Oracle Exadata System Software 26ai release 26.2, announced September 18, 2026, moves Exadata to Oracle Linux 9 and Java 25 and adds options intended to shorten maintenance work and keep systems available during certain updates. Oracle reports smaller operating-system images and faster database-server OS upgrades, but those figures are vendor claims rather than independently verified benchmark results. Before planning an upgrade, operators need to confirm hardware and starting-release eligibility, custom software compatibility, and the applicable Oracle support instructions.
What Exadata System Software 26ai 26.2 changes
The release updates the platform foundation and changes how operators prepare and apply some maintenance:
- Platform: Exadata moves to Oracle Linux 9 and Java 25.
- Database-server packaging: The 26.2 database server update package now includes
patchmgr, reducing separate preparation steps. Maintenance releases for 25.2 and 26.1 still require a separatepatchmgrdownload. See Oracle’s release announcement for the release-specific details. - Maintenance and security: Autonomous Kernel Update can apply eligible kernel security fixes while database servers remain online. Exadata Live Update allows the RoCE switch control plane to be updated while database and storage traffic continues at full bandwidth.
- Cryptography: The release includes FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules and a foundation for post-quantum cryptography. Readiness does not mean every deployment can use post-quantum cryptography immediately; compatible services, applications, clients, certificates, and protocols are required.
Oracle says Exadata Live Update is automatically enabled on systems running supported Exadata System Software releases from the preceding 12 months. Confirm support and configuration for the specific system before relying on that behavior.
What Oracle says about image size and upgrade speed
Oracle’s announcement reports that database-server operating-system images are approximately 2X smaller and storage-server images are 10% smaller. It also says database-server OS upgrades can be performed without reimaging and can be up to 1.5X faster than earlier major upgrades, such as the Oracle Linux 7-to-8 transition. These are Oracle-reported comparisons; the announcement does not provide an independent benchmark establishing the results for a particular system or workload.
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Oracle describes the no-reimage improvement specifically for database-server OS upgrades. It should not be read as a guarantee that every upgrade target, configuration, or maintenance operation avoids reimaging.
Which maintenance options affect availability?
Oracle groups Exadata update targets into storage servers, database servers, and RDMA Network Fabric switches. Server updates generally include the Oracle Linux operating system, Exadata System Software, and firmware. The operating impact depends on which target is being updated and the eligible update path.
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| Update option | Availability implication | Scope and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomous Kernel Update | Can download and apply eligible kernel security fixes while database servers remain online. | Applies to eligible kernel security fixes; it does not mean every server update is online. |
| Exadata Live Update for RoCE switches | Updates the switch control plane while database and storage traffic continues at full bandwidth, according to Oracle. | Oracle says it is automatically enabled for systems on supported Exadata System Software releases from the preceding 12 months. Verify eligibility for the system. |
| Rolling storage-server update | Updates storage servers in a rolling manner rather than updating all at once. | Oracle advises planning rolling storage server updates; follow the procedure and dependencies applicable to the machine. |
| Major database-server OS upgrade | Oracle says the upgrade can run without reimaging and can be up to 1.5X faster than earlier major OS upgrades. | Oracle-reported comparison, not an independent benchmark or a service-impact guarantee. Use the conventional upgrade process for the Oracle Linux 8-to-9 major transition. |
Oracle recommends updating database servers twice yearly. It also says administrators may skip intervening Exadata System Software releases rather than install every release in sequence, subject to supported-version dependencies for the specific machine. See About Updating Exadata Software for Oracle’s update guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check eligibility and compatibility before planning an upgrade
1. Confirm the hardware configuration
Oracle lists X8M-2 as the minimum two-socket configuration and X8M-8 as the minimum eight-socket configuration for release 26.2. The applicable model and supported configurations must be verified for the actual system using Oracle’s current support documentation, including the Exadata Database Machine Decision Makers Guide.
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2. Confirm the starting software release
Oracle lists 25.1.9, 25.2.2, and 26.1.0 as minimum starting releases before upgrading to 26.2. Validate the supported path for the machine rather than assuming that any intervening release can be skipped in every configuration.
3. Review custom software for Oracle Linux 9
Oracle Linux 8 RPMs are not compatible with Oracle Linux 9. Inventory custom RPMs and other operating-system-level software, then confirm that compatible versions are available before scheduling the transition. Oracle also advises using the conventional upgrade process for the major Oracle Linux 8-to-9 change.
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4. Verify SSH key length
Check that SSH keys used for the upgrade are at least 2048 bits, as Oracle advises.
5. Plan by update target and maintenance procedure
Identify whether the change affects storage servers, database servers, or RDMA Network Fabric switches; account for firmware and software included in server updates; and plan rolling storage-server updates. Use Oracle’s release-specific instructions and support guidance to confirm dependencies and system-specific steps. Oracle’s Exadata Software page provides product information, but system eligibility and detailed procedures should be checked in the relevant Oracle support documentation.
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