Although disk-array-based remote copy infrastructures have been in use for over a decade, most users lack the information required to properly configure the database, storage system, and software for remote replication. When properly configured and deployed, these infrastructures are capable of providing timely recovery from a variety of failures, up to and including the loss of an entire datacenter site. Based on a combination of well-understood technical issues, information from recent customer briefings, and a commissioned study with International Data Corporation (IDC), the key requirement for effective deployment is that remote copying of databases must be done in concert with the native relational database management system (RDBMS) technology in order for the solution to be practical.

This paper provides a comprehensive set of test-proven best practices for properly configuring, deploying, and operating an Oracle 10g database on an HP StorageWorks XP12000 Disk Array (XP12000) in an HP-UX environment using HP StorageWorks XP Continuous Access Software as the remote copy infrastructure.