Exadata Quarterly Patching Services
Overview
The two most frequently asked questions about Exadata are:
- How does Exadata work?
- How do you patch Exadata?
The first question is easier to answer because, for the most part, it’s just an Oracle database with intelligent storage. Answering the second question is more complicated. The reason is because Exadata is an integrated system comprised of inter-related hardware and software components, which must be patched in a coordinated manner. Database patches may be familiar to current database administrators, but Exadata patches 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 two 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:
- Current State Validation and Documentation
- Oracle Bundle Patch Application
- Exadata Storage Server Patch Application
- 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.
Cost
Enkitec’s Quarterly Exadata Patching Service is a fixed price service with the following configuration:
- $30,000 per year per Exadata Rack*
- Patches are Applied on a Quarterly basis only
- Storage Server Patches are applied in a non-rolling fashion
Intermediate or Emergency Patches are not included in this cost.
Why Use Enkitec?
- Enkitec has applied patches to more than 50 client-owned Exadata environments
- Enkitec owns V2 and X2 machines – we apply all patches as soon as they are available
- Enkitec’s team of Exadata specialists is highly skilled in patching / managing / optimizing Exadata environments
- To date, no Enkitec client has suffered unanticipated Exadata outages due to patching
- Enkitec’s resources have an average of 15 years of Oracle experience
* This assumes that Racks are not configured in a “split configuration” meaning there is one cluster per Rack
For more information please call Enkitec at (972) 607-3751 or email us.
