Why DBCS (Oracle Base Database Service) in OCI can make a DBA's life much easier (even with BYOL)

DBCS (now named Oracle Base Database service, but I will call it DBCS throughout this post) in OCI  can help make a DBA's life easier.  When I was testing the new Autonomous Recovery Service for Oracle Database in OCI, I created a LOT of different DBCS systems to test backup and recovery.  Along the way I learned a lot about the workings of DBCS, and I came to appreciate how it makes sense, even if you are a BYOL (bring your own license) customer.

I'm more of a an "old school" DBA, preferring command line, and scripting processes myself.  I am typically not a fan of automation.  When using DBCS I was surprised by all the things it would do for me that I would have to do manually.

Install oracle software and create a database

Having installed oracle software hundreds of times, and having created test databases, I didn't think I would care much about automation that did this for me.

Central Software image management

What I found in OCI, is that you can create your own software images that can be used to ensure each new database environment is consistent.  OCI gives you ability to create your own set of release images (which can include patches).  This ensures each time I create a new DBCS environment, and choose my custom image, it's running the same version in all environments. No more installing base release, then patches, and then then any possible one-off patches.  This makes the installation of the database software much, much easier, and ensures consistency.

Easy Database creation

Recently I've gotten familiar with performing a silent database creation, as using dbca isn't always easy to configure.  The tooling provided by DBCS will not only create a database for you, but will also configure TDE encryption (with a local wallet, or using OCI vault).  It can even create a RAC database across 2 nodes.  And don't forget, it can create the standby for me also.

Configure ASM storage

Now this is the most interesting piece I found when using DBCS.  Not only does the DBCS service create a disk group, but it automatically stripes multiple block volumes together maximizing performance.  This is a HUGE help in ensuring I am getting the best performance.

When I was going through what the configuration did, I tried to build tables showing how the different storage sizes translate to the storage configurations.

There were 2 configurations and DB data storage sizes, one for Flex, and one for Standard shapes.

Flex

First I looked at flex, and regardless of the performance level these were the sizes.

Then within Flex, I looked at the "Balanced performance" configuration.

Balanced Performance configuration

You can see that as the DB storage available goes up, the number of disks goes up also allowing for a higher  possible IOPS than you would get from a single Block Storage device.

Below is the chart for "High Performance"

High Performance configuration

You can see that the IOPS is even higher, and it is using even more disks to get that performance.

Standard

Next looked at standard shapes, and regardless of the performance level these were the sizes. Note that with Standard shapes, there were many more options for configurations.

Balanced Performance configuration

High Performance configuration

Benefits of DBCS

I also went through what some of the other benefits of DBCS are, and below is the list I came up with.

• When using the DBCS service,  the storage cost is based on the Block Storage cost. This is the same cost as you would pay in an IaaS service.  Having the storage striped and configured for maximum IOPS makes this a huge plus.

• DBCS allows you purchase licenses if you don't have enough licenses to use the BYOL option.

• The DBCS service price is based on OCPU and is the same regardless of the shape. Memory is included in the OCPU cost.

• DBCS automatically configures RAC if you choose it.

• DBCS provides tooling that automatically configures backups, can apply patches, and rotate encryption keys.

• DBCS allows you to automate the cloning of your database, and automate any restores.

• DBCS includes TDE, and relieves you of having to own the ASO license.  

Conclusion:

DBCS offers a lot more than you realize. Take a deep dive into what it can do for you to save time as DBA and you also might realize that sometimes tooling along with automation has it's benefits.