Oracle Data Guard Database Migration and Upgrade Best Practices

Oracle Data Guard Database Migration and Upgrade Best Practices

Upgrading your database to a newer version can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to ensuring zero downtime and minimal data loss. Using Oracle Data Guard in conjunction with the AutoUpgrade tool can significantly simplify this process. In this article, we will delve into the best practices for migrating and upgrading your database to Oracle 19c using these tools.

Why Choose Oracle Data Guard?

Oracle Data Guard provides an excellent solution for upgrading your database while ensuring high availability and disaster recovery. It allows you to create a physical or logical standby database that can be used for upgrade purposes, reducing the risk of data loss and minimizing downtime. Data Guard can be used in conjunction with AutoUpgrade, a command-line tool that simplifies the upgrade process.

Data Protection Reinvented: Oracle Data Guard Introduction & Setup Made  Easy!

Prerequisites for Data Guard Database Migration and Upgrade

Before you begin the migration and upgrade process, ensure that you have met the following prerequisites:

  • The primary database must be running on Oracle 11.2.0.4 or later.
  • The primary database must be licensed for the Data Guard option.
  • Both the primary and standby databases must have compatible platforms (e.g., Linux on Linux or Oracle Solaris on Oracle Solaris).
  • Both the primary and standby databases must have compatible Oracle Database versions.
  • The standby database must be configured with the same ORACLE_HOME and database name as the primary database.

Setting Up the Data Guard Environment

To set up the Data Guard environment, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Standby Database

Create a physical or logical standby database on the target server.

Step 2: Configure the Data Guard Broker

Configure the Data Guard broker (DMON) to manage the Data Guard configuration. This includes setting up the observer, creating a data guard configuration, and adding the standby database to the configuration.

Step 3: Enable the Data Guard Broker

Enable the DMON process to start managing the Data Guard configuration. This includes setting the LOG_FILE_NAME_CONVERT parameter to convert the log file names to the standby database and setting the STANDBY_FILE_MANAGEMENT parameter to manage the standby database files.

AutoUpgrade Tool Overview

The AutoUpgrade tool is a command-line utility that automates the database upgrade process. It provides the following features:

  • Automated upgrade planning and execution
  • Support for all upgrade scenarios, including same-platform and cross-platform upgrades
  • Integrated support for Data Guard upgrades
  • Ability to perform rolling upgrades
  • Full automation, minimizing manual intervention

For more information on the AutoUpgrade tool and its capabilities, please refer to the Oracle Database Upgrade Guide.

Migrating and Upgrading the Database

Once the Data Guard environment is set up and the AutoUpgrade tool is installed, follow these steps to migrate and upgrade the database:

Step 1: Prepare the Primary Database for Upgrade

RUN the following SQL script to prepare the primary database for upgrade:


SQL> Alter system set "_allow_resetlogs_corruption"=true scope=spfile;
SQL> Alter system set "_corrupt_cluster_database"=true scope=spfile;
SQL> Shutdown immediate;
SQL> Startup nomount;

Step 2: Run the AutoUpgrade Tool

RUN the AutoUpgrade tool to automate the upgrade process:


./autoupgrade -config config.properties

Step 3: Complete the Upgrade Process

After the AutoUpgrade tool completes the upgrade process, verify that the database has been upgraded successfully and apply any remaining patches.

Verifying the Upgrade and Standby Database

After completing the upgrade process, verify that the database has been upgraded successfully and the standby database is in sync with the primary database.

Run the following SQL script to verify the upgrade and standby database:


SQL> SELECT * FROM V$DATABASE;
SQL> SELECT * FROM V$STANDBY_LOG;
SQL> SELECT * FROM V$DG_BROKER_CONFIG;

Now that you have successfully upgraded and migrated your database to Oracle 19c, ensure that you regularly review and optimize your Data Guard configuration to maintain high availability and performance.

Conclusion

Migrating and upgrading your database to Oracle 19c using Data Guard and the AutoUpgrade tool can simplify the process and minimize downtime. By following these best practices and ensuring that your Data Guard configuration is optimized, you can maintain high availability and performance for your database.

If you require assistance with data guard setup, upgrade or any other database consultation you may have, getting in touch with professionals such as PersonIT (www.personit.com) would provide you with the expertise to succeed.

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