Database replication in a high up-time environment

Abstract

Database and transaction processing (TP) systems are two components of a high up-time environment that are critical to the continued commercial success of many large organizations. This paper addresses the technology and issues of database availability and replication in the context of a, high up-time environment. The high up-time environment may be labeled "7/24 availability" to indicate a need for systems that are available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, and all year round. This paper discusses the demand for 7/24 systems that can survive earthquakes and other natural and/or man made disasters, through the use of hardware and software replication of databases in locations that are geographically distant from each other. The paper focuses in detail on the hardware, database and network software technology that is required to keep remote replication systems in a state of constant readiness. The paper then discusses the management issues of hardware system redundancy and the seven scenarios that must be played out when managing disaster situations. This paper draws from Bull's customer experience and requirements in the use of Remote Duplicate Database Facility 8 (RDDF 8) to maintain TP systems in a state of constant readiness. This technology is particularly appropriate for Aerospace logistics applications that have to maintain a global awareness of parts availability and readiness. This paper will help management evaluation of current situations and future directions in developing high availability systems.