Re: ASM vs ACFS for 18.7 on X8-2M ODA

From: Jack Applewhite <jack.applewhite_at_austinisd.org>
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2019 14:57:09 +0000
Message-ID: <MWHPR19MB1230832A4F187266D260D920E6570_at_MWHPR19MB1230.namprd19.prod.outlook.com>

Mladen, Anthony,

Thanks for the good info. The reason we didn't put 19.x on our X8s is because they are dead-ends on these ODAs. If we put on, say, the 19.5 ODA version, we'd have to re-image the X8s to go to 19.6, which is the long-term release. We can only upgrade the X8s to 19.6 from an 18.x release. My associate found that little nugget while both of us were searching for good docs on the latest of everything. ODAs impose some restrictions that "normal" Linux servers don't. Actually, we'll be upgrading to 18.8 in Jan, which fixes a bug in 18.7 that prevents you from ever adding SSD drives after your initial deployment. These are the very reasons I've avoided Bleeding Edge releases in the past. But, what the heck, I'm 68 and it's time for some adventure.

I think I'm convinced to stick with ASM for database pieces, but use ACFS for other files. ASM is the default storage type whey you use the recommended Web Console to create a database. However, ACFS is the default if you use the odacli command line utility. Any wonder I had a FUD moment or two?
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Jack C. Applewhite - Database Administrator Austin I.S.D. - MIS Department
512.414.9250 (wk)

I cannot help but notice that there is no problem between us that cannot be solved by your departure. -- Mark Twain

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From: oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org <oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org> on behalf of Mladen Gogala <gogala.mladen_at_gmail.com> Sent: Friday, December 13, 2019 19:06
To: oracle-l_at_freelists.org <oracle-l_at_freelists.org> Subject: Re: ASM vs ACFS for 18.7 on X8-2M ODA

Hi Jack!

ACFS is a cluster file system which runs on top of a cluster volume manager, namely ASM. Most of other, competing cluster file systems like GPFS, GFS or NTFS run on top of a cluster volume manager. File system is much more practical than volume manager devices because you can use OS utilities like tar, cp, find or ls. The price you pay for that practicality is another software layer on top of the volume manager. The main reason for abandoning OCFS2 was the fact that it was open source and could have potentially been used by competitors. Bill Long, the author of the first and only ASM book that I am aware of, has explicitly said so in his book. ACFS is a completely proprietary file system and such danger doesn't exist. I have tested ACFS on version 12.2 and have yet to rebuild my cluster on the version 19.5. Version 18c is a dead end and I wouldn't use it without having a very good reason.

As far as the cluster file systems go, ACFS is a very decent one and performs really well. The performance penalty you pay is not steep and you get the versatility of an excellent cluster file system. I am all for ACFS.

Regards

On 12/13/19 3:13 PM, Jack Applewhite wrote: We just got our two new X8-2M ODAs installed and are debating whether or not to use ACFS. We had to do so on the X5s we're migrating from, but I never have liked the idea of the ACFS layer on top of ASM, especially for DB files. I've looked back and found various arguments, but they seem tied to more-or-less specific architectures. These X8s are standalone, bare metal, non-HA servers, so none of the RAC-ready junk we had to deal with in the X4s and X5s.

I'm pushing for only ASM for DBs, but maybe an ACFS filesystem for regular OS files.

What are some experiences, recommendations, pointers for us to consider?

Thanks.
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Jack C. Applewhite - Database Administrator Austin I.S.D. - MIS Department
512.414.9250 (wk)

I cannot help but notice that there is no problem between us that cannot be solved by your departure. -- Mark Twain Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov’t Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b)(c)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments.

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Mladen Gogala
Database Consultant
Tel: (347) 321-1217

Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov’t Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b)(c)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments.

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http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l Received on Sat Dec 14 2019 - 15:57:09 CET