Overview
The VUMC IT Database team is responsible for managing the Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server database environments for the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Database services include:
- Installation
- Upgrades
- Clustering for High Availability
- Backup/Restore
- Security
- Disaster Recovery
- Monitoring
Database Products
We currently offer database solutions from 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 offer guidance to ensure that your department receives a database that is best suited for your needs.
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 Services VUMC IT Oracle team can assist with the initial design and provide ongoing services to maintain your database(s), in addition to retrieving information in different reporting and dashboard styles.
How can I get more information on Oracle databases?
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. The VUMC IT SQL Server team is here to provide support for your database needs.
How can I get more information on Microsoft SQL Server databases?
Submit a Pegasus ticket to the VUMC IT SQL SERVER team or reach out to a Customer Relationship Manager for more information.
How do I request a database?
To begin the process of creating a nee database, it is often necessary to begin with assistance from a member of the Customer Relationship Managers (CRM) team. You may also begin the process by submitting one of the following Pegasus Tickets.
Database Support
Documentation
The database management team leverages Confluence to share technical and policy documentation (patching cycles, supported versions, backups, etc.) and Pegasus for installation instructions.
Access technical and policy documentation via the Confluence Application:
- SQL Server Team - VUMC IT Hosting Services Dept - Confluence
- Oracle Team - VUMC IT Hosting Services Dept - Confluence
Access Oracle related installation instructions via Pegasus:
- Information for installing the Oracle client software and other client related tools can be found in the Pegasus Knowledge Base by search using the keyword "ORACLE".
Support Requests (Pegasus)
Separate requests are required for production and non-production work. There are several request 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 can provide assistance with design functions related to Oracle and SQL Server 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 different aspects involved with the day-to-day management of all VUMC databases. The Database Administration team is responsible for all installation, configuration, security patching, monitoring and management functions related to Oracle and SQL Server databases. All databases are created with VUMC IT standard processes that include optimal database settings, 24x7 monitoring and alerting, and nightly backups.
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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 implemented to meet the VUMC Policy on Security Patch Management Compliance. If you need to request a delay or exception to patching, please submit a Pegasus ticket. Note that not all requests can be accommodated.
Patching schedules can be found via the following Confluence links:
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All databases are actively monitored 24x7 with software that automatically notifies the Database Administration team when an event occurs that requires attention. Notification is done via email, text messaging, or through our XMatters alert service.
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All databases are actively monitored 24x7 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 alerted via email, text messaging or XMatters 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 (schedules and retention) can be found via the following Confluence links: