As organisations grow, databases can become scattered across various infrastructures, platforms, and using increasing numbers of licences. This is something that can be managed for a while, but eventually, it will start to cause difficulties across the organisation that can impact day-to-day activities.
Database consolidation is the best way to bring all the various data sets together for better manageability. Done efficiently, consolidating databases can introduce a more streamlined and efficient workflow, but it doesn’t come without risks.
What is database consolidation?
Database consolidation is the process of bringing together data sets in the form of separate databases into one singular location.
Configuration of consolidated databases
Consolidated databases are hosted in one single infrastructure that is either located on-site or, more commonly for larger data sets, in the cloud. Organisations have a choice in the kind of infrastructure setup they want to use to play host to their consolidated databases:
- Single physical server
- Single virtual machine
- Cluster of physical servers
- Cluster of virtual machines
Larger organisations are likely to opt for clusters of servers and cloud-based hosting solutions to keep their data secure and accessible. Clusters also allow more scope for scaling up quickly and efficiently.
Why do organisations consolidate their databases?
There are several reasons businesses choose to consolidate multiple databases into one:
- Regain control of their database environment
- Reduce the number of database-related issues, as well as patching and updating requirements
- Minimise licensing, hardware and utility costs
- Maximise available database space and improve the agility of IT infrastructure
- Optimise performance of databases and dependent applications and systems
- Deliver environmentally friendly IT operations
Benefits of database consolidation
The benefits of consolidating databases are vast, especially when it comes to bigger organisations that want to reduce operating costs and achieve better security of their data.
- Reduced operating costs – once databases have been consolidated, multiple databases are running on fewer servers. This leads to reduced overheads for organisations that have to pay less to maintain each server location.
- More security – consolidated databases mean there are fewer points of access to protect from vulnerabilities, reducing the data security needed.
- Simpler administration – because all databases can be accessed from one point, managing and accessing them becomes easier. Multiple databases can be managed at once.
- Improved accessibility – managing resources becomes simpler when databases are consolidated into one location.
Database consolidation process & best practices
Consolidating databases comes with risks, which is why it’s crucial to firstly, employ the assistance of a team who are experienced in conducting database consolidation, and secondly, to always follow best practice. Below, you’ll find a summary of best practice steps from a guide to Oracle Database consolidation.
1. Take an inventory
The first step should be to take a full, detailed inventory of all databases that are to be consolidated. This should include the database name, version, its exact location, O/S details, and more.
2. Collect resource information
The next step is to paint a full picture of how much resource each database is currently using. This involves taking stock of memory, storage space, CPU utilisation, and other important details.
3. Map out resource requirements for new platform
At this stage, the gathered information should be mapped out against the new database environment to determine:
- Resources needed to host current data and workload
- Resources needed in order to scale
- Whether the architecture of the databases needs to be altered to fit the new system
4. Determine requirements for database isolation
Now, it’s time to determine whether any of the databases need to be isolated. For example, testing and development environments typically need to be held away from production and live environments.
5. Choose a method of consolidation
Once database isolation requirements have been determined, consolidation and deployment methods need to be decided on. Individual best practice for migration will depend on the method chosen.
6. Group databases into tiers
Grouping the databases to be consolidated into tiers helps to identify dependencies between them, and ensures that they’re consolidated in a way that’s most efficient to the organisation. This step ensures that complexities in database architecture are kept to a minimum.
7. Arrange databases into resource shapes
The next step is ‘bin-packing’ the database resources into resource shapes. Databases are packed into resource shapes, which exist in these configurations:
- Physical server or server cluster
- Virtual machine or machine cluster
This should be done in order of largest to smallest based on the amount of resources assigned to each database.
8. Create and action resource plans
When the databases have been successfully consolidated, resource management plans should be created for business-critical, large-scale databases to ensure they are actively managed. Resource management profiles can be created for smaller, less critical databases. From here, usual database housekeeping can take place to ensure data is well maintained.
Data consolidation in action
WellData recently carried out a SQL Server database consolidation report for an NHS Trust, with the project highlighting the opportunity to significantly reduce support costs, as well as having a potentially large impact on licensing costs and energy consumption.
The IT Manager responsible for outsourcing the project to WellData said it was:
“Exactly what we needed: a detailed report on our consolidation and upgrade options, along with clear licensing cost savings.”
How WellData can help with data consolidation
Our in-depth database knowledge and close, collaborative approach ensure greater efficiencies all-round, while maintaining high levels of reliability and performance.
WellData’s database consolidation experts will look at consolidating the entire environment. We can help you initiate and implement streamlining, bringing two decades of expertise across database technologies, dependent applications and related systems to your project.
We are an accredited partner to leading industry providers and meet ISO and government standards. If you’re interested in finding out how WellData can help your organisation to improve operations with advanced database consolidation, please contact us.
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