Service and Support
Customer service and support for Oracle Exadata Cloud at Customer receive mixed feedback. Users find global and local support satisfactory but note challenges with complex processes and response times. Installation issues with third-party software lead to confusion, while upgrading restrictions present obstacles. Support interactions depend heavily on the knowledge of engineers, with some requiring escalations. Some perceive Oracle's support as subpar, rating it negatively due to inefficiency and misinformation.
Deployment
Oracle handles the initial setup of Exadata Cloud at Customer. After setup, provisioning databases is straightforward via GUIs or supported migration methods. Initial installations may face challenges like network configuration issues, requiring changes such as using proxies for OCI console access. Subsequent installations generally proceed faster. Setting up involves defining configuration files, deploying to the appliance, and takes two to three weeks. On-premise versions are complex, needing data center assessments and certified partner involvement.
Scalability
Oracle Exadata Cloud at Customer offers robust scalability with a scale-out architecture and easy upgrades for storage and standby databases. While effective for enterprises, its commitment to specific hardware limits flexibility, lacking a pay-as-you-go model for dynamic scaling. Unlike other clouds, it doesn't support seamless downscaling, posing challenges. Users find it scalable yet constrained by long-term commitments, with scalability ratings ranging from moderate to high, highlighting its enterprise suitability but also limitations compared to external clouds.
Stability
Oracle Exadata Cloud at Customer is stable and fault-tolerant, managed by Oracle experts. The infrastructure includes powerful Oracle RAC and Grid Infra, ensuring continuity and recoverability. Customers manage Guest VMs, while Oracle oversees hardware to hypervisor. Best practices enhance stability, though some encounter issues during installation and scaling. Patches may affect stability, but many rate it highly for its robust performance, citing minor challenges with space-related issues and expansions.