Quarterly Oracle Exadata Machine Patching Services
Why is Exadata patching an issue? Because Exadata is an integrated system comprised of inter-related hardware and software components, it must be patched in a coordinated manner. Database patching may be familiar to current database administrators, but Exadata patching can operate on every component in the rack, from firmware on up.
While many of these activities will be familiar territory to various members of the technical teams, this close coordination requires personnel with cross functional capabilities and deep knowledge of linux o/s, networking, system administration and Oracle. Many automatic checks are built into Exadata, which help to ensure that the components remain in lock step. Rebooting a single Storage Server, for example, may initiate automatic application of changes to firmware if strict version rules are not followed.
For these reasons, it is very important when patching Exadata to involve personnel who are familiar with the architecture, the multiple required patching mechanisms, and the automated safeguards built in to the systems. Using Enkitec’s Exadata patching experts will eliminate the possibility of unanticipated downtime due to failed or incorrectly applied patches.
In order to provide Exadata users with confidence in keeping their environments up to date, Enkitec offers the Exadata Patching Service. Enkitec owns three Exadata racks, and we apply every patch released by Oracle as soon as they become available and certified. In doing so, we learn the nuances of each patch before most organizations even begin planning to apply them. We can do this because our database machines are not responsible for production applications.
The Enkitec Exadata Patching Service covers the following:
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Current State Validation
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Oracle Bundle Patch Application
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Exadata Storage Server Patch Application
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InfiniBand Patch Application
Enkitec will collaborate with your IT team to determine whether rolling or non-rolling Storage Server patches are appropriate. Enkitec resources will work remotely from our corporate headquarters in Dallas unless requested by the client to perform the work on-site. And working remotely can provide substantial cost savings for our clients.
Oracle’s release frequency for current Exadata patches is approximately one per month. In most environments, quarterly application of these patches provides a reasonable balance between staying current with bug fixes and additional functionality without undo impact on business activities. Enkitec is flexible on patch application scheduling and can plan your patching activities more or less frequently as dictated by your business needs.
Why Use Enkitec’s Exadata Patching?
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Enkitec owns V2, X2, and X3 machines – we test all patches as soon as they are available
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Enkitec’s team of Exadata specialists is highly skilled in patching / managing / optimizing Exadata environments
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To date, no Enkitec client has suffered unanticipated Exadata outages due to patching
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Enkitec’s resources have an average of 15 years of Oracle experience
*Contact info@enkitec.com for pricing.