Re: DB copying : Attack of the Clones!

Kirti,
We had the same kind of issue when I was at my last job. Never came up with a solution I was totally happy with. We just ended up using our cold backups (minimal downtime since they were copied from a third mirror. Just shutdown, split, startup, copy to tape or whereever). For our database links we used public links with no hardcoded usernames or passwords. The link name was generic (in theory) so it could be used for both prod and test systems. The tnsnames.ora would be different though. Instead of pointing prod to prod it would point test to test. We just had to keep the passwords in sync. We did this and other minor maintenance tasks through a script we set up on the test machine. Do the clone-run the script.

Always wished there was something better, but I never found it.

Henry
----- Original Message -----
To: "Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L" <ORACLE-L_at_fatcity.com> Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 10:08 PM

> Listers,
> I was 'volunteered' to participate in a task force charged with finding
> quick solutions (in less than 2 weeks) to support following Dgmt decision:
> Clone 14 production databases in their entirety for ongoing code testing,
> recreating production problems etc.
>
> The cloned databases will have to be renamed, the db links
re-established,
> the access privileges for a dozen or so accounts relaxed (password
changed,
> access to stored procedures etc). The clones will be tampered with but
will
> need to be kept in sync with production database on a weekly or bi-weekly
> basis. The size of databases ranges from 50GB to over 150GB (and growing,
of
> course).
> Are there any 'silver bullet' tools anyone heard of that can do this in a
> flash? Current method of cold backup is too time consuming and disruptive.
>
> All these databases are on HDS disk arrays. I have been playing with HDS'
> ShadowImage product for some other project. I have suggested using this
> product for solving this problem. But, I am not an authority on this
> product. My idea being, the 'split' disks (from sort-of 3rd mirror) will
> become the clones. When the clones need refreshing, those disks will be
> 're-silvered' and 'split' again. Other thing I may consider is the hot
> backup. But, I am sure it will be shot down as being too time consuming.
>
> Is anyone currently doing anything like this? What tools are you using?
>
> BTW, if we decided on any 3rd party tools, then Dgmt wants it installed
> within the next 4-5 weeks. Any Vendor types lurking on the list? This is
> your chance :)
>
> Thanks.
>
> - Kirti
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> Author: Deshpande, Kirti
> INET: kirti.deshpande_at_verizon.com
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-- 
Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com
-- 
Author: Henry Poras
  INET: hporas_at_attbi.com

Fat City Network Services    -- (858) 538-5051  FAX: (858) 538-5051
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