Re: Raw devices - when to use

MarkP28665 wrote:
>
> If you plan on using the Oracle Parallel Server or Parallel Query Options
> then you will probably have to use raw partitions. Raw partions are not
> not much more of a management problem than regular file systems, but
> because they are used less often a lot of people do not understand them.
> On most platforms they offer a significant random read performance boost.
> Mark Powell -- The only advise that counts is the advise that you follow
> so follow your own advise

You must use raw devices with most implementations of ORACLE Parallel Server, but they are definitely not required for Parallel Query.

Raw partitions are more difficult to backup unless your backup software cooperates. (Unless your backup tool is capable of backing up raw devices, standard system "backup" tools such as ufsdump and tar require file systems. You can use the "dd" command to dump and restore raw partitions but then tape management suffers).

However, that's not to say that you cannot use raw devices anytime, parallel or not.

-- 
Garry D. Robbins             |mailto:Garry.Robbins_at_Labatt.Com |Opinions
Senior Tech. Supp. Specialist|WWW:   http://www.labatt.com/   |expressed
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