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If you’re relatively new to network virtualization and the initialization of utilising software-defined data centres for businesses, then the idea of training for Oracle database function across an NSX-based network will require some thinking. NSX’s manufacturers, the Dell subsidiary VMware, recently announced on their very own blog that they’ve begun showcasing the ability to stretch an Oracle RAC between multi-datacenter networks, through NSX, for layer 2 adjacency.
This is exciting news for networks that utilise the Oracle 9i database product’s real application cluster function to allow a database to be installed across multiple servers.
Companies do this for scalability, lower costs as several low-end servers can do what high-end server can do at a higher price, and greater safety as a single server failing won’t mean the end of the database.
But, before we can discuss why RAC certification through a reputed company like Koenig Solutions is important for businesses with large customer databases and a general wealth of data, you need to understand the importance of network virtualization, software-defined data centres and NSX especially.
What is NSX?
NSX is VMware’s software solution for companies looking to implement a quality network virtualization software into their networking. Just like server virtualization before it, network virtualization allows companies to expand the capabilities and capacity of their network without increasing their cost by driving cost down through the use of several data centres and the cloud to manage the operation of a network rather than on-site infrastructure.
NSX also allows companies to execute micro-segmentation in their networks, which means they can continue operating on a network seamlessly while actually segmenting their network onto several different virtual machines in a data centre to allow for better security measures.
Security is paramount in building and managing a network – due to the sheer amount of shared data present on a network, any intrusion can compromise the rest of the network unless proper measures are in place to stop such security infringements.
There is a lot of interest in pushing for network virtualization among bigger companies and IT specialising smaller companies alike. The ability to host complex network functions without the need for a lot of hardware makes network virtualization that much more of a potential solution for smaller businesses that can’t afford the infrastructure required for typical in-house networking.
What is an RAC?
Another important concept when understanding the importance of integration between the Oracle database and VMware’s NSX software, is the utilisation of Oracle 9i’s RAC and extended Oracle RAC functionality.
RAC stands for Real Application Cluster as per TechTarget, specifically allowing every server access to the entire database rather than the usual approach of database clustering, which involves segmenting a database across multiple servers. The benefits here are a lack of loss in data when one server goes down, also known as failover capacity as per the TT website.
With these tools, a business can propel itself to new levels of network efficiency, especially among businesses with a multinational clientele – and that’s where training helps tremendously in helping such companies achieve their goals.
Author: Daina Martin