Oracle Database Third-Party Support
Why Enterprises Consider Third-Party Support for Oracle Databases
Oracle Database is a mission-critical platform for many organizations, but maintaining Oracle’s official support can be costly and restrictive. For guidance, review our overview of Oracle third-party support.
CIOs and IT leaders often explore third-party support as an alternative to Oracle database support to gain both financial and operational benefits.
The key drivers include:
- Escaping High Support Costs: Oracle charges approximately 22% of the license price annually for support. Third-party support providers typically charge about half that amount. This immediate 50% savings frees up budget that can be reinvested into innovation or other priorities.
- Avoiding Forced Upgrades: Oracle’s support policies push customers to upgrade databases on Oracle’s schedule. Third-party support provides IT teams with the freedom to run stable versions, such as Oracle 11g, 12c, or 19c, for as long as they meet business needs. This eliminates costly, disruptive upgrades dictated by Oracle’s timeline and helps maximize ROI on existing systems.
- Improved Service Quality: Many enterprises have found Oracle’s support less responsive than desired. In contrast, leading third-party support providers assign senior Oracle database engineers directly to the client. Issues are addressed by experienced DBAs who are familiar with the environment, often providing faster resolution and personalized guidance. Third-party support teams will even help with custom configurations that Oracle’s support typically won’t touch.
Which Database Versions Are Supported
Third-party support providers can cover virtually all on-premises Oracle Database versions. This spans older releases that Oracle no longer supports up through the latest generation.
For example, Oracle 11g third-party support remains available for legacy systems long after Oracle’s official support expiration.
Likewise, Oracle 12c third-party support is offered for that mid-life release, and providers even deliver Oracle 19c third-party support for current deployments.
In practice, if you have a valid license for an Oracle database – whether it’s a decades-old 11g instance or a newer 19c environment – a third-party support firm can keep it running.
They will support versions well past Oracle’s end-of-life dates. Many companies, for instance, have maintained their Oracle 12c databases’ security and up-to-date status through third-party support, rather than being forced to migrate to 19c on Oracle’s schedule.
For more information, read our Oracle Third-Party Support vs Premier Support guide.
How Security Patching Works Without Oracle Premier Support
A common concern is how to keep Oracle databases secure without Oracle’s quarterly Critical Patch Updates (CPUs). Oracle often argues that only its support can provide timely security patches.
However, third-party providers have developed robust Oracle Database security patching strategies to protect customers:
- Custom “Virtual” Patches: Since third-party support vendors cannot use Oracle’s proprietary patches, they develop their fixes for database vulnerabilities. These fixes are often referred to as virtual patches. Providers closely monitor public security reports and Oracle’s alerts, then create code updates or workarounds that address the vulnerabilities in your specific database version. Even without Oracle’s CPUs, your system can be kept secure through these tailored patches.
- Defensive Configurations: In addition to custom patches, providers help harden your database environment. They may recommend configuration changes, apply firewall rules, or temporarily disable vulnerable components to mitigate risks until a fix is in place. Some providers even offer security tools (like intrusion detection or threat monitoring) that are tuned for Oracle Database, adding extra protection beyond just patching.
- Rapid Updates and Testing: Leading third-party providers prioritize security and issue updates promptly. They often follow a similar quarterly schedule for routine patches and can deliver emergency fixes faster when critical threats arise. Because they focus on the specific versions their clients run, third-party teams test their patches thoroughly on those releases. The result is that your databases remain well-protected, even without installing Oracle’s official patch updates.
With these strategies, enterprises that use third-party support can maintain the security and compliance of their Oracle databases. While you won’t be applying Oracle’s official CPU patch packages, you will receive targeted fixes and guidance that maintain a strong security posture.
This debunks Oracle’s narrative that “only Oracle can secure its database.”
In practice, independent support providers have demonstrated their ability to effectively safeguard Oracle environments, even without direct vendor patches.
Oracle E-Business Suite Third-Party Support
Audit Considerations with Third-Party Support
Switching to third-party support does not change your Oracle license obligations.
It is entirely legal to use independent support for Oracle Database, but you must remain vigilant about compliance:
- License Compliance: You must stay compliant with your Oracle license terms. When you drop Oracle’s support, your right to use the software remains (especially if you have a perpetual license), but you lose access to Oracle’s support services and updates. It’s essential not to use any Oracle-provided patches or versions that you’re not entitled to. Stick to the usage limits you purchased (such as the number of processors and any licensed options) to avoid license violations.
- Oracle Audits: Be prepared for Oracle to potentially audit your deployment. To mitigate risk, conduct periodic internal license reviews (with help from your third-party provider if needed) to ensure you aren’t accidentally using any database features or options you haven’t paid for. If Oracle does initiate an audit, you can confidently demonstrate that you’re fully compliant with your licenses.
Cost Savings Beyond Annual Fees
Third-party support immediately cuts your annual Oracle maintenance fees in half. But the savings go further: you avoid the heavy costs of forced upgrades (like new hardware and migration projects) and skip Oracle’s expensive Extended Support fees for older versions.
Over several years, these avoided costs add up significantly — often freeing up budget that can be redirected to innovation. You also gain flexibility to drop support on unused database instances or features, so you’re not paying for shelfware.
All told, organizations commonly save well above 50% of their total Oracle Database ownership costs when all these factors are included.
How to Evaluate Third-Party Database Support Providers
Not all third-party support providers are equal. It’s crucial to vet potential Oracle DB third-party support providers carefully to ensure they meet enterprise requirements.
Here are key considerations when evaluating a provider:
- Expertise and Credentials: Investigate the provider’s experience with Oracle Database specifically. Do they have certified Oracle DBAs and former Oracle support engineers on staff?
- Security and Patching Approach: Inquire about how the provider delivers security updates and bug fixes. Have them explain their process for addressing new vulnerabilities (e.g., do they create custom patches or offer a security tool?). The best providers will have a documented methodology for staying up-to-date with Oracle security bulletins and a proven track record of timely patching.
- Compliance and Legal Assurances: Discuss how the provider ensures no Oracle intellectual property is infringed during support. Reputable firms will have strict protocols to avoid any actions that violate Oracle’s licensing or support policies (for instance, not using Oracle’s software patches or support portal on your behalf). They should also offer to assist in the event of an Oracle audit.
- Contract Flexibility and Terms: Examine the proposed contract carefully. Ideally, you want flexibility, such as the ability to adjust support coverage annually or cancel if business needs change (for example, if you decommission a database or migrate off Oracle). Review the contract length, renewal terms, and any associated fees for scaling up or down.
Conclusion — Third-Party Support as a Strategic Option for Oracle Database
Third-party support for Oracle Database is no longer a fringe idea; it’s a proven strategy to maximize value and control.
By choosing a qualified independent provider, enterprises can maintain the stability and security of their Oracle databases (from 11g to 19c) while reducing support costs by 50% or more.
This approach enables IT leaders to escape Oracle’s forced upgrade cycle and redirect their budget to more strategic initiatives. The key is to plan carefully: stay license-compliant, pick a reputable provider, and align the move with your IT roadmap.
When executed properly, third-party Oracle Database support delivers major savings and flexibility without compromising performance or security.
Read about our Oracle support switch advisory service.
