PhixFlow stores configuration, analysis and task data in any major JDBC compliant database however the core installation requirements for the most popular databases – Oracle, SQL Server and MariaDB (a dialect of MySQL) - are described below.
There are many issues to consider when installing a database, several of which will be concerned with your company’s own internal procedures, backup policies etc. The notes below describe just the core requirements which will enable the installation of PhixFlow to be completed. However, the DBA who carries out the installation should ensure that the database is configured to be performant for the volumes of data that PhixFlow is expected to process.
In normal operation, the database will require the usual ongoing management e.g. monitoring database files to ensure that the database does not run out of space. Over time, the data held in the PhixFlow database will grow naturally as more Controls are configured. However, model designers should ensure that archive policies are configured within PhixFlow to free up space when data is no longer needed.
Oracle
When using Oracle, the following initial database configuration is recommended. However, some of the options below may need to change over time as the work carried out by PhixFlow increases.
General
Option | Setting |
Oracle Edition | PhixFlow runs on all Oracle Database editions. PhixFlow partitioned streams (optional) require the Enterprise Edition Partitioning option. |
Version | 11.2 (Support for earlier versions is available on request), or 12c (12.1) Patches should be applied as advised by Oracle. |
NLS_CHARACTERSET | AL32UTF8 |
NLS_LANG | american_america. AL32UTF8 (Not used by PhixFlow. For support purposes only) |
NLS_SORT | BINARY |
NLS_COMP | BINARY |
NLS_NCHAR_CHARACTERSET | NCHARS are not used by PhixFlow however set to AL32UTF8 |
sga_max_size | At least 2 GB For larger systems, this should be provided by the sizing process. |
SID | phixflow |
Connection Type | Dedicated |
Max Number of Connections | Variable, depending on system size and workload. Typically >100. For larger systems, this should be provided by the sizing process. |
Storage Type | Any, subject to throughput requirements. |
Storage / Tablespaces
Tablespace Name | Size | I/O Rate (Mb/s sustained) |
(Redo Logs) | 3 x 0.5Gb | 10Mb/s |
CONFIG_DATA_01 | 2 GB | 0.5Mb/s |
ANALYSIS_DATA_01 | 100 GB | 10Mb/s |
UNDOTBS1 (UNDO) | 10GB | 10Mb/s |
- The storage area sizes and I/O Rates are for a typical small server using conventional hard disk drives, and should be revised as part of the sizing process. Rates are quoted in Megabytes
- The I/O Rates are for sustained data transfers spanning many tens of minutes. Peak transfer rates, assuming transfers to/from fast memory buffers, may be much higher, but are not significant unless solid-state disks are used.
Datapump
To support maintenance backups, the following datapump directory is required configured as:
CREATE DIRECTORY dpump_phixflow AS ‘/u02/phixflow/dbexport’;
Database User
The following Oracle user should be set up:
User | SQL Script |
phixflow | CREATE USER phixflow PROFILE DEFAULT IDENTIFIED BY <password> DEFAULT TABLESPACE CONFIG_DATA_01 QUOTA UNLIMITED ON CONFIG_DATA_01 QUOTA UNLIMITED ON ANALYSIS_DATA_01 ACCOUNT UNLOCK;
GRANT CREATE SESSION TO phixflow; GRANT CREATE TABLE TO phixflow; GRANT CREATE VIEW TO phixflow; GRANT READ,WRITE ON DIRECTORY phixflow_dpump TO phixflow; |
Microsoft SQL Server
When using SQL Server, the following initial database configuration is recommended. However, some of the options below may need to change over time as the work carried out by PhixFlow increases.
Server
Option | Setting |
SQL Server Edition | Standard or Enterprise |
Version | 2008 R2 or later |
Service Name | (Please provide to PhixFlow installation consultant) |
Compatibility Level | SQL Server 2008 (100) |
Collation Character set | Latin1_General_CI_AS |
Max Server Memory | At least 2 GB |
Server Authentication | SQL Server and Windows Authentication Mode |
Logins
Create a new login as follows:
Parameter | Setting |
Login Name | phixflow |
Authentication | SQL Server |
Password | Please provide to the PhixFlow installation consultant |
Enforce password policy | No |
Default database | Set to phixflow once the phixflow database has been created (below) |
Default language | As appropriate |
Database
Create a new database as follows:
Parameter | Setting |
Name | phixflow |
Owner | phixflow |
Collation | Latin1_General_CI_AS |
READ_COMMITTED_SNAPSHOT | ON |
Filegroups
Name | Default |
PRIMARY | Yes |
ANALYSIS_DATA |
|
Database Files
Logical Name | Setting |
phixflow | Type: Rows Data Filegroup: PRIMARY Initial Size: 2000 MB Autogrowth: 10% Unrestricted (or as per management policy) Path: (As per management policy) |
phixflow_data_01 | Type: Rows Data Filegroup: ANALYSIS_DATA Initial Size: 100,000 MB Autogrowth: 10% Unrestricted (or as per management policy) Path: (As per management policy) |
phixflow_log | Type: Log Initial Size: 1000 MB Autogrowth: 10% Unrestricted (or as per management policy) Path: (As per management policy) |
MariaDB
MariaDB is a dialect of MySQL.
When using MariaDB, the following initial database configuration is recommended. However, some of the options below may need to change over time as the work carried out by PhixFlow increases.
Server
Option | Setting |
Version | MariaDB 10.0.14 or greater |
The following configuration parameters must be set | |
datadir | A directory on a partition set up to store the MySQL data files. |
character_set_server | utf8 |
collation_server | utf8_bin |
Max Server Memory | At least 2 GB |
Logins
Create a new login as follows:
Parameter | Setting |
Login Name | phixflow |
Password | Please provide to the PhixFlow installation consultant |
Database
Create a new database as follows:
Parameter | Setting |
Name | phixflow |
Notes
Windows / Antivirus
MariaDB is not compatible with on-access anti-virus software so this must be disabled for the MariaDB data folder(s).