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Ask the Expert - Mr. Database
This month's question:
Q: Dear Mr. Database:
Can you spell out the advantages of a clustered database environment, like Oracle RAC, over single instance environment? And is there any downside?
Pradeep
Phoenix |
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A: Dear Pradeep:
Single instance databases have limited processing power. Scaling the hardware within a single server becomes increasingly expensive beyond a couple of processors. When the floodgates are raised by allowing a single database to span multiple servers, as is the case with Oracle RAC, huge returns in performance and availability are the result. Given the almost flat-curve associated with increasing the server capacity of a database (load dependant), it makes sense to harness multiple database instances to create the most efficient environment possible.
One downside to using clustered databases is the increased complexity involved, making even the most seasoned DBA need to allocate many hours to creating the simplest clustered database. So you have a few choices:
- Hire several DBAs with at least a year's worth of RAC-specific experience;
- Invest in database management software that simplifies RAC management, such as GridApp Clarity; or,
- Create custom internal scripts that provision RAC databases using a rigid set of parameters. (Note: this solution tends to require extensive maintenance as new products are released and internal changes take place.)
Obviously, I recommend #2 as the simplest and most cost effective option, but whichever path you choose, eventually the benefits of RAC will be worth all the effort, and even the headaches of implementation.
Eric Gross, GridApp's Mr. Database, has 11 years of experience working with database infrastructures.
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