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Data Flow

Understanding the data flow in XLServer is essential to fully leverage its capabilities for database protection, cloning, and recovery.
The process can be divided into three main stages:

1. Environment Creation & Database Discovery​

  • The first step is to add an environment in XLServer.
  • An environment can be:
    • Single Host Environment (e.g., standalone database server)
    • Oracle RAC Cluster
    • Distributed Database Cluster (e.g., multi-node Couchbase)
  • When you create an environment:
    • XLServer automatically discovers all running databases within that environment.
    • No manual scanning is required — discovered databases appear in the Database Repository.

2. Linking a Database (Golden Image Creation)​

  • Once a database is discovered, it must be linked to XLServer before backups can occur.
  • Linking creates the initial Golden Image:
    • A full backup of the database stored in XLServer's ZFS-based Datastore.
    • This Golden Image serves as the baseline for all future backups.
  • Subsequent backups are incremental:
    • XLServer merges each incremental backup into the Golden Image.
    • After merging, XLServer takes a ZFS snapshot of the updated Golden Image.
  • Backups can be:
    • Manual (On-Demand) — triggered by the user.
    • Automated — scheduled using a Backup Strategy.

3. Snapshot Usage: Cloning & Recovery​

Snapshots created from the Golden Image are multi-purpose:

a. Cloning Databases​

  • Snapshots can be used to create Virtual Clones or Physical Clones.
  • Clones can be created in seconds using NFS mounting.
  • During cloning:
    • Data Masking can be applied to protect sensitive information.
    • This is ideal for DEV, TEST, QA, or UAT environments.

b. Database Recovery​

  • In case of database failure or data corruption:
    • Snapshots can restore the database to a specific point in time.
    • Recovery can be:
      • Full Database Recovery
      • Object-Level Recovery (depending on DB type)
    • Fast Recovery: Using the Golden Image directly without full restore.

🔄 Data Flow Summary​

  1. Add Environment → Auto Discover Databases
  2. Link Database → Create Golden Image
  3. Take Incremental Backups → Merge & Snapshot
  4. Use Snapshots for:
    • Cloning (with optional Data Masking)
    • Recovery (point-in-time or full restore)

📊 Data Flow Diagram​

Below is a conceptual diagram representing the XLServer data flow:

XLServer Data Flow

Key Highlights​

  • ZFS-based Datastore ensures integrity, redundancy, and efficiency.
  • Snapshots are space-efficient and can serve multiple clones simultaneously.
  • Automation via backup strategies reduces manual work.
  • Data Masking ensures security in non-production environments.
  • NFS Mounting enables instant clone provisioning.