What is our primary use case?
My main use case for Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers is running a lot of production, development, and test environments, supporting applications and primarily databases while also performing virtualization using KVM on Oracle Linux.
A specific example of how I use Oracle Linux 8 in one of our environments involves our Goldmine application and Scrable, which are running Oracle Linux 8 and 9, with the database running on Oracle in a high availability cluster setup on KVMs, where the VMs hosting the OS are running on KVM, making virtualization the base platform of the full setup.
Regarding my main use case and deployment of Oracle Linux 8 in our environments, we have automation using MXVX, deploying servers and later deploying databases like MySQL and other database applications that also run on Oracle.
How has it helped my organization?
Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers has positively impacted my organization by significantly lowering operational costs and improving performance, as we migrated from Windows to Oracle Linux 8, reducing costs by 80% and achieving 99.999% uptime.
Regarding the 80% cost reduction, it mainly involves licensing and maintenance support, which for Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers is significantly less, nullifying the overall running cost compared to Windows.
What is most valuable?
The best features Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers offers include stability, very good hardening, support for mission-critical applications, and financial applications, with Oracle DB 19c running on Oracle Linux 8, KVM virtualization providing zero downtime, live patching, and the software being zero cost with only support requiring a fee.
I mentioned stability and hardening as best features of Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers, along with KVM virtualization with zero downtime and cost-effective support, where we have a schedule for patching. Zero downtime means applying the patch with no interruption to the application, taking server downtime but not application downtime and ensuring 100% compliance and no vulnerability.
In addition to the features, for automation, I am using MXV and Kubernetes for containerization, deploying applications faster, running smoothly with minimal impact on applications and achieving 99.99% uptime.
Regarding Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers' governance and security, I find them very good due to periodical updates and live patching, ensuring 100% PCI compliance.
What needs improvement?
To improve Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers, better support engineers are required because there is a delay in response and resolution times for production and mission-critical applications.
In terms of needed improvements, I would mention that Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers is not as capable as VMware for cluster setups, particularly concerning live migrations affecting service quality.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers for almost three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers is indeed very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability has been really good as we have expanded from 100 and 200 servers to over 400 servers.
How are customer service and support?
Customer support is decent at the frontline level with case logging but finding knowledgeable and skilled engineers is tough.
I rate customer support a five out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, I used Microsoft Windows server, particularly Windows 2019 and 16, and switched due to high licensing costs and performance issues, as Windows uses more resources without application deployment, whereas Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers is much more efficient.
What was our ROI?
Regarding return on investment, while I do not require fewer employees due to the increased application scope—growing from 100 to almost 400 servers—I can say I saved millions in licensing costs and benefited from a 20-30% time savings due to automation.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I have had a good experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing. I reduce costs by 80% because there is no licensing cost for the OS and the support pricing is reasonable.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Before choosing Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers, I evaluated other options like Red Hat for its popularity but chose Oracle based on the support I receive and my experience.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers a five out of ten.
I chose that number because the support needs improvement due to delays and inaccurate resolutions.
Regarding accuracy and reliability of AI capabilities in Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers, I am not sure if I should compare because it is not enabled in my environment, but in my professional experience, I would say it is around 8 out of ten, requiring some improvements while still delivering effectively.
Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers is deployed in my organization through on-premises and hybrid cloud setups.
For our hybrid cloud setup, I use an in-house cloud based on Red Hat OpenStack, with an MXV cloud team managing the setup.
My advice for others considering Oracle Linux 8 with support by ProComputers is that everyone should try it, as I find it cost-effective and time-saving with a good experience.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
