Oracle RAC, introduced with Oracle9i, is the successor to Oracle Parallel Server (OPS). RAC allows multiple instances to access the same database (storage) simultaneously. It provides fault tolerance, load balancing, and performance benefits by allowing the system to scale out, and at the same time because all nodes access the same database the failure of one instance will not cause the loss of access to the database. At the heart of Oracle RAC is a shared disk subsystem. All nodes in the cluster must be able to access all of the data, redo log files, control files and parameter files for all nodes in the cluster. The data disks must be globally available to allow all nodes to access the database. Each node has its own redo log and control files but the other nodes must be able to access them in order to recover that node in the event of a system failure.

One of the most efficient ways to become familiar with Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) 10g technology is to have access to an actual Oracle RAC 10g cluster. There's no better way to understand its benefits including fault tolerance, security, load balancing, and scalability than to experience them directly. This course offers students an introduction to the general features and capabilities of Oracle Database 10g Release 2 for Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC). Students learn how to install and administer OracleClusterware, Real Application Clusters, and Automatic Storage Management. Students also learn how to administer their Database in a Real Application Clusters environment using Enterprise Manager Grid Control. Increase your efficiency by learning how to configure and use database services as well as the Load Balancing Advisory in a RAC environment. Learn how to add and remove nodes in clusters and how to patch both Oracle Clusterware and Real Application Clusters software in a rolling fashion.