This post is Part 2 of our The Complete Guide to Migrating Oracle Databases to Nutanix NDB series. If you have not read the first installment, start with Part 1: Why Migrate Oracle to Nutanix Database Service then return here for the planning details.
Modernizing infrastructure begins long before the first datafile moves. A structured plan reduces downtime, manages license exposure, and keeps DBAs plus VPs of IT aligned. The steps below outline how to assess workloads, right-size Nutanix nodes, and build a realistic cut-over timeline.
Set Clear Objectives and Stakeholders
Define success early. Decide whether the primary motivator is cost reduction, faster provisioning, audit readiness, or all three. Document target metrics such as core reductions and acceptable maintenance windows.
- Executive sponsor. Assign a VP of IT or CIO to maintain budget and priority.
- Database lead. Select a senior DBA to map schemas, data volumes, and maintenance windows.
- Infrastructure architect. Outline storage ratios and node counts on Nutanix AOS.
- License owner. Coordinate contracts and entitlements with finance.
For a sample stakeholder matrix, review the House of Brick Expert Guide to Migrating Oracle to Nutanix.
Assess and Classify Oracle Workloads
Inventory Database Assets
Export a list of instances, schemas, and sizes. Note Oracle version, edition, and any options such as Partitioning or Advanced Compression.
Group by Criticality
- Tier 1. Revenue-generating systems requiring minutes of downtime.
- Tier 2. Reporting and middleware databases allowing hours of downtime.
- Tier 3. Development and test systems migrated in bulk near project end.
Identify Technical Constraints
Capture RAC requirements, OS versions, and third-party plugins. Flag schemas larger than two terabytes for extra test cycles.
Compatibility and Sizing Checklist
| Checklist Item | Action |
|---|---|
|
CPU over-commit ration |
Plan four to six vCPU per Oracle vCPU |
|
I/O latency goal |
Target sub-millisecond reads |
|
Memory sizing |
Add 20% headroom for growth |
|
Edition-specific features |
List Advanced Compression and others |
|
Backup retention |
Verify snapshot policy meets RPO targets |
Design the Target Architecture
Select a Deployment Model
- AHV on premises. Ideal when data gravity or regulations keep workloads local.
- Nutanix Clusters in AWS or Azure. Extend existing clusters for cloud bursting or disaster recovery.
- Hybrid split. Keep Tier 1 databases on-prem and Tier 2 in the cloud for elasticity.
Align Storage and Replication
Map each Oracle file system or ASM disk group to Nutanix protection domains for snapshot replication.
Right-size Nodes and Licenses
Validate planned core counts against Oracle Processor or Named User Plus entitlements before ordering hardware.
Create a Validation and Cutover Timeline
- Proof of concept. Migrate a non-production schema to confirm patches, drivers, and performance.
- Integration test. Validate application connections, encryption keys, and reporting jobs.
- Performance test. Compare batch windows and KPIs to baseline numbers.
- Cutover rehearsal. Script export, transportable tablespace, or RMAN restore followed by redo apply.
- Production cut. Schedule during a low-traffic period with rollback steps identified.
For post-migration maintenance tips, see House of Brick’s guide to patching Oracle and SQL Server in NDB.
Governance Tasks Before Day One
Modern infrastructure accelerates change, so governance must keep pace.
- Enable real-time drift alerts. Use Opscompass or a similar tool to watch for CPU, memory, or feature changes.
- Set license guardrails. Load contract limits so alerts trigger before core counts exceed entitlements.
- Schedule CIS and NIST scans. Automate daily checks for both cluster and database layers.
- Connect alerts to ITSM. Route incidents to the correct team immediately.
- Document rollback steps. Maintain a procedure to disable an unintended option or resize a VM.
Continuous governance keeps cost and compliance drift in check.
Your Next Steps
- Need a detailed runbook? Review Best Practices for Migrating Oracle Databases to Nutanix AHV.
- Looking for performance tuning tips? See Optimizing NDB Workloads in Hybrid Cloud.
- Interested in license monitoring? Learn more about License Intelligence for NDB Automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
RMAN backup and restore, Oracle Data Pump, transportable tablespaces, and storage-level snapshots are common choices. Select a method based on data size and downtime tolerance.
Use recent AWR or Statspack reports to gauge CPU and memory, add twenty percent headroom, and validate with Nutanix sizing tools.
Yes. RAC is supported on Nutanix AHV and on bare metal, provided networking requirements such as multicast are met.
Many teams restore a recent RMAN backup, apply archived redo logs up to the cutover point, and switch DNS during a brief outage.
Use a monitoring platform that captures core counts, option usage, and VM placements continuously, then compares these values to Oracle entitlements.
Key Takeaway
Successful Oracle migrations begin with clear goals, a detailed workload inventory, and an architecture tailored to Nutanix Database Service. Add continuous governance to maintain license compliance and operational stability after go-live.
Return to Part 1 of the series if you need the business case before diving into planning.
