Re: Database Server Consolidation

Comments embedded

Hth,

Sybrand Bakker, Oracle DBA

"Patrick" <nospam_at_newsranger.com> wrote in message news:4LDF6.5104$QV4.436333_at_www.newsranger.com...
> I am looking for input on the idea of combining all database server's onto
 one
> Enterprise class server. I have heard that the server can be partioned
 into 'N'
> virtual machines. I have my own thoughts on this, so I'll try to stay
 neutral
> in the questions. Currently we have databases that are Oracle version
 7.3.3 up
> to 8.1.7. We currently run on Windows NT, Solaris and AIX. The
 enterprise
> server will be either Solarios or AIX. The database sizes range from 180
 Mb to
> 500Gb (to grow into the terabyte range within a year). The large
 databases use
> EMC disks, as I would guess everything on the Enterprise server would. If
> anybody has any feedback at all, I would appreciate hearing it.
>
> 1. What are the advantages of putting all databases on one server?
Cut down on maintenance costs and licenses. Usually a penny wise and pound foolish operation.

> 2. What are the disadvantages of putting all databases on one server?
Looks quite obvious to me. That one single server is to become the single point of failure. It will also definitely suffocate on the load, as having a terabyte database in conjunction with others is already a big nono. The databases will just compete for resources and the performance is likely going to be awful. Also, I don't see why you want to run all those (partly desupported) versions from one system, maintaining many different versions is in itself already a problem.

> 3. Has anybody tried this?

 Yes, forced into it by a customer
> 3a. If so, what were the results?
>

They were disastrous.

> The most important question:
>
> Would you support this effort?

No.

Why or Why not?

There are nicer ways to commit suicide, or get out of business for the rest of your life. You'r on the way to hell and you know it.

>
> Thanks in advance for your input.
>
> Patrick
>
>
Received on Wed Apr 25 2001 - 13:17:10 CDT