Long Term Release:
Oracle Database Long Term Releases offers highest level of stability including lot of bug fixes developed over the period of years. It typically has highest premier support, extended support and error correction support.
Innovation Release:
Oracle delivers Oracle Database Innovation Releases that include many enhancements and new capabilities. These will also be incorporated in long term release. It includes only premier support and there is no extended support or error correction support.
Which release should customer follow?
It depends on how quickly customer adapts new technologies. For instance, customers who wish to benefit from less frequent upgrades and looks for long support can opt for Long term Release. For customers who wish to continuously use leading-edge technologies to rapidly develop or deploy new applications or existing applications can opt for Innovation Release.
Conclusion:
No matter which release customer follows, it has to undergo with complete testing cycle including the critical functionalities of business. This will ensure the continuity of business adapting cutting edge technologies.
