I would rate the initial setup a seven out of ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy. The mid-level deployment took around four weeks. Once the Exadata machine is commissioned by Oracle, we basically take various Oracle databases running on different platforms, consolidate them into Oracle, migrate them, fine-tune them if required, test them, and then commission them. We ensure that the applications are running as intended. It's a very straightforward methodology. Sometimes we have to use tools like Oracle Golden Gate, but otherwise, the normal database migration methodology will work.

The initial setup for Oracle Exadata Express Cloud Service was easy, so I rate it eight out of ten.

Deploying the solution doesn't take long, assuming you've set up the securities, accesses, and groups correctly. It would take less than a day. It all depends on how the security is set up within the company.

The installation is straightforward. With Cloud Services or Exadata on-premise, once the initial configuration has been done this is when the real work starts. We have to consolidate the databases, fine-tune them, implement GoldenGate along with it, or whatever else is required. It takes some time because it is not a small implementation. We have not been faced any major issues with Exadata implementations.

The initial setup is very simple because it's done in the cloud. There are some forms that we fill out and click on deploy. We install the infrastructure for customers and then install databases on the infrastructure. It’s the same on-premises and on the cloud. 

We need to know what the customer needs. Like a project, we gather some statistics and recommendations from the vendors and expectations from customers. Then, we put it in Excel sheets or PowerPoint slides. Finally, we deploy it.

It took us 20 days to define the parameters to prepare for the installation and five working days to complete the configuration. It requires three engineers for maintenance.

The initial setup was straightforward.

All settings are easy. Client connection from any tool or language is well documented.

The cloud version of Exadata is easy to set up.