A Quick Note on Oracle Hyperion 11.2

This blog discusses three considerations for future proofing an Oracle Hyperion investment. But, before I get into how to future proof Oracle Hyperion, I want to take a minute to share some details about 11.2. First, Oracle Workspace is now gone in version 11.2. This simplifies the solution’s architecture and provides a fresh look. Oracle has also consolidated the Reporting and Analysis (R&A) Framework and Financial Reports into a single Foundation database.  This move makes configuration simpler. For Oracle Hyperion Financial Management (HFM), the tool can now generate entries for Journal Period Opened, Data Unlocked and Journal Period Closed as well as Data Locked. Hyperion 11.2 will be supported until 2030. It will also be included in Oracle Applications Unlimited, along with Oracle applications like E-Business Suite (EBS), JD Edwards, and PeopleSoft.

#1—You Must Choose Your 11.2 Upgrade Option

If you decide to upgrade to 11.2, you will be pleased to know that the upgrade process is being simplified by means of the EPM Lifecycle Management Utility (LCM). This applies to most of the solution’s components. However, to get this benefit, you must first upgrade EPM to 11.1.2.4.xx before you start your migration. You can then use Oracle Repository Creation Utility (RCU) to populate your RCU databases and WebLogic data sources.

#2—You Need to Understand Oracle EPM Cloud Versus Private Cloud

If you decide you don’t want to upgrade to 11.2 on-premise, you’re in good company. It seems as if everyone is accepting the end of support for 11.1.2.4 as an unofficial end-of-life for the on-premise version of the product. The cloud is where most, if not all, of the current Hyperion EPM users will go. The question, though, is which cloud?

Oracle offers its own Oracle EPM Cloud. There is much to like about this option. It gets you out of the business of hosting and maintaining Oracle EPM in your own data center. It integrates with ERP software and offers built-in analytics and intelligence. It also integrates with Microsoft Office. At the same time, as is the case with any SaaS solution, you will be losing some control. When Oracle upgrades its cloud, you’ll be upgrading, too, whether you want to or not. There are also limits on data storage volumes.

An alternative is to arrange for Oracle EPM hosting on a managed private cloud. This is a service we offer. In fact, we’ve been doing this for almost 20 years. With the managed private cloud option, you get the benefits of the cloud, but with the control and tuning comparable to having your own on-premises instance. We offer Managed Hyperion reporting solutions and managed application services, wherein our application teams help ensure high availability through constant, proactive monitoring. We can also design, migrate, patch or upgrade your Hyperion application environments.

#3—You Must Pay Attention to Upgrade Pre-Requisites and Technical Considerations

You have to be on 11.1.2.4 to migrate to 11.2. If you’re not on 11.1.2.4, you will have to get there first. A number of technical factors also arise that potentially complicate life for those seeking a simple upgrade experience. Right now, you’re probably stuck running 11.1.2.4 on Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2. In a surprise move, Oracle decided to bypass Windows Server 2016 support and go directly to Windows Server 2019. And, Windows Server 2019 is the only OS Oracle is supporting with 11.2, at least initially.

Note to Writer: We want the reader to know we can provide remote support to client’s data center, host in our data center or provide clients support with their application in the public cloud.  The only point we get cut out of the picture is when the client selects the SaaS offer provided by the public cloud.

For example, enterprises do have options when it comes to the technology refresh of their Hyperion 11.1.x environment for example, Microsoft is offering extended security patch support for SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 for up to 3 years.  A Client can purchase this support for on-premise use or receive free extended support if they were to move their Hyperion 11.1.x instance to Microsoft Azure.

There will be no Linux support for 11.2 in the beginning. However, it will support Linux 7 and AIX 7.2 in an anticipated future release. The RDBMS’s for 11.2 include Oracle 12.2 and Microsoft SQL Server 2017. It will work with Microsoft Edge browsers along with Chrome and Firefox. If you are writing any custom code to work with 11.2, you can work with Java Development Kit (JDK) version 1.8.

There are numerous other feature details relating to what is being carried over from 11.1.2.4 to 11.2. They are too extensive to mention in this blog installment, but it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with feature migrations, consolidations and discontinuations affecting the upgrade. We can help you sort this out, as well. Having worked with Oracle Hyperion EPM clients for many years, we have a good sense of which issues will affect your upgrade experience.

Managed Services for Oracle Hyperion

Are you at a crossroads regarding how to maximize your Oracle Hyperion investment? NTT delivers comprehensive Managed Services for Hyperion and can help you to determine the best roadmap for maximizing and future proofing your investment. Our applications specialists know Hyperion and provide remote support to your data center, host in our data center or provide application support with your application in the public cloud.

To learn more about our Managed Cloud Services solutions for Hyperion EPM, visit our Managed Services for Oracle Hyperion site. You’ll find infographics, podcasts and data sheets about our Hyperion services.