*** This post has been updated in JUNE 2020 *****
Oracle has just changed their product life cycle support for their database technology especially.
There are two types of releases now: Long Term Release , and Innovation Release
Long Term Release: are ideal for use cases that benefit from less frequent upgrades to newer releases. This type of release offers highest stability. The long term release will have 5 years of Premier Support.
Innovation Release: is a release between long term releases. This type of releases will provide new enhancements and capabilities. it will have short period of Premier support which is 2 years. The idea here is to provide cutting edge technologies for rapidly evolving technologies.
So Oracle 20c most probably will be an “innovation” release !
updated in JUNE 2020 the following are support dates:
Oracle 12cR2 support will end 31st March 2022
Oracle 18c (is considered innovation release now !!): 8th June 2021
Oracle 19c: 30th April 2024