Oracle Rack Questions?

[Hardmandez]

Hi,

We are thinking about implementing oracle rack, I want to be clearer on a few things.

Is rack hardware dependant. i.e. does the servers need to be the exact same.

Are there any additional requirements, HP/Compaq sell a Proliant Parallel Database Cluser PDC/O5000 for Oralce 9i and W2K. Is this hardware a requirement for rack and also is there any benefits to using this hardware.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jose

 

[carp]

As far as I know, identical OS and Oracle versions (as well as raw devices for most systems) are still required for RAC. You might want to look in the documentation to be sure.

 

[dbldba]

Hi,
To avoid technical difficulties during setup and administration of any Cluster, machines should all have the same configuration including disk space.

This is an excellent resource for Oracle products.

http://www.oracle.com/

( you may need to sign up... but it's worthwhile. )

http://otn.oracle.com/deploy/availability/pdf/MAA_WP.pdf

Will give you plenty of details including Hardware configuration.

and last but not least full blown Oracle 9i RAC

http://www.oracle.com/consulting/offerings/platform/9iRAC_ds.html

dbldba

 

[AOLEURO]

The Oracle needs to be at the same version and also needs to be the same memory structure type (Big Engine, Small Engine) so you also want to use the same OS. But the machine does not need to be the same.

But remember that if using a 2-notes RAC – you got to have resource on each note to run your whole business – Why? RAC may fail – service and support and it is common practice that one node never is more than 40-50% used (cpu, memory) otherwise you got a problem then you need only to run one node. Remember that the RAC itself need resource – if you “run” out of CPU then the RAC itself is a problem, because it can’t keep the RAC running and exchange information. It is a problem if you got large and many batch job – try to run these on one node and not mix them.

It is a good idea to use ONLY certified equipment because your worst nightmare is that you got a failure “somewhere” and no support.

HP/Compaq/digital, DELL and IBM have excellent equipment.

So I would strongly recommend that you only use equipment from one hardware manufactory and you follow the recommendations they give you.

(It is strange that Oracle try to make Linux and Oracle RAC a legal combination. The cost are strange – Linux cost about 50 cent, Servers cost about 10,000 dollars but Oracle RAC cost 60,000 dollars) – I would not try Linux because you are not saving much in the overall budget. But it depends of your needs and circumstances).

Oh by the way – Did you know that a well function single node has a uptime of 99,9% - and a well function RAC has around 98% - It is not what Oracle tells you – try to ask your manufactory. Then you need help with a “strange problem” - qualified RAC support staff always lives in Texas US or on the moon.

Regards
Allan
Icq: 346225948
! If you can't prove it - don't bother try to teach me !