Database Options with OASIS

SAP Sybase SQL Anywhere is the best solution for most of our customers. However, some OASIS groups may grow in user count, increase data utilization, or increase database size over time. As a result, there is a need for more database options for larger OASIS groups. This article will explain each database options available for OASIS.

Sizing the Need

Less than or Equal to 500 GB

Before considering database changes, take note of the size of the OASIS.db file. If the file is under 500 GB, verify your backup solutions and continue using SQL Anywhere. There is no need for change. For more information on verifying backups, contact customer support.

Files Between 500 GB and 1 TB

If the file is between 500 GB and 1 TB, the decision is based on the number of users and the speed of database growth. One indicator that it may be time to change databases is the size of the log files. If the log files are consistently over 1 GB and the oasis.db file is larger 500 GB, users may need to upgrade the database. Note: contact customer support immediately if the there is one large oasis.log file, as backups are not running. 

Greater Than 1 TB

If the oasis.db file is over 1 TB, we recommend upgrading the database. SAP SQL Anywhere will work fine with 1 TB and larger databases. However, there will be down time to rebuild the database, and backups will become more difficult to manage. Note: any failure of a database this size will likely result in significant down time for recovery operations.

Nearing 2 TB

With databases nearing 2 TB, the database is nearly at the supportable limit. Contact customer support immediately, as we will not support OASIS databases on SQL Anywhere that are larger than 2 TB.

Archiving the Database

On option is to consider archiving the database to shrink it to a smaller size. This works for most users but does require downtime.  Additionally, we see the size of the OASIS databases for our larger customers actually growing FASTER each year. This not only is a result of larger attachments being stored in OASIS but also simple more data being stored in the database.

Databases Supported for Use with OASIS

The databases that are supported for use with OASIS are described below. Each requires a database key to unlock the related drivers and performance tuned queries. Without the key, OASIS will fail to load.

SAP Sybase SQL Anywhere

• The default database used with OASIS
• Performance is excellent for small and mid-sized companies
• Requires limited maintenance and is very reliable. We have never had an instance where the entire database has been lost when a backup was available or if all transaction logs were available.
• Ingen Software supports any questions, issues, upgrades, and questions associated with the database

Oracle 18 Standard Edition

• We have added support for Oracle 18 Standard Edition for customers hosted by Ingen only.
• Able to grow well over 20 TB while providing better options for backing up the database.
• An easy upgrade for larger database OASIS users.
• Ingen Software provides a large discount for Oracle. Note: directly accessing the database by any other application violates the license. Users will be required to buy a license for full price if they intend to do this. This is an option Ingen Software supports.
• If you use our installer to install Oracle and only use our tools to manage the database, contact customer support if the database crashes.

Microsoft SQL Server

• OASIS has been optimized to use SQL Server and we will continue patch OASIS to fully support SQL Server.
• However, Ingen Software does not support the setup, maintenance, or recovery of a SQL Server database.
• If the database/server running SQL Server crashes, you will need to contact your IT group responsible for SQL Server to recover it. 
• Do not consider this option if you do not have an IT group that can recover the database in the event the server crashes. Otherwise, the OASIS database may be lost. 

Databases Not Supported for Use with OASIS

MySQL

• This option is not supported as it does not fit well with how OASIS utilizes a database.

Database Decisions

Below is a decision tree for the recommended databases based on database size, and average log file size.