Re: NetApp (was utl_file_dir)

Still working on the backup strategy and haven't tried a snapshot restore yet. But, for the database files, you do need to put the tablespaces in backup mode before taking a snapshot. I mention this because of the impression I got from talking to different people from NetApp.

I was told that because snapshots are a read-only image of blocks on the volume, you could simply schedule snapshots and restore from them at any time. No mention of putting tablespaces in backup mode, or the impacts of snaprestore on the database.

Okay, the snapshot feature is pretty slick, but in my mind that doesn't change basic Oracle backup and recovery concepts. Hot backups require the tablespaces be in backup mode, cold backups require the database be down. Why would NetApp snapshots make this any different??

The backup strategy I'm implementing follows http://www.netapp.com/tech_library/3049.html, which explains the tablespaces are put in backup mode, snapshot taken, tablespaces out of backup mode. Although it does puzzle me why they suggest certain tablespaces can be excluded, seems that would make recovery a little more challenging.

I'd be interested in hearing about the backup strategies other people are using for database on a NetApp filer.

Djordje Jankovic wrote:
>
> We are using NetApps as the Enterprise storage system (not only for Oracle).
> This is sysadmins job, so I don't know too much of it, but I am positive
> that we are also sharing filer for unix and NT. As far as Oracle goes we
> did not have any problems and are quite happy with. As far as speed goes I
> pesonally haven't benchmarked it against some other possible solutions. As
> I said, I am not a sysadmin, nut from user/dba point of view they are very
> easy to use. They were very reliable so far - we had instances when one of
> two power supplies had problems, without any impact to the system - they
> were hot replaced, same with one disk failing ones (data is stripped
> between, I think 9 disks). We also failover between two NetApps - where one
> will automatically overtake other one's functionality. We are using its
> snapshot ability, and we are planning to start using it as an element in the
> oracle disaster recovery scenario.
>
> Any experience with snapshots in the oracle backup/restore contest ?
>
> Djordje
>
> -----Original Message-----
> To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
> Sent: 12/2/00 11:45 AM
>
> Suzy,
>
> Are you using the NetApp filer for DB files as well? hat do you
> think of their solution as a whole? Is it reliable, easy to work with,
> as fast as they claim?
>
> Thanks anyway.
>
> Dick Goulet
> ---------------------- Reply Separator ----------------------
> Author: Suzy Vordos <lvordos_at_datsit.com>
> Date: 12/1/00 11:40 PM
>
> Yep, you can share to Unix and NT. On the NetApp filer you create
> volumes, then qtrees on each volume. Then, export at the qtree level,
> NFS for Unix and/or CIFS for NT.
>
> dgoulet_at_vicr.com wrote:
> >
> > Folks,
> >
> > I know I really don't like it when someone changes the direction
> of a
> > thread, but this does segway into a question I have recently been
> asking.
> >
> > We had a rep from Net Appliance here the other day to pitch their
> filer as
> a
> > solution for our disk space problems. They pitched it as both a NT
> file
> system
> > solution (home drives & the like) and a Unix solution for the DB's as
> well.
> One
> > question I had was could a Unix host see and/or create files on the
> filer that
> > could then be shared by the NT side. He said YES. Hummmmm!! Now
> that could
> > cure some of my headaches. Therefore, is anyone out there using a
> NetApp
> > Filer?? If so, How??
> >
> > Dick Goulet
> >
> > ____________________Reply Separator____________________
> > Author: "Raghunath; Shivaswamy" <Shivaswamy.Raghunath_at_qwest.com>
> > Date: 11/29/2000 4:12 PM
> >
> > Thanks for your reply, Dave Turner.
> >
> > But my latter reference says me thus:
> >
> > utl_file is a utility for server-side only. Which means that, we can
> use
> > only the directories on the server and directories on no other box is
> > permittted. TEXT_IO package of Oracle Developer could be used for the
> client
> > side.
> >
> > Thanks, however,
> > Shiva
> > -----Original Message-----
> > To: Raghunath, Shivaswamy
> > Sent: 11/29/2000 6:44 PM
> >
> > Have them nfs mount the directory on the remote machine. I don't know
> if
> > this is
> > supported by oracle.
> >
> > Dave Turner
> > On Wed, Nov 29, 2000 at 02:15:27PM -0800, Raghunath, Shivaswamy wrote:
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > Can I have utl_file_dir set to a directory, on a remote box.(Other
> > than the
> > > server)? We do not have unix accounts to developers on the server
> and
> > unix
> > > clients are used by developers. If so how do I specify in the init
> > file? (I
> > > request you to cc me)
> > >
> > > TIA,
> > > Shiva
> > >
> > > --
> > > Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com
> > > --
> > > Author: Raghunath, Shivaswamy
> > > INET: Shivaswamy.Raghunath_at_qwest.com
> > >
> > > Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051
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> Lists
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> > Author: Raghunath, Shivaswamy
> > INET: Shivaswamy.Raghunath_at_qwest.com
> >
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> > Author:
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> Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com
> --
> Author: Suzy Vordos
> INET: lvordos_at_datsit.com
>
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> --
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> --
> Author:
> INET: dgoulet_at_vicr.com
>
> Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051
> San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists
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> --
> Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com
> --
> Author: Djordje Jankovic
> INET: djankovic_at_corp.attcanada.ca
>
> Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051
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Received on Mon Dec 04 2000 - 16:05:17 CST