Prior to Data Guard 11g, the Data Guard Broker did not support different word-size in the same Data Guard configuration, thus requiring management from the SQL*Plus command line for mixed word-size Data Guard configurations. This restriction is lifted from Data Guard 11g onward.
Both primary and standby databases must be set at the same compatibility mode as the minimum release (if specified) in the table below.
A standby database cannot be open read-only in any environment that has binary-level PL/SQL-related incompatibilities between primary and standby databases. Support Note 414043.1 is referenced in the table below for any platform combinations where this is the case (the note provides instructions for eliminating incompatibilities post role transition). It is possible to access a standby database in such environments in Oracle Database 11g by temporarily converting it to a Snapshot Standby database, or in Oracle Database 10g by opening the standby read/write as described in the Data Guard 10g Concepts and Administration guide: Using a Physical Standby Database for Read/Write Testing and Reporting. Both procedures require following the steps in note 414043.1 before making the database available to users.
Please be sure to read Support Notes when referenced in the table below.
RMAN generally supports instantiation of a physical standby database for the supported platform combinations. Please see Support Note 1079563.1 for details.
Platforms in a supported combination may operate in either the primary or standby role.
Enterprise Manager can not be used for standby database creation or other administrative functions in any configuration where PLATFORM_IDs are not identical. Oracle recommends using the Data Guard Broker command line interface (DGMGRL) to administer mixed platform combinations from Oracle Database 11g onward and SQL*Plus command line for configurations that pre-date Oracle Database 11g.