Get the most from your Oracle database
Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:09:53 -0000
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This year, the Oracle team at Dell Technologies set out to help our customers get the most from their database investments. To determine optimal price performance, we started by validating three different PowerEdge R750 configurations.
The first configuration was an Intel Xeon Gold 5318Y CPU with 24 processor cores, a 2.10 GHz clock speed, and a cache of 36 MB. This PowerEdge configuration had the highest core count of all the three configurations, so we expected it to be the performance leader in our workload tests.
The second configuration included two Intel Xeon Gold 6334 CPUs, each with eight processor cores for a total of 16 cores. Each CPU had the same clock speed of 3.6 GHz, and each with 18 MB cache for a total of 36 MB. This configuration had a much higher clock speed, even though it had eight fewer processor cores.
The third and final configuration had the fewest cores, with only one Intel Xeon Gold 6334 CPU with eight processor cores, a 3.6 GHz clock speed, and an 18 MB cache used for the workload tests. We did not expect this entry-level configuration to match the performance of the first configuration as it has 16 fewer processor cores. The main reason that we included this configuration was to provide insights into how a PowerEdge design can start with one processor and scale-up when adding another processor.
All three configurations were tested with an OLTP workload using HammerDB load generation tool. The TPROC-C workload configuration is described in Table 1.
Table 1: Virtual users and related HammerDB workload parameters
Specifications | Use case 1: 1x 5318Y CPU | Use case 2: 2 x 6334 CPUs | Use case 3: 1 x 6334 CPU |
---|---|---|---|
Virtual Users | 120 | 120 | 60 |
User Delay (ms) | 500 | ||
Repeat Delay (ms) | 500 | ||
Iterations | 1 |
We measured our results in New Orders Per Minute (NOPM), as this metric facilitates price performance comparison between different database systems.
Use Case 1: 1 x 5318Y CPU | Use Case 2: 2 x 6334 CPUs | Use Case 3: 1 x 6334 CPU |
---|---|---|
Compared to use case 1: | 75% of NOPM | 47% of NOPM |
Figure 1: NOPM for each use case
Unsurprisingly, use case 1 was the performance leader. Although we expected this result, we did not expect the high NOPM performance for use cases 2 and 3. Use case 2 supported 75 percent of the NOPM workload of use case 1, with eight fewer processor cores. Use case 3 supported 47 percent of the NOPM of use case 1, with 16 fewer processor cores. The higher base clock speed in both use cases 2 and 3 seemed to increase efficiency.
Estimated costs are important factors that impact the efficiency of each PowerEdge configuration. Table 2 shows the cost of the PowerEdge configurations combined with the Oracle Database Enterprise Edition (EE) licensing using the processor metric. For a more detailed overview of costs, read the white paper.
Table 2: Server and Oracle EE processor core license costs (non-discounted, no support costs)
1 CPU w/ 24 cores 2.1 GHz | 2 CPUs w/ 8 cores 3.6 GHz | 1 CPU w/ 8 cores 3.6 GHz | |
---|---|---|---|
License Totals | $570,000.00 | $380,000.00 | $190,000.00 |
PowerEdge R750 costs | $70,320.00 | $98,982 | $71,790.00 |
Grand total costs | $640,320.00 | $478,982.00 | $261,790.00 |
Price per Performance-efficiency-per-processor-core is calculated by taking the total cost of each configuration divided by the number of NOPM per processor core.
1 CPU w/ 24 cores 2.1 GHz | 2 CPUs w/ 8 cores 3.6 GHz | 1 CPU w/ 8 cores 3.6 GHz | |
---|---|---|---|
Total cost | $640,320.00 | $478,982.00 | $261,790.00 |
NOPM per processor core | 62,414 | 69,806 | 87,598 |
Price per Performance-Efficiency-per-processor-core | $10.26 | $6.86 | $2.17 |
Use cases 2 and 3 were more efficient in terms of performance than use case 1, as both configurations processed more NOPM per processor core. Although use case 1 was the performance leader, it had highest price per performance-efficiency-per-processor-core. The high price performance efficiency per core relates to how high it would cost to generate the number of NOPM per core that the system was able to process. More information about the DBAs and wait events for each use case is available in this white paper.
The PowerEdge configuration for use case 2 had twice the amount of RAM than use case 1, meaning the system was more expensive. However, the additional memory had a minimal impact on performance, as the database SGA size remained the same for each validation test.
Use case 3 had the best price performance-efficiency per core at $2.17 which provided a 79 percent savings compared to use case 1 ($10.26). This result shows that customers can start with a small Oracle database configuration with one low core count high frequency CPU and achieve up to 47 percent of the performance that a very high core count low frequency CPU can achieve. For the processor configurations used in use case 1 and 3 this savings that are equated to $379,530, which is significant savings in terms of dollar amount!
The two CPUs configuration in use case 2 cost $6.86, which provided a 33 percent savings compared to use case 1 ($10.26). This result shows that when customers must support larger workload arises customers can scale-up by adding a second CPU to their server and achieve up to 75 percent of the performance that a very high core count low frequency CPU can achieve and still end up paying less than what they would’ve paid had they started with the high core count low frequency to start with. For the processor configurations used in use case 1 and 2 these savings equated to $161,388, which is again good savings in terms of dollar amounts.
Each database is unique, and the savings results demonstrated in our validation tests may vary depending on your database system. Dell Technologies has an experienced Oracle team that can configure PowerEdge systems based on your performance requirements and can help you optimize price efficiency for your databases. For customers who are interested in more information, see the following next steps:
- Read the white paper: Accelerate Oracle Databases and Maximize Your Investment
- Connect with your Dell Technologies Representative and mention that you want to upgrade your Oracle databases with this price efficiency approach
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Oracle Database Solutions on Docker Container and Kubernetes
Fri, 09 Oct 2020 18:58:32 -0000
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The Opportunity
Containers are a lightweight, stand-alone, executable package of software that includes everything that is needed to run an application: code, runtime, system tools, system libraries, and settings. A container isolates software from its environment and ensures that it works uniformly despite any differences between development and staging. Containers share the machine’s operating system kernel and do not require an operating system for each application, driving higher server efficiencies and reducing server and licensing costs.
The traditional build process for database application development is complex, time intensive and difficult to schedule. With containers and the right supporting tools, the traditional build process is transformed into a self-service, on-demand experience that enables developers to rapidly deploy applications. In the remaining sections of this article we describe how to develop the capability to have an Oracle database container running in a matter of minutes.
Oracle has a long commitment to supporting the developer communities working in containerized environments. At the DockerCon US event in April 2017, Oracle announced that its Oracle 12c database software application would be available alongside of other Oracle products on Docker Store, the standard for dev-ops developers. Dev-ops developers have pulled over four billion images from the Docker Store and are increasingly turning to the Docker Store as the canonical source for high-quality curated content. In the present-day database world, customers are invariably switching to the use of containers with Kubernetes management to build and run a wide variety of applications and services in a highly available on-premises hosted environment.
Containerized environments can reliably offer high-performance compute, storage and network capabilities with the necessary configurations. A containerized environment also reduces overhead costs by providing a repeatable process for application deployment across build, test, and production systems. To enable the deployment and management of containerized applications, organizations use Kubernetes technologies to operate at any scale including production. Kubernetes enables powerful collaboration and workflow management capabilities by deploying containers for cloud-native, distributed applications and microservices. It even allows you to repackage legacy applications for increased portability, more efficient deployment, and improved customer and employee engagement.
Figure 1: Docker containers for reducing development complexity
The Solution
For many companies, to boost productivity and time to value, container usage starts with the departments that are focused on software development. Their journey typically starts with installing, implementing, and using containers for applications that are based on the microservice architecture as shown in Figure 2. Developers want to be able to build microservices-based container applications without changing code or infrastructure.
This approach enables portability between data centers and obviates the need for changes in traditional applications enabling faster development and deployment cycles. Oracle Docker containers run the microservices while Kubernetes is used for container orchestration. Also, the microservices running within Docker containers can communicate with the Oracle databases by using messaging services.
Figure 2: Architecture for Oracle Database featuring Docker and Kubernetes
Using orchestration and automation for containerized applications, developers can self-provision an Oracle database, thereby increasing flexibility and productivity while saving substantial time in creating a production copy for development and testing environments. This solution enables development teams to quickly provision isolated applications without the traditional complexities.
Our Dell EMC engineers recently tested and validated a solution for Oracle database using Docker containers and Kubernetes. The solution uses Oracle Database in containers, Kubernetes, and the Container Storage Interface (CSI) Driver for Dell EMC PowerFlex OS to show how dev/ops teams can transform their development processes.
Dell EMC engineers demonstrated two use cases for this solution. Both of our use cases feature four Dell EMC PowerEdge R640 servers, which are an integral part of Dell EMC VxFlex Ready Nodes, and a CSI Driver for Dell EMC PowerFlex that were hosted in our DellEMC labs.
Use Case 1
In use case 1, the DellEMC engineers manually provisioned the container-based development and testing environment shown in Figure 3 as follows:
- Install Docker.
- Activate the Docker Enterprise Edition-License.
- Run the Oracle 12c database within the Docker container.
- Build and run the Oracle 19c database in the Docker container.
- Import the sample Oracle schemas that are pulled from GitHub into the Oracle 12c and 19c database.
- Install Oracle SQL Developer and query tables from the container to demonstrate that the connection from Oracle SQL Developer to Oracle database functions.
Figure 3: Use Case 1 - Architecture
The key benefit of our first use case was the time that we saved by using Docker containers instead of the traditional manual installation and configuration method of building a typical Oracle database environment. Use Case 1 planning also demonstrated the importance of selecting the Docker registry location and storage provisioning options that are most appropriate for the requirements of a typical development and testing environment.
Use Case 2
Use Case 2 demonstrates the value of CSI plug-in integration with Kubernetes and Dell EMC Power Flex storage to automate storage configuration. Kubernetes orchestration with PowerFlex provides a container deployment strategy with persistent storage. It demonstrates the ease, simplicity, and speed in scaling out a development and testing environment from production Oracle databases. In this use case, a developer provisions the Oracle database in containers on the same infrastructure described in Use Case 1 only this time using Kubernetes with the CSI Driver for Dell EMC PowerFlex. Figure 4 depicts the detailed architecture of Use Case 2.
Figure 4. Use Case 2 – Architecture
Use Case 2 demonstrates how Docker, Kubernetes, and the CSI Driver for Dell EMC PowerFlex accelerate the development life cycle for Oracle applications. Kubernetes configured with the CSI Driver for Dell EMC VxFlex OS simplified and automated the provisioning and removal of containers with persistent storage. Engineers used yaml configuration files along with the kubectl command to quickly deploy and delete containers and complete pods. Our solution demonstrates that developers can provision Oracle databases in containers without the complexities that are associated with installing the database and provisioning storage.
Use Case Observations and Benefits
Adding Kubernetes container orchestration is an essential addition for database developers on a containerized development journey. Automation becomes essential with the expansion of containerized application deployments. In this case, it enabled our developers to bypass the complexities that are associated with plain scripting. Instead, our solution uses open source Kubernetes to accomplish the developer’s objectives. The CSI plug-in integrates with Kubernetes and exposes the capabilities of the Dell EMC PowerFlex storage system, enabling the developer to:
- Take a snapshot of the Oracle database, including the sample schema that was pulled from the GitHub site.
- Protect the work of the existing Oracle database, which was changed before taking the snapshot. We can protect any state. Use the CSI plug-in Driver for Dell EMC PowerFlex OS to create a snapshot that is installed in Kubernetes to provide persistent storage.
- Restore an Oracle 19c database to its pre-deletion state using a snapshot, even after removing the containers and the attached storage.
In our second use case, using Kubernetes combined with the CSI Driver for DellEMC PowerFlex OS simplified and automated the provisioning and removal of containers and storage. In this use case, we used yaml files along with the kubectl command to deploy and delete the containers and pods. All these components facilitate the automation of the container hosting the Oracle database on the top of PowerFlex.
Kubernetes, enhanced with the CSI Driver for Dell EMC VxFlex OS, provides the capability to attach and manage Dell EMC VxFlex OS storage system volumes to containerized applications. Our developers worked with a familiar Kubernetes interface to modify a copy of Oracle database schema gathered from the Github repository database and connect it to the Oracle database container. After modifying the database, the developer protected all progress by using the snapshot feature of Dell EMC VxFlex OS storage system and creating a point-in-time copy of the database.
Comparing Use Case 1 to Use Case 2 demonstrated how we can easily shift away from the complexities of scripting and using the command line to implement a self-service model that accelerates container management. The move to a self-service model, which increases developer productivity by removing bottlenecks, becomes increasingly important as the Docker container environment grows.
Summary
The power of containers and automation show how tasks that traditionally required multiple roles—developers and others working with the storage and database administrators - can be simplified. Kubernetes with the CSI plug-in enables developers and others to do more in less time and with fewer complexities. The time savings means that coding projects can be completed faster, benefiting both the developers and the business-side employees and customers. Overall, the key benefit shown in comparing our two use cases was the transformation from a manually managed container environment to an orchestrated system with more capabilities.
Innovation drives transformation. In the case of Docker containers and Kubernetes, the key benefit is a shift to rapid application deployment services. Oracle and many others have embraced containers and provide images of applications, such as for the Oracle 12c database, that can be deployed in days and instantiated in seconds. Installations and other repetitive tasks are replaced with packaged applications that enable the developer to work quickly in the database. The ease of using Docker and Kubernetes, combined with rapid provisioning of persistent storage, transforms development by removing wait time and enabling the developer to move closer to the speed of thought.
The addition of the Kubernetes orchestration system and the CSI Driver for Dell EMC VxFlex OS brings a rich user interface that simplifies provisioning containers and persistent storage. In our testing, we found that Kubernetes plus the CSI Driver for Dell EMC VxFlex OS enabled developers to provision containerized applications with persistent storage. This solution features point-and-click simplicity and frees valuable time so that the storage administrator can focus on business-critical tasks.
Improving Oracle Performance with New Dell 4 Socket Servers
Mon, 02 Oct 2023 21:23:14 -0000
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Deploying Oracle on a PowerEdge Server presents various challenges, typical of intricate software and hardware integrations. As servers age, they become increasingly expensive to maintain and can have detrimental effects on business productivity. This is primarily due to the heightened demand for IT personnel's time and the heightened risk of unscheduled downtime.
In the case of older servers hosting virtualized Oracle® Database applications, they might struggle to keep up with growing usage demands. This can result in slower operations that, for example, dissuade customers from browsing a website for products and completing online transactions. Aging hardware is also more susceptible to data loss or corruption, potential security vulnerabilities, and elevated maintenance and repair expenses.
One effective solution to address these issues is migrating Oracle Database workloads from older servers to newer ones, such as the 16th Generation Dell™ PowerEdge™ R960 featuring 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors. This upgrade not only mitigates the aforementioned concerns but also opens doors to further IT enhancements and facilitates the achievement of business objectives. It can lead to improved customer responsiveness and quicker time-to-market.
Additionally, transitioning workloads from virtualized environments to bare metal solutions has the potential to significantly enhance transactional database performance, particularly for databases that come with high-performance service-level agreements (SLAs).
We recently submitted one of the new Dell PowerEdge R960’s to Principled Technologies for testing with an Oracle database 19c and compared the results to previous generations. The performance exceeded even our own lofty expectations. As the graph below shows, the R960 was able to process almost 8 times more transactions than the PowerEdge R920 and over double the transactions of the previous generation PowerEdge R940.
For more details read the full report here: Improving Oracle Database performance: Moving to Dell PowerEdge R960 servers with Intel processors | Dell Technologies Info Hub
When refreshing platforms it is critical to consider these performance characteristics and other common top 10 concerns such as:
- Compatibility Issues: Ensuring that the version of Oracle Database you want to deploy is compatible with the specific PowerEdge server hardware, operating system, and other software components can be a significant challenge. Compatibility matrices provided by Oracle and Dell (the manufacturer of PowerEdge servers) need to be thoroughly reviewed.
- Hardware Selection: Selecting the right PowerEdge server model with the appropriate CPU, memory, storage, and networking capabilities to meet the performance and scalability requirements of Oracle can be tricky. Overestimating or underestimating these requirements can lead to performance bottlenecks or wasted resources.
- Operating System Configuration: Configuring the operating system (typically, a Linux distribution like Oracle Linux or Red Hat Enterprise Linux) to meet Oracle's specific requirements can be complex. This includes setting kernel parameters, file system configurations, and installing necessary packages.
- Storage Configuration: Setting up storage correctly is critical for Oracle databases. Customers need to configure RAID levels, partitioning, and file systems optimally. Ensuring high I/O throughput and low latency is essential for database performance.
- Network Configuration: Proper network configuration, including setting up the network stack and configuring firewalls, is important for database security and accessibility.
- Oracle Database Configuration: Configuring Oracle Database itself, including memory allocation, database parameters, and storage management, requires a deep understanding of Oracle's architecture and best practices. Misconfigurations can lead to poor performance and stability issues.
- Backup and Recovery Strategy: Developing a robust backup and recovery strategy is crucial to protect the database against data loss. This includes configuring Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN) and ensuring that backups are performed regularly and can be restored successfully.
- High Availability and Disaster Recovery: Implementing high availability and disaster recovery solutions, such as Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) or Data Guard, can be complex and requires careful planning and testing.
- Licensing and Compliance: Managing Oracle licenses and ensuring compliance with Oracle's licensing policies can be challenging, especially in virtualized or clustered environments.
- Performance Tuning: Continuously monitoring and tuning the Oracle database and the underlying PowerEdge server to optimize performance can be an ongoing challenge. This includes identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks and ensuring that the hardware is used efficiently.
To address these challenges, it is often advisable for customers to work with experienced system administrators, database administrators, and consultants who have expertise in both Oracle and PowerEdge server deployments. Additionally, staying informed about the latest updates, patches, and best practices from Oracle and Dell can help mitigate potential issues all of which can be found by partnering with Dell Technologies to take advantage of these performance enhancements found within the PowerEdge R960.
Author: Seamus Jones
Director, Server Technical Marketing Engineering