Physical vs. Logical Migration
Streamlining data refresh processes
5-step-migration methodology
As organizations are in constant change, IT structures must adapt regularly to address business reality. Among these processes data platform replacements are complex and risky projects generally undertaken only when absolutely necessary. Migration methods must be selected carefully to achieve project goals and minimize risks.
Physical Migration
To move data-bases between platforms with the same operating system and same Oracle version, physical migration is the usual solution of choice.
Advantages:
Limitations and disadvantages:
In cases where data needs to be reorganized during physical migration, the process must follow the steps below:
Reorganizing and compressing data tend to be time-consuming processes that must be executed on the source, which is a live system. These procedures usually require additional downtime and can lead to poor performance or instability. Free space on the storage system is needed during the move.
Logical Migration
Logical migration is the solution of choice for any migration where different Oracle versions or operating systems are involved, as well as in cases when data is to be modified or improved during the process.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Methods for Logical Migration:
| Technology | Time |
| Export – Import | Long |
| Data Pump | Medium |
| Insert/Select/ DB Link – ctas create table | Short |
| CSV files | Long |
Built on the accumulated experience of senior DBAs, Accelario Migration Suite automates and accelerates logical migration, making it a low-risk process at the end of which organizations enjoy improved data quality and boosted performance of their IT systems.
Accelario solutions are based on the 5-step migration methodology we developed to automate and streamline data migration processes. Our methodology enables to move, refresh, consolidate and clone data bases in one phase, providing full control over the process and making script writing obsolete.
Accelario’s intuitive Management Interface walks users through the process step by step:
1. Prepare prior to copy
Preparing database infrastructure on the target (users, tablespaces, compression types and more)
2. Copy data
Moving data with full control for users on both source and target sides.
Data from multiple sources (clone, physical server, production, test environments) can be copied in parallel; pace is set mainly by source power and size of tables.
As an advanced option, data moving can be combined with compression.
3. Create indexes
Simultaneous to copy process and performance monitoring: online configuration and property adaptation for maximum results
4. Copy views, procedures and sequences
Building views, procedures, sequences, etc. for all objects on the target
5. Compare and test
Compare source and target. The end user or application owner can start testing process. Run first back-up on target. Ready to build DR.
the business world as we know it today, requires fast and easy responses to changes. Organizations’ IT systems need to support such demands at any given time with minimum cost, effect or trouble to the ongoing business.
Almost any live business system today includes three or more different environments;
Those needs require constant REFRESHMENT needs of the data, between Production and test environments in specific and to other environments as well, as per the organizations needs.
The need
One of the IT department services to the organization, including an on-going copy of data between Oracle databases (full database with scheme, specific table, only data, etc.). Move data or databases between cross platforms when Prod and Test are not identical. Activates and supports all software and hardware compression types. Performs the move of data with maximum speed and has a full control over the process, answering the organization and Dev department needs constantly.
The solution – Accelario ERM
Accelario ERM allows full control and on-going management of data move process on both sides – source and target.
ERM platform includes a unique possibility to combine 2 actions in one process – data move and data compression at the same time.
Use cases
While managing a production database, chances are high that you’ve had to clone your database to a different server other than the production server.
A cloned database is useful in a number of scenarios:
Challenges
Challenges depend on your environment profile, and include for example Cross platform copying, copying between difference oracle RDBMS versions, cloning a standard hardware and EXADATA or ZFS storage. More issues revolve around choosing the right copying method, minimizing the source downtime, configurating systems, forecasting storage accurately, taking advantage of all the new capabilities of the new software/hardware and testing required duplicate data is usually lengthy and expensive process.
Available Solutions
Oracle export / import procedures.
Oracle RMAN – along with Data Guard support a zero down time migration.
Self-development solution – based on scripts, usually done by the system DBA.
Transportable Database option – limited to source DB structure
Storage replication – limited to cases when you need to only copy data with no changes (same version same OS).
Refreshment Prerequisites – step by step
Accelario ERM specialties
Performance is maximized.
Full online control over the copy process and Recover availability.
Cross platform support.
Ability to take advantage of all the new capabilities of oracle software and hardware – New Oracle software versions, advanced compression, partitions etc. EXADATA, ZFS, Hybrid Columnar Compression.
Minimal down time.