Oracle RAC on AWS Licensing Issues

Challenge: Oracle's Cloud Policy does not include Oracle RAC, necessitating traditional core-based licensing.

Solutions: Utilize environments where core counting is possible:

  • Dedicated Hosts: Entire servers reserved for AWS customers, supporting all AWS services and ensuring compliance with Oracle's licensing.

  • VMware Cloud on AWS (VMC): Managed service from VMware on AWS dedicated hosts, similar to on-premises setups.

Oracle RAC on AWS Support Issues

Challenge:  Oracle Support does not endorse Oracle RAC on third-party clouds, including AWS.

Solution: Consider third-party support organizations. Oracle patches and support notes remain accessible, although official support requests may not be entertained.

Oracle RAC on AWS Technical Issues

Challenge:  Shared storage and multicast networking required for Oracle RAC pose challenges in cloud environments.

Solutions: Utilize environments where core counting is possible:

  • Shared Storage: Utilize EBS Multi-Attach for easy shared storage configuration or EFS as an alternative.

  • Networking: Implement FlashGrid for multicast networking or deploy Oracle RAC in a VMC environment for seamless network management.

AWS Solutions for Oracle RAC

  • Dedicated Hosts: Provide a reserved server for full control over EC2 instances and Oracle RAC deployment.

  • VMware Cloud on AWS: Managed VMware clusters on AWS hosts, offering familiar environments and simplifying RAC implementation.

  • EBS Multi-Attach: Native AWS tool for shared storage across multiple EC2 instances.

  • FlashGrid: Recommended solution for multicast networking in cloud environments, ensuring Oracle RAC functionality.

Oracle RAC on AWS Implementation Steps

  1. Discovery and Assessment:
    Detailed evaluation of current Oracle RAC setup and cloud compatibility.

  2. Architecture Design:
    Develop right-sized AWS architecture ensuring high availability and performance.

  3. Licensing and Compliance:
    Verify core-based licensing options and ensure Oracle compliance.

  4. Technical Deployment:
    Configure shared storage and networking solutions, utilizing EBS, FlashGrid, or VMC as needed.

  5. Risk Management:
    Establish contingency plans for support limitations and leverage third-party support if necessary.