FAQ

What is the main benefit of running FlashGrid Server on Azure?

FlashGrid Server provides a way to maximize the uptime of Oracle Database and prevent outages. It creates a reliable foundation for Data Guard FSFO with fast failure isolation to prevent brownouts. System configuration is done using best practices proven extensively over 7 years of running mission-critical databases on Azure. Deployments are easy and automated in just 30 minutes. 24/7 support covers the entire infrastructure stack.

FlashGrid Server for Oracle Databases on Azure includes the Active Reliability Framework, a collection of runtime services, monitoring tools, diagnostic tools, and health checks that help you minimize the risk of failures and the disruption caused by failures.

How do I use Data Guard for Oracle Database HA on Azure VMs?

You can configure Data Guard for HA between two or more Oracle database instances running on FlashGrid Server on Azure. Configuring Data Guard is done the same way as on-premises, except that FlashGrid Server adds failure prevention and isolation, which is especially important for Data Guard Fast-Start Failover (FSFO) configurations.

How does FlashGrid Server ensure fast failure isolation in Oracle Data Guard FSFO configurations?

FlashGrid Server handles common types of failures by quickly resetting the affected server, thus allowing the FSFO mechanism to execute proper failover. Without it, degradation of the Primary (e.g. disk i/o freeze or out-of-memory) may result in brownout instead of a fast failover. Additionally, automated deployment follows proven configuration best-practices, enhances reliability, and helps avoid configuration errors. FlashGrid Technical Support covers the entire infrastructure stack and helps with troubleshooting and preventing failures.

How do I install Oracle Database on an Azure VM?

FlashGrid Launcher automates the deployment of an Oracle Database server on Azure VMs. This includes installing and patching Oracle Database home and configuring the Azure VM, disk storage, and OS. Just select a desired configuration in FlashGrid Launcher and place the Oracle installation and patch files in a storage container.  

How can we migrate our Oracle database data from on-premises to Azure?

The migration process is similar to migrating a database between two data centers. Depending on the size of the database and tolerable downtime, you can use one of the regular migration tools, such as RMAN backup/restore, export/import, or Data Guard replication. If required, FlashGrid can recommend a suitable partner with experience in complex migrations.

How do I reduce the cost of Oracle Database licenses on Azure?

For those Oracle Database customers who have per-CPU Oracle Database licenses, FlashGrid Server on Azure VM offers the following options for reducing the number of Oracle licenses:

• Dedicated Hosts allow managing Oracle Database licenses at the physical host level instead of per-vCPU.
• With Constrained vCPU VM sizes the number of CPU cores (and vCPUs) exposed to the instance can be reduced while keeping the full capacity of other resources (memory, storage throughput, network bandwidth).

Do we get 24/7 technical support for mission-critical deployments in Azure?

Yes. For cloud deployments, FlashGrid Technical Support Services cover the entire infrastructure stack and are included in the Marketplace fees.

How can we get help with deploying a database server in Azure?

We are happy to guide you through the process. Please email us to schedule a screen-sharing session with one of our engineers.

How do we purchase FlashGrid licenses and support on Azure?

FlashGrid Server is deployed using a VM image from Azure Marketplace. The marketplace software fees include FlashGrid software license and technical support.

What is the maximum Oracle database size supported in Azure with FlashGrid Server?

FlashGrid Server allows having any database size within the limits of aggregate possible Azure disk capacity per VM. For example, 20 disks of 16 TB each provide 320 TB of space for the database.

Does FlashGrid Server prevent me from using other tools such as RMAN, Data Guard, GoldenGate, OEM, DBvisit, and SharePlex?

No, FlashGrid Server is compatible with these, as well as most backup and disaster recovery tools.

Which Oracle Database versions does FlashGrid Server support on Azure?

Oracle Database versions 19c, 18c, 12.2.0.1, 12.1.0.2, or 11.2.0.4 are supported. We test with the latest PSUs / RUs as they are released. For the latest information, please visit this knowledge base article.

Which operating systems does FlashGrid Server support on Azure?

For database nodes, Oracle Linux 8/9 or Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8/9. For new deployments of
Oracle Linux 7 or RHEL 7 on Azure, contact FlashGrid Support. Application servers and other database clients can run on any operating system, including Linux and Windows.

Are Oracle licenses included?

Oracle licenses and support must be purchased directly from Oracle.