Despite the features supporting AI in the latest release, many users were happy with 19c because of the extended exit runway, Biggs said.
“They’re not looking at anything soon. Vendor application requires a database, and so that database will typically fully support Oracle 19c, and that’s going to be the case for six years. It’s a pretty stable platform, and people seem pretty happy,” he said.
Such is the timeline, users can consider migrating to a new application or entirely new database, such as PostgreSQL, Biggs said.
Meanwhile, users should be wary of being locked into Oracle’s plans for AI through their database choice, said Mark Smith, CEO of third-party support specialist Support Revolution.
“Database 26ai is optimized for Oracle engineered systems and we expect the associated costs will increase once customers are locked into the model and their systems are sized for the AI processing throughput. Running the AI content on-premise outside of Oracle kit will almost certainly see an increase in resources needed and a revaluation of machine capabilities and required license metrics,” he said.
Oracle has been offered the opportunity to comment, but had not responded by press time. ®
https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/02/oracles_on_prem_ai_database/