Hello, this is Eric Maurice again.
In most IT environments, software patching is an arduous and unrewarding task. Often referred to as a �necessary evil�, patches do not generally reward organizations with immediately measurable benefits, but they are � nevertheless � critical to maintaining an organization�s security posture.
Oracle supplies a utility to assist customers with the process of applying its security patches, known as Critical Patch Updates (CPUs). The One-Off Patch Installer, �OPatch�, is a Java-based utility that works alongside the Oracle Universal Installer. OPatch is available on all the operating systems for which Oracle releases software. We recently recorded a short Internet seminar that provides technical tips on using OPatch. The Internet seminar is available on the Oracle Software Security Assurance Resource Library page.
Over the years, OPatch has been enhanced to include a number of advanced features to help alleviate the burden typically associated with patching complex production systems. For example, OPatch can build a report of all installed Oracle products and their respective patch levels. The tool can also check the preparedness of the environment and the absence of conflicts before the application of a Critical Patch Update. OPatch also supports automated rollback to remove previously applied patches and update the product inventory so it remains synchronized. Most importantly, OPatch�s �silent installation� option, flexible commands, and support of three different modes of installation in Real Application Clusters (RAC) gives customers the ability to apply security patches within short maintenance windows to allow maximum availability of their production environment.
A flexible and scalable tool, OPatch is a robust utility for the application of Oracle�s Critical Patch Updates. In addition to listening to the Internet Seminar, you can find more detailed technical information on OPatch in the Oracle Universal Installer and OPatch User�s Guide. In addition, the recently updated Critical Implementation Practices white paper provides numerous technical tips to help organizations plan for the application of the Critical Patch Updates in their environment.
