Oracle Database 23ai marks a significant pivot in Oracle’s product strategy, emphasizing a “Cloud-First, Developer-First” approach. This shift prioritizes cloud-native development and AI integration, leading to a notable absence of traditional on-premises releases. As a result, DBAs accustomed to managing on-premise Oracle environments may find themselves questioning the future of their deployments. Today, the status of an on-premise (Non-Exadata and Non-ODA) Oracle 23ai RDBMS installation is still in To-Be-Determined status.
Oracle has not yet released a general on-premises version of Oracle Database 23ai, and several factors contribute to this delay.
1. Cloud-First Strategy
Oracle’s “Cloud-First, Developer-First” approach for the 23ai release emphasizes cloud-native capabilities, particularly AI-driven features like AI Vector Search. These features are optimized for cloud environments, and Oracle has prioritized their availability in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Exadata Cloud@Customer. This strategic focus on the cloud may have contributed to the delay in releasing an on-premises version. Oracle Database Cloud-First, Developer-First Strategy for the 23ai Release (Doc ID 3068039.1)
2. Platform Rollout Delays
The release schedule for Oracle Database 23ai has experienced multiple delays. Initially planned for the first half of 2024, the on-premises version’s release was postponed to the second half of 2024. As of November 2024, the release date was updated to “TBA” (To Be Announced), indicating further uncertainty. Note: no further updates on the on-premise release were seen in the first days of May 2025.
3. Testing and Performance Assurance
Cloud-first releases allow Oracle to iterate quickly based on usage patterns and feedback before deploying stable versions to self-managed environments. Ensuring that the on-premises version of 23ai performs optimally across various server configurations also requires extensive testing. Ensuring performance parity with cloud deployments is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of on-premises installations. Certifying 23ai across multiple operating systems and versions is complex and resource-intensive.
4. Market Dynamics and Strategic Direction
Another theory suggested by analysts is that Oracle’s delay in releasing an on-premises version of 23ai may be a strategic move to encourage customers to migrate to cloud environments. By withholding cutting-edge AI features from on-premises deployments, Oracle could be intentionally nudging organizations toward adopting its cloud services.
5. Premier and Extended Support for Oracle 19c
In response to the delay, Oracle has extended the support for Oracle Database 19c, the current long-term release, through December 31, 2029, under Premier Support. Extended Support is available until December 31, 2032. These extensions ensure that customers continue to receive support and maintenance while awaiting the availability of the on-premises release of Oracle Database 23ai. InfoWorld Article
Additionally, the extended timeline allows Oracle to certify related products for compatibility with 23ai. For example, the E-Business Suite certification for 23ai in the cloud was completed in December 2024. EBS 12.2 Now Certified with Database 23ai on Database Cloud Services for Commercial Cloud
Conclusion
The delay in the on-premises release of Oracle Database 23ai is influenced by Oracle’s strategic focus on cloud-first initiatives, the need for thorough testing, and market dynamics aimed at encouraging cloud adoption. Stay up-to-date on the latest release schedule for 23ai here: Release Schedule of Current Database Releases (Doc ID 742060.1)
Customers currently using Oracle 19c can continue to rely on Premier Support until Dec 31, 2029, and extended support until 2032. Full Support and Security Patches are being released on normal frequency. Subscribe to Email Notifications for Oracle Critical Patch Updates and Security Alerts. If you are still running an older Oracle Database release, you should make plans to upgrade to DB 19c as soon as possible. XTIVIA is happy to help with your upgrade and patching needs.
How to prepare for 23ai. Development can download the 23aiFree Edition for Linux/Windows Here. Start Learning and Testing the new 23ai features using the free edition. The Free Edition has all the features of Enterprise Edition.
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