MS SQL Server & OASIS

Technical details about moving to MS SQL:

The OASIS Cloud Sync feature is able to work with Sybase, Oracle, or MS SQL Server at the same time. We use a mix of Oracle and MS SQL server in our data centers. (Some Sybase databases still exist but are being generally phased out in our data centers.)

Advantages:

In short, it becomes harder to support Sybase databases near/over 1TB and we don't support Sybase database nearing 2TB or more. An option is to archive the data (contact the support team for details), but some users would rather keep all their data and just upgrade to the next level of database engine.

 - Sybase is a good database for the majority of customers and is what comes with your OASIS when installed initially. Ingen supports the database once the server is online. (Limits above.)

 - We can upgrade Sybase to Oracle 18 SE2, but Oracle databases must be hosted by us. This does cost more, but the database size limits are greater than most servers available hard drive space. 

Disadvantages

We do support OASIS on MS SQL Server.

However, it would be the responsibility of the customer to provide the IT support for database management. This includes backup solutions, maintenance, etc. Once the database is online, we will support OASIS running on the SQL server database but we will not provide support for the database itself.

Ingen Support for Database Options

• Sybase & Oracle - If the server/database goes offline:

          - Call us ASAP. 

• MS SQL Server - If the server/database goes offline:

          -  It is your responsibility to diagnose/repair the database.

          - Our support will not get involved until the database is online.

All are good database options. However, we have decided not to support MS SQL Server directly. Many IT groups are well trained on that solution.

NOTES:

If you go with SQL Server, 4 cores of standard edition is usually more than enough for most of our customers. Additional cores may be added later if performance issues are found. Oracle Standard Edition can have additional cores added later as well but our licensing uses 16 cores initially.

Other options exist, but please let us know if you decide on another SQL Server or Oracle option as we may or may not have tested the combination yet.

Process

The upgrade process would work like this:

 - Together we would pick a database to upgrade.

 - The upgrade would require 1.5-2 times the existing database size for free disc space.

 - Install the new database software

 - Ensure OASIS is updated to the latest version (call support if unknown)

 - Begin the copy process. For many groups, expect 2 days to copy if no issues are found with the Sybase database

 - If the Sybase database has issues then we would need to take over the migration process here (remote access to the server) and try to resolve.

 - Let the sync process catch up any changes between the database.

 - Let users verify the data and move to the new database

 - Offline the old database after a month or so. The old DB would be a fallback if something odd happened during the migration.

Final Notes

Upgrades normally go well, and assuming the Sybase database is working with no issues, the process can be done with little downtime.

OASIS Support

501-843-6750

support@oasissalessoftware.com