FAQ

What is the main benefit of running FlashGrid Server on Google Cloud?

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 Google Cloud. Deployments are easy and automated in just 30 minutes. 24/7 support covers the entire infrastructure stack.

FlashGrid Server for Oracle Databases on Google Cloud 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 Google Cloud VMs?

You can configure Data Guard for HA between two or more Oracle database instances running on FlashGrid Server on Google Cloud. 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.

Does Oracle support Oracle Databases using FlashGrid’s database infrastructure solution on Google Cloud?

Yes, FlashGrid 24×7 support covers the infrastructure part of the stack underneath Oracle Database, while support for the database itself is covered by Oracle’s Support Policy for Non-Oracle Public Cloud Environments. 

How do I install Oracle Database on a Google Cloud VM?

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

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

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 Google Cloud?

For those Oracle Database customers who have per-CPU Oracle Database licenses, FlashGrid Server on Google Cloud offers several ways to manage and minimize the number of Oracle licenses.

• Sole-Tenant Nodes allow managing Oracle Database licenses at the physical host level instead of per-vCPU.
• By customizing visible CPU cores, the number of CPU cores (and vCPUs) exposed to the VM 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 Google Cloud?

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

How do we purchase FlashGrid licenses and support on Google Cloud?

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

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

FlashGrid Server allows having any database size within the limits of aggregate possible persistent 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 Google Cloud?

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 Google Cloud?

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 Google Cloud, 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.