Overview
The VUMC IT Database team is responsible for managing the Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server database environments for the Medical Center. Database services include:
- Installation
- Upgrades
- Clustering
- Backup
- Recovery
- Security
- Disaster recovery
- Monitoring
The database teams currently manage about 600 production databases as well as many more test and development databases.
Database Products
We currently offer Oracle and SQL Server, two powerful database management systems with their own sets of qualities and assets. The VUMC IT Database team can consult with you and research your needs to ensure that your department receives a database that is a best suited for your needs.
How do I request a database product?
It is often necessary to begin with assistance from one of our Customer Relationship Managers (CRM). You also begin the process by submitting one of the following Pegasus Tickets.
Oracle Database Information
The first database designed to work on enterprise grids, the Oracle database solves the problem of information management by taking database computing to a much larger scale. The Hosting team can design and maintain your database, in addition to retrieving information in different reporting and dashboard styles.
How can I get more information?
Submit a Pegasus ticket to the VUMC IT ORACLE Team or reach out to a Customer Relationship Manager for more information.
SQL Database Information
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that supports a wide variety of transaction processing, business intelligence and analytics applications in corporate IT environments. Microsoft SQL Server is considered to be one of the market-leading database technologies.
How can I get more information?
Submit a Pegasus ticket to the VUMC IT SQL SERVER team or reach out to a Customer Relationship Manager for more information.
Database Support
Documentation
The database management team leverages Confluence to share technical policy documentation, patching cycles and supported versions.
To get to the Confluence Application:
• SQL Server Team - VUMC IT Hosting Services Dept - Confluence
• Oracle Team - VUMC IT Hosting Services Dept - Confluence
Information about installing Oracle clients can be found in the Pegasus Knowledge Base by searching for articles owned by “VUMC IT ORACLE”.
Support Requests
Separate requests are required for production and non-production work. There are several ticket descriptions available based on the type of design request you have. If you cannot find the specific ticket, a “General” request ticket can be used.
You can also go to the Pegasus Dashboard and type in "Oracle", "SQL Server" or "database" to bring up a list of available requests.
Database Design
The Database Administration team is responsible for design functions related to Oracle and SQL databases. These include, but are not limited to, requests related to Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Manipulation Language (DML), and security.
How do I request assistance with Database Design?
Requests for database design functions are made via one of the following Pegasus request tickets:
Database Management and Monitoring
There are several types of Database Management and Monitoring available. The Database Administration team is responsible for the installation, configuration, management and monitoring functions related to Oracle and SQL databases. All databases are created with VUMC IT standard processes that include optimal database settings, monitoring, and backups.
How do I request Database Management and Monitoring?
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For the creation of a database, the assistance of a Customer Relationship Manager is sometimes required. For these requests, a Planview request will need to be completed. This requires special privileges. If you or someone in your department does not have Planview access, submit one of the following Pegasus tickets to begin the process:
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All databases are created with standard optimized initialization parameters. If you have a need to modify your database’s parameters, please submit one of the following Pegasus tickets:
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Databases are patched on a quarterly basis with the highest level, currently available security patch sets. This is a Hosting Services standard and per VUMC Policy on Security Patch Management Compliance. If you need to request a delay or exception to patching, please submit a Pegasus ticket. Please note that not all requests can be accommodated.
Patching schedules can be found via the following Confluence links:
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Databases are monitored 24x7 with software that automatically notifies the Database Administration team when an event requires attention. Notification is done via email, text messaging or through our XMatters alert service.
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All databases are actively monitored for maximum utilization of allocated resources. These resources include disk, CPU, RAM, etc. If an issue arises that causes a resource to go outside of acceptable ranges, the Database Administration team is notified via email, text messaging or XMatters alerting, depending on the severity of the problem.
If you are experiencing a performance issue with a database, please submit one of the following Pegasus Tickets:
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All VUMC databases are backed up nightly. If you require assistance with your backups or require more information regarding your database backups, submit a Pegasus ticket.
More detailed backup information can be found via the following Confluence links: