Migrating from Oracle Discoverer to Oracle Analytics Server

1. Objective

The objective of migrating from Oracle Discoverer to Oracle Analytics Server is to provide a more modern, robust, and scalable platform for analysis and reporting. This migration aims to enhance the capabilities and user experience for those relying on Oracle's tools for business intelligence and data analysis.

2. Migration Context

Oracle Discoverer has long been the go-to ad hoc operational reporting and analysis module for Oracle ERP customers. However, Oracle Discoverer reached its end-of-life status a few years ago, meaning Oracle has ceased offering support for this product. The implications of end-of-life status include:

• Lack of Product Updates: No further updates, security patches, or data management enhancements will be released.
• Security Concerns: The product will no longer obtain security certifications with new third-party products/versions or other Oracle products.
• Compatibility Issues: Users may face problems with Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) and Windows (IE) upgrades.

In contrast, Oracle Analytics Server offers an integrated suite of business intelligence tools designed for interactive reports, dashboards, and published reports. Key features include:

• Advanced Visualization: Utilizes graphical grammar to render data using a variety of visualization techniques.
• Multiple Data Sources: Capable of integrating data from multiple sources.
• Predictive and Machine Learning Models: Built-in predictive analytics and machine learning models for enhanced data analysis.

3. Architecture and Configuration

3.1 Current Configuration

3.2 Target Configuration

4. Oracle Analytics Server Features

• Improved Flexibility: OAS offers a wider range of reporting options compared to Discoverer, including the ability to create interactive dashboards and visualizations.
• Enhanced Security: OAS is a more secure solution than Discoverer, featuring role-based access control and data encryption.
• Easier Integration with Other Oracle Products: OAS integrates seamlessly with other Oracle products such as Oracle E-Business Suite and Oracle Fusion Applications, facilitating data and report sharing within the organization.

Key Functionalities

• Connect: Connect to multiple data sources.
• Model: Merge heterogeneous sources to create a unified business semantic model.
• Prepare: Transform, enrich, and exploit data based on specific analytical needs.
• Explore: Create interactive visualizations and use natural language and Machine Learning to discover insights.
• Experience: Develop and consume highly stylized interactive dashboards and reports.
• Collaborate: Share content with others and collaborate to achieve optimal results.

Conclusion

Migrating from Oracle Discoverer to Oracle Analytics Server represents a significant transition to a new, more capable system. This move will empower users with cutting-edge tools for better data analysis and decision-making capabilities, ensuring that businesses can stay competitive in an increasingly data-driven world.

Migrating from Oracle Discoverer to Oracle Analytics Server Step by Step

1. Installation of Oracle Analytics Server

4.1 Prerequisites for Oracle Analytics Server

1. Java JDK1.8 or higher

[appoas@oasint01 root]$ java -version
openjdk version "1.8.0_392"
OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_392-b08)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.392-b08, mixed mode)

JAVA PATH: /usr/jdk1.8.0_371/

1. Oracle Database 19C or higher

[appoas@oasint01 dbhome_1]$ pwd
/apps/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1
cat /etc/oratab
hostname           Instance name   Database pluggable name   port
OASPRD01.bkam.ma   OASPRD          OASPDB1                  1543

1. Minimum of 16 GB of memory and 50 GB of disk space

NOTE: A snapshot of this VM will be taken, which can be used in the future for deployment in production.

4.2 Verification of Prerequisites

After installing the RDA (Remote Diagnostic Agent) tool, execute RDA in diagnostic mode using the following command:

/orabkp/OASPRD/Tools/rda

This will start the prerequisite verification process for Oracle Analytics Server.

Directories:

• /apps/OAS/
• /apps/oracle/