Shareplex for Oracle - It just works!
Updated June 17, 2016
Shareplex for Oracle - It just works!
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with SharePlex
We use Shareplex to provide a reporting database thus reducing load for our OLTP instances. We also use it for distributing data to other database instances.
- It is a light weight service that is easily configured and changed with the use of simple text files that define source tables and target tables. You have complete control of adding or removing tables to the configuration without interfering with other already configured tables.
- It comes complete with utilities to synchronize data and to repair the data should it ever get out of synchronization. It also comes with an independent monitoring system that alerts admins should any errors occur.
- Technical support is excellent. The support team is very responsive to issues. When there is an issue one of the engineers will take ownership of the problem and follow through until a solution is provided.
- It is versatile for maintenance. The admin has control over each of the services used to replicate data. Any of the services can be stopped and restarted throughout the replication process to allow for maintenance or troubleshooting of the replication process. There are a multitude of parameter options available for controlling behavior of the replication process.
- When first introduced the Change Data Capture process was awkward. Each subsequent release has improved the process.
- Sometimes the Shareplex monitoring service in Foglight gets overly aggressive in sending out error notifications and can end up spamming the admins with email alerts for one problem. We have had to tone that down.
- Shareplex allows us to have a near real-time reporting database and we have been able to improve our reporting capabilities eliminating the negative impact on our OLTP systems.
At the time we did our proof of concept (2011), Shareplex was up and running within a couple of hours. The Goldengate techs were unable to get their product to work. Pricing for Shareplex was half of what Oracle quoted. Goldengate did not include monitoring or compare/repair utility (additional charge for that capability).
SharePlex Feature Ratings
Using SharePlex
We have several OLTP applications that we use as well as our ERP system. These systems need to share information with each other. Our developers rely on Shareplex to get the information they need from other systems.
We also use it for EDW loads.
We also use it for EDW loads.
3 - Oracle DBA skills.
- Data Warehouse loads
- Data sharing
- Great potential for use in migrations and/or upgrades. It allows builds of the new instance while still running on the legacy instance.
- We have eliminated performance problems and the negative caveats of using Oracle Database links.
- We are able to replicate certain types of real production type activity to our DEV and QA environments.
- DB upgrades/migrations
Evaluating SharePlex and Competitors
Yes - We replaced applications developed in-house to accomplish the same thing. We replaced them because they didn't scale well, and were not easily implemented.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
We did a side by side comparison with Oracle GoldenGate. They couldn't get Goldengate to work at all (2011).
Other solutions have since been developed. I would include looking at them.
SharePlex Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
Yes - I've reported several bugs. Support has always provided a solution for us that are later released into general availability or with improvements in design and functionality.
We were an early adopter of their Change Tracking capability. We discovered several bugs. Support started supplying me with patches within 24 hours. They were really awesome.