DBConsole 11g (part 1) – An introduction of the new version

Thinking about my first post on Oracle 11g (Beta) I realized that I didn’t mention another great addition to the Oracle (DBA) toolset. OK, of course, it isn’t new as such but… The DBConsole was already introduced in Oracle version 10g. Just like using the Database Configuration Assistant, it gives you a first glance of changes and new features introduced in Oracle 11g. That there are a lot of changes (at Oracle Open World 2006 it was said a grand total of 482) and some of them can be found, configured and used via the DBConsole.

Until this moment, I focused in general on new XMLDB functionality. So my experiences described here are also my first impressions, during my short discovery adventure using the DBConsole.

My first impression was one of awe. I have now idea what the licensing strategy of Oracle will be regarding the product, but features implemented look a lot like DBConsole’s big brother the Oracle Enterprise Manager 10g Grid Control. It encapsulates also Oracle 11g features, so on some points it has advanced beyond the capabilities of the Oracle Enterprise Manager 10g Grid Control 10.2.0.3.0. Because it’s focal point is not the Enterprise market, it also lacks some features.

This also makes me wonder how advanced the next Oracle Enterprise Manager version will be…

First impressions

After you log in the "HOME" screen is shown. The home page isn’t very different from the database home page from the old software, except that there are a lot of tab-pages. This page gives you a general overview of the status of your database via HTTPS.

The following tab sections are shown:

• performance
• availability
• server
• schema
• data movement
• software and support

So let’s explore these screens a little, one by one.

The Performance Page

The performance page looks familiar. A small change in the layout is a tab section where you can choose between options: throughput, I/O, parallel execution and services.

From this page you can jump into the Top Activity pages as you were used, there are more ways to get there of course, or click on the Advisor Central link. The Top Activity page is shown below.

The Availability Page

The availability page shows links to backup and recovery settings and configuration pages. A manage section show links to managing your backup and recovery, included reporting. Embedded now in the DBConsole; Oracle’s Secure Backup tooling can be accessed from the shown anchor’s.

The Server Page

The server pages looks common to the sections that what I was used to concerning OEM (latest version 10.2.0.3). Sections are divided into: storage, statistics management, query optimizer, database configuration, resource manager, Oracle scheduler, security. Organization of the subsections, concerning links, feels more organized. An extra section has here been added for management of the Oracle Enterprise Manager (in this case DBConsole): managing users, notification schedule, blackouts.   

The Schema Page

Here you will find all you need to manage database objects, users and security, etc. A section called Change Management allows you to manage dictionary baselines and comparisons. At first glance the XMLDB configuration and management has been re-organized a little bit.

The Data Movement Page

The data movement page is divided into the sections: move row data, move database files, streams and advanced replication. This is the page to be if you wanted to control (from within DBConsole) the data pump utilities and, for example, RMAN processes for cloning databases.

The Software and Support Page

The organization and goal on this page (just as introduced in OEM), is release management of software and patches. Also a toolset and management pages for software deployment, can be controlled via links on this page. The new and promising Oracle 11g "software assurance" sections regarding SQL Replay functionality, and based on the former, SQL Performance Analyzer, can be accessed here.

The Setup and Preferences Pages

The setup and preferences pages are almost identical to the Oracle Enterprise Manager 10.2.0.3.0 Grid Control; even the 10.2.0.3 new Data Exchange options have now been added to the DBConsole. What’s still missing is the plug-in section. Their goal is the management of the total Enterprise, so it is plausible that they are absent.

Conclusion…

At first glance, you get an awful lot of new options, almost to the point where it is difficult to distinct between the Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control and the DBConsole. Items like the handling of new features, improved management and a better organized look and feel resonate after this first encounter with the new Oracle 11g DBConsole. Without knowing Oracle licensing strategy, this tool could be a welcome addition to the standard methods or even be the central place to handle your day-to-day activities.

It was only a small journey into this updated piece of software, so next time I will elaborate on my experiences regarding the hidden treasures disclosed behind all those URL’s, such as the SQL Replay functionality and the SQL Performance Analyzer…

Disclaimer

The information demonstrated and shared here is based on Oracle beta software. The following is intended to outline Oracle’s general product direction.  It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract.  It is not a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions.  The development, release, and timing of any features or functionality described for Oracle’s products remains at the sole discretion of Oracle.