Oracle is the most popular database management solution as of 2023 and is used widely by companies across diverse market sectors. The software can run a variety of operating systems including various flavors of Linux and Unix. Oracle Database can also be implemented in a Microsoft Windows environment.
Many companies rely on an Oracle Database to process business-critical and sensitive data resources. Organizations may be challenged in determining the best operating system for their Oracle Database. Making the wrong choice can result in sub-optimal performance and potential lapses in security that they would like to avoid.
We are going to give you six reasons that make Oracle Linux the appropriate platform for your Oracle Database.
A Few Words on Windows Implementations
Companies that are already invested in a Microsoft Windows environment may be reluctant to deploy a Linux system for their Oracle Database. Several factors may influence an organization in deciding to implement a Windows-based Oracle Database. Let’s look at the pros and cons of running an Oracle Database on a Windows server.
Pros:
- A Windows Oracle implementation will integrate more easily with existing Microsoft products.
- The organizational experience with Windows will make it easier to deploy and support than with a Linux solution.
- Windows is more user-friendly and will typically require minimal employee training.
Cons:
- A Windows environment may be more expensive than a Linux alternative.
- Configuration errors can lead to security vulnerabilities.
- A Windows implementation may present limited scalability options.
In addition to these factors, organizations need to consider the following aspects of an Oracle Linux implementation that make for a better Oracle Database solution.
Six Reasons Oracle Linux is a Superior Solution
Companies that are prepared to take the plunge and run their Oracle Databases on Oracle Linux systems stand to benefit from the following advantages.
Compatibility
Oracle Linux is used to develop and run all of Oracle’s software solutions including Oracle Database. Database developers have the advantage of troubleshooting the complete development stack and addressing issues that originate in the operating system. Oracle Linux and Database are tightly coupled and the OS is used to certify new database releases. The OS is tested extensively to uncover and address weaknesses in its interaction with the database and ensure high levels of performance.
Frequent and non-intrusive updates
A major advantage of Oracle Linux is the method with which the operating system can be updated. Oracle Ksplice is proprietary to Oracle Linux and eliminates the reboots and downtime typically required to apply patches and security fixes to the operating system. The solution also allows admins to perform kernel diagnostics.
The use of Ksplice offers a business multiple advantages that include:
- Enabling mission-critical databases to remain online while the OS is being patched;
- Saving time for system administrators with fast updates;
- Ensuring the latest security updates are applied to protect against threat actors.
Performance
An integral component of Oracle Linux is its Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) which is optimized for the best performance of Oracle software. Oracle’s Database and Linux development teams work together to tune the system and ensure high performance. The UEK has improvements that are only immediately available in Oracle Linux, though they eventually are included in other distributions.
The tight integration between Oracle Database and Linux results in more efficient performance than that provided by alternate operating systems.
Security
In addition to receiving timely updates through Ksplice, Oracle Linux provides multiple enhanced security features. These features include:
- IP filtering to improve firewall capabilities;
- Enforced data at rest encryption with Oracle Advanced Security Transparent Data Encryption (TDE);
- Oracle Advanced Security Data Redaction that automatically redacts sensitive data in SQL query results;
- Oracle Audit Vault and Database Firewall to block SQL injection attacks and integrate database and OS audit data.
Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS)
The ability to immediately apply security patches and kernel fixes with Ksplice is essential in maintaining the availability and reliability of databases running on Oracle Linux. Oracle Linux runs a Machine Check Exception (MCE) daemon that detects and reports hardware problems so they can be addressed before causing an outage. The operating system supports fault management at the processor and system levels.
Oracle Clusterware enables multiple Oracle Linux servers to act as a single system to promote redundancy and enhanced availability. Organizations running mission-critical Oracle Databases benefit from this facility to ensure continuous availability.
Data integrity is crucial for the reliability and serviceability of a database implementation. Oracle Linux implants data integrity solutions that align with the T10 Protection Information standard. This protocol performs integrity checking to validate information across the complete data path and directs any detected errors back to the application.
Rapid deployments
Rapid deployment is possible with preassembled and integrated systems. The solutions are designed to minimize the complexity and time necessary to implement fully functional business solutions. The following deployment offerings are available with Oracle Linux.
- Oracle Exadata – This system accelerates Oracle Database services for OLTP applications and data warehousing.
- Oracle Database Appliance – The appliance delivers highly available database services for entry-level databases in an off-the-shelf solution.
- Oracle Zero Loss Data Recovery Appliance – Robust data rotation is provided by dedicated hardware and storage resources for efficient backup and recovery.
We could go on, but the picture is clear. Oracle Database will perform best when coupled with Oracle Linux.
How VAST Can Help You Optimize Oracle Linux
VAST has the deep Oracle Linux experience required to help your company take advantage of this superior choice of operating system for your Oracle Database. VAST was honored as the Oracle Linux Partner of the Year for 2018 and 2019, demonstrating their ability to implement and support an Oracle Linux environment and associated applications, including your Oracle Database.
VAST has your back with support for your on-premises or cloud-based Oracle Linux and Oracle Database environments. They can help you design and implement an Oracle Linux and Database environment that aligns with your business objectives and requirements or migrate from a Windows implementation.
VAST’s expert team will ensure that you obtain all of the benefits available by deploying the operating system and database together. Get in touch today and start optimizing your Oracle Databases.
