1
Oracle SOA Suite 14.1 advances its mission of simplifying integration between heterogeneous systems with expanded support for APIs and microservices.
Key Features:
- Enhanced API Management: The platform now provides deeper integration with Oracle API Gateway for seamless lifecycle management of APIs.
- Improved Microservices Support: Enhanced orchestration and support for containerized deployments streamline microservices integration.
- AI-Driven Analytics: Built-in analytics leverage machine learning to predict and optimize service performance.
These updates make Oracle SOA Suite an indispensable tool for organizations focusing on agile, API-first strategies.
Upgrading from Oracle Fusion Middleware 12.2.1.4 to 14.1
Why Upgrade?
Oracle Fusion Middleware 14.1 delivers enhanced functionality, security, and performance. The transition also ensures extended support and access to Oracle’s latest innovations.
Key Considerations:
- Pre-Upgrade Assessment: Assess your current environment to identify dependencies and compatibility issues.
- Upgrade Path: Carefully review Oracle’s documentation for specific instructions.
- Training and Testing: Allocate resources for team training and rigorous testing of the new system before full-scale deployment.
Extended Support Timelines:
Organizations still running 12.2.1.4 should note that support timelines are limited. Oracle strongly recommends upgrading to avoid potential security risks and compatibility challenges.
Support Timeline for 14.1:
Oracle Fusion Middleware 14.1 comes with extended support through 2030, ensuring that organizations have ample time to adopt the platform and leverage its capabilities. Premier Support will cover the first several years, followed by Extended Support, which includes critical updates and security patches.
Conclusion
Oracle Fusion Middleware 14.1 is a feature-rich release designed for modern enterprises navigating digital transformation. With key enhancements across WebLogic Server, ADF, and SOA Suite, the platform continues to lead in enterprise middleware solutions. For those upgrading from 12.2.1.4, careful planning and execution are critical to unlocking the full potential of this powerful suite.
Over the last 2 decades I have been working with Oracle Fusion Middleware, (the last 10 years with 12c) for many different clients. It took Oracle a long time to come up with this new 14 release. It has not that many new features, but it gives clients the opportunity to keep their FMW environments in a supported state for at least another 5 years.
I will go into more details for all components in some separate blogpost later.