The Middleware DPK will become the new way to obtain and apply middleware Critical Patch Updates (CPUs) and Critical Security Patch Updates (CSPUs) for PeopleSoft environments. It will replace the Infrastructure DPK and adds a new capability: customers can create the latest Middleware DPK file when their own maintenance schedule requires it rather than waiting for Oracle to produce a Middleware DPK file.
The change does not alter the process for applying middleware patches to an existing environment. What we are changing is how patches are obtained from My Oracle Support and how quickly customers can apply patches to their middleware.
Build a Middleware DPK on your schedule
Oracle will continue to post a Middleware DPK file for customers to download shortly after the release of CPU new patches. While we are continually working to improve the process of building and validating the Middleware DPK package, this can take a few days before it is available. For customers who cannot wait and need to apply patches on Day 1, we offer a new solution: The Middleware DPK Builder.
The Middleware DPK Builder is delivered with PeopleTools. The Middleware DPK Builder downloads the current middleware CPU patches and generates a Middleware DPK .zip file. The builder supports the middleware components currently patched by Oracle, including Java, WebLogic, Tuxedo, Oracle Database Client, and OPatch. Applying a customer-built Middleware DPK file to your environments uses the same process used by the Oracle-built Middleware DPK.
PeopleTools Support
Starting this fall, all supported PeopleTools releases will use the Middleware DPK (8.61, 8.62, and 8.63). We are shipping a patch for PeopleTools 8.61 and 8.62 to enable support so every customer can take advantage of the Middleware DPK. The patch will update the PeopleTools DPK to support the new Middleware DPK .zip file format, add a new command line option --apply_mw_cpu that will replace the previous --apply_infra_cpu option, and include the Middleware DPK Builder utility.
| PeopleTools Release | Middleware DPK Support |
|---|---|
| 8.63 | Built-in support |
| 8.62 | With patch |
| 8.61 | With patch |
We will make an announcement when the patch is posted on My Oracle Support. PeopleTools 8.63 already supports the Middleware DPK ships with the Middleware DPK Builder.
Middleware DPK Transition
Oracle plans to post the first round of Middleware DPK files for 8.61 and 8.62 in October, and does not plan to post an Infrastructure DPK in October. If you use the Infrastructure DPK, you will need to apply the patch that enables Middleware DPK support.
Going forward, customers can choose the option that fits their process: use an Oracle-built Middleware DPK zip file when available, or use the Middleware DPK Builder to create a zip file on demand.
Plan to adopt the Middleware DPK and use the Middleware DPK Builder for the October Critical Patch Update cycle. Customers on PeopleTools 8.61 or 8.62 should plan to apply the prerequisite patch when it is available. Customers already on PeopleTools 8.63 can use the Middleware DPK Builder today.