Oracle Exadata vs Exadata Cloud at Customer
- Oracle Exadata: An on-premises solution offering complete control over hardware and software.
- Exadata Cloud at Customer: On-premises hardware managed remotely by Oracle for a cloud-like experience.
- Key Difference: Exadata requires in-house management, while ExaC@C reduces overhead by relying on Oracle’s expertise.
- Use Case: Exadata suits full control needs; ExaC@C suits hybrid cloud strategies.
Oracle Exadata vs Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C)
Oracle Exadata and Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C) represent two flagship solutions from Oracle designed to handle high-performance Oracle Database workloads.
While both platforms are rooted in the advanced Exadata infrastructure, they cater to distinct customer needs and operational preferences.
Below, we comprehensively compare their hardware configurations, licensing models, deployment scenarios, and operational differences. The comparison is structured to provide clarity and actionable insights, enabling organizations to make informed decisions tailored to their unique requirements.
Hardware Configuration
| Feature | Oracle Exadata | Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Design | Purpose-built, on-premises engineered system | The same hardware deployed in the customer’s data center, remotely managed by Oracle |
| Storage | High-performance storage with Hybrid Columnar Compression and smart caching | Identical storage capabilities to ensure consistent performance |
| Compute Nodes | Scalable and customizable configurations | Equivalent scalability, managed by Oracle |
| Networking | InfiniBand for ultra-low latency and high throughput | InfiniBand for identical network performance |
Oracle Exadata
- Overview: A dedicated hardware solution integrating high-speed storage servers, compute nodes, and advanced networking to optimize Oracle Database workloads.
- Deployment Model: Customers purchase or lease the hardware and deploy it on-premises, maintaining complete control over its use and management.
- Management: Requires in-house expertise to monitor, configure, and maintain, ensuring security and optimal performance.
- Flexibility: Provides full customization options for specific workloads and unique database environments.
Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C)
- Overview: It brings the same hardware and database performance to the customer’s data center but operates under Oracle’s management model.
- Deployment Model: Installed on-premises but managed remotely by Oracle, providing cloud-like benefits without moving data to the public cloud.
- Integration: Includes seamless integration with Oracle Cloud services, enabling hybrid cloud scenarios.
- Simplification: Offers pre-configured setups to reduce deployment times and operational complexity.
Licensing and Cloud Services
| Aspect | Oracle Exadata | Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C) |
| Licensing Model | Traditional purchase or lease of hardware; separate database software licensing | Subscription-based, bundling hardware, software, and Oracle Cloud services |
| Flexibility | BYOL or purchase new licenses; customer manages licensing compliance | Includes software licenses; supports BYOL for cost savings |
| Cloud Services | Not included; customers rely on internal resources | Cloud-like subscription includes access to Oracle Cloud tools |
Oracle Exadata
- Traditional Licensing: Customers acquire database software licenses separately, offering flexibility for those with existing Oracle Database licenses.
- Management Responsibility: Customers handle the entire software lifecycle, including installation, updates, and configurations.
- Cost Consideration: Ideal for organizations with existing infrastructure investments and a preference for CapEx models.
Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C)
- Bundled Licensing: Combines hardware, software, and cloud services into a single subscription for predictable costs.
- BYOL Flexibility: Allows customers to apply existing Oracle licenses, reducing overall costs while maintaining compliance.
- Cloud Connectivity: Offers advanced integration with Oracle Cloud services like Oracle Autonomous Database and Oracle Analytics Cloud.
Example: A company using ExaC@C can subscribe to Oracle Cloud services for seamless hybrid deployments. Oracle’s integrated tools enable real-time analytics and AI-driven insights.
Operational and Management Differences
| Aspect | Oracle Exadata | Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C) |
| Management Responsibility | Fully customer-managed, requiring internal resources | Oracle-managed infrastructure, reducing operational complexity |
| Software Updates | Customer handles patches and upgrades | Oracle handles all updates and patches |
| Operational Control | Full control over all hardware and software | Limited control; Oracle manages hardware and software stacks |
Oracle Exadata
- Advantages:
- Complete control over customization and optimization.
- Independence from external management, ensuring security and operational consistency.
- Allows integration with third-party tools and legacy systems.
- Challenges:
- Requires dedicated IT staff with specialized skills.
- Higher administrative and operational overhead due to in-house management needs.
Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C)
- Advantages:
- Reduces management burden with Oracle handling updates, maintenance, and monitoring.
- Aligns with hybrid cloud strategies for organizations needing local data residency.
- Scales seamlessly with changing business needs through subscription-based models.
- Challenges:
- Limited flexibility for customized infrastructure configurations.
- Dependency on Oracle for timely updates and fixes may introduce delays for specific custom requests.
Key Considerations for Choosing Between Oracle Exadata and ExaC@C
When to Choose Oracle Exadata
- You require complete control over infrastructure and software configurations.
- Your IT team has the expertise to manage Exadata effectively.
- Data residency and compliance requirements are not strict.
- You prefer traditional licensing models with flexible software management.
- Integration with existing legacy systems is a priority.
When to Choose Exadata Cloud at Customer
- You need the scalability and simplicity of cloud operations on-premises.
- Regulatory or compliance requirements mandate keeping data on-premises.
- Your organization wants to reduce IT management complexity and operational costs.
- Subscription-based pricing aligns better with your budget planning.
- Hybrid cloud integration with Oracle Cloud services is essential for business operations.
FAQs
What is Oracle Exadata?
It is an on-premises hardware and software solution designed for high-performance Oracle Database workloads, which the customer manages entirely.
How is Exadata Cloud at Customer different?
ExaC@C uses the same hardware as Exadata but is managed remotely by Oracle. It offers a cloud-like operational model while keeping data on-premises.
Who manages updates in Exadata?
In Oracle Exadata, updates and patches are managed by the customer’s IT team.
Who handles updates in ExaC@C?
In ExaC@C, Oracle manages all software updates, patches, and hardware maintenance.
Can I use existing Oracle licenses with both solutions?
Yes, both solutions support Bring Your Own License (BYOL), allowing customers to leverage existing licenses.
Which option is better for regulatory compliance?
ExaC@C is ideal for strict compliance requirements as it keeps data on-premises while offering managed services.
Does Exadata include Oracle Cloud services?
No, Oracle Exadata does not include cloud services unless integrated separately.
Does ExaC@C include Oracle Cloud integration?
ExaC@C integrates seamlessly with Oracle Cloud services, enabling hybrid cloud capabilities.
What are the key use cases for Oracle Exadata?
It is best for organizations that need full control over their infrastructure and can manage complex IT environments.
What are the key use cases for ExaC@C?
It suits businesses requiring cloud-like management and scalability while maintaining on-premises data residency.
Which option offers greater control?
Oracle Exadata provides complete control over hardware and software configurations.
Which option reduces management overhead?
ExaC@C reduces management complexity by delegating hardware and software operations to Oracle.
What is the primary cost model for Oracle Exadata?
It follows a traditional CapEx model, with hardware purchase or lease and separate software licensing.
What is the cost model for ExaC@C?
ExaC@C uses a subscription-based model, bundling hardware, software, and Oracle Cloud services.
Which solution is better for hybrid cloud strategies?
ExaC@C is designed for hybrid cloud use cases, enabling seamless integration with Oracle Cloud while keeping sensitive data on-premises.
