Re: DRBD

"Chris Fournier" <cfournier_pam_at_nrtc.coop> wrote in message news:10h7klj8rblt28d_at_corp.supernews.com...
> Someone at work suggested we looked into DRBD as a means to replicate a
> database, as opposed to Oracle's solution which would be costlier and
> require a 15-20 minute down time in case of server failure (to apply the
> archive logs). Has any one here used it? Or is this even the proper
> newsgroup to post this question?
>

It's certainly the proper forum. But don't expect too much by way of reply, other than that listening to "someone" who evidently doesn't know very much about Oracle, is not really the soundest basis on which to make a business decision like this. Not your fault, I realise.

First, get the terms right. "Replication" (in Oracle at any rate) is a term more used to describe distributing data around multiple databases for ease of access at remote sites. What you seem to be after, however, is some sort of standby database for disaster recover; an alternative database to allow the resumption of activity at a single location.

Your informant should read up on Data Guard, which most certainly does not have a 15-20 minute failover window. Then there's RAC (which is actually included in the basic product for free these days). Then there's streams (which really is getting more into the replication business). All sorts of possible solutions, some which cost, some which don't. Some with minute-long flipovers. Some with seconds-only flipovers.Some with practically instantaneous flipovers. The secret is in the configuration, and the budget. We don't know details of your budget, so it is difficult to advise. But sub-minute flipovers should be easily achievable within the terms of an ordinary Data Guard licence.

In short: Before one starts evaluating a third party product, you ought to be darn'd sure the functionality's not there already in Oracle itself. Find yourself a new informant on such things, therefore. (Coming here was a good start... hopefully lots of others will want to add their advice too).

Regards
HJR Received on Fri Aug 06 2004 - 15:24:46 CDT