Database with PostgreSQL FAQ

General questions

What is a managed PostgreSQL service?

A managed PostgreSQL service offers a hands-off approach to database deployment, maintenance, and management. Users benefit from automated backups, updates, and scaling without manual intervention, ensuring they can focus on application development rather than database administration.

How does a managed PostgreSQL service differ from a traditional PostgreSQL installation?

With a managed service, security and all the administrative tasks such as backups, patching, scaling are handled by the service provider. In a traditional installation, these responsibilities fall on the user or the internal IT team.

How does OCI-managed PostgreSQL service differ from other managed service?

OCI Database with PostgreSQL is distinguished by its database optimized storage technology. Our unique approach of decoupling compute from storage not only delivers superior performance compared to competitors with OCI Database Optimized Storage, but also ensures faster recovery. It promises unparalleled reliability and durability, ensuring immediate data protection and swift recovery with a low RTO.

Is there any downtime during scaling or maintenance operations?

Oracle’s managed PostgreSQL service is designed to minimize downtime. Most maintenance tasks, including scaling, are performed seamlessly. However, certain critical updates may require a short downtime, which we schedule during off-peak hours and notify users in advance. You can also customize the maintenance window to better adapt to the requirements of your application.

Which version of PostgreSQL is currently supported by OCI Database with PostgreSQL?

We currently support PostgreSQL versions 13, 14, and 15. This expanded version support allows you to run your workloads on the PostgreSQL version that best suits your application requirements, whether you need stability with older versions or want to take advantage of the latest features and improvements in newer versions.

What are the PostgreSQL extensions supported?

The current list of PostgreSQL extensions supported by the service can be found here. The current list of PostgreSQL extensions supported by the service includes pgvector, pg_stat_statements, PostGIS, postgres_fdw, pglogical, and more. These extensions allow you to leverage advanced functionalities, such as AI/ML integration, geospatial data processing, and seamless data federation.

What new features have been added in the latest OCI Database with PostgreSQL release?

The latest release includes several new features:

• Vertical Scaling: Adjust the compute and memory configuration of your database systems on the fly to optimize performance and cost.
• Flex Shapes: Select the number of OCPUs and memory for your database systems independently, allowing fine-tuning of performance based on your specific workload needs.
• Enhanced extension support: We now support popular extensions, like pgvector, pg_stat_statements, PostGIS, postgres_fdw, and pglogical, enabling advanced capabilities, such as AI/ML applications, geospatial data processing, and efficient data integration.
• Network Security Groups (NSGs): Implemented to allow you to control traffic and access to your cloud resources, enhancing security within your virtual cloud network.

Security and high availability

How do you ensure the security of my data?

Oracle secures data with VPC network isolation, encryption in transit and at rest, and routine security updates. OCI Identity and Access Management integration manages administrative functions and creates an initial database admin role, which enables further permission management within the database system.

Is data replication included, and how do you handle failovers?

Yes, data replication is a standard feature. During the database creation process, you can select two nodes: one primary and one replica. We utilize multiple fault domain and availability domain deployments (where available) to ensure high availability. In the rare event of a primary node failure, traffic is automatically routed to a standby replica to ensure minimal service disruption.

Do you provide automated backups, and how long are they retained?

Absolutely. We provide automated backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly cadence with your chosen retention time based on your needs. If you created a backup, just click on the backup details to initiate a restore.

How do Network Security Groups (NSGs) improve the security of my PostgreSQL database?

Network Security Groups act as virtual firewalls, enabling you to define and manage the security rules that control the flow of traffic to and from your PostgreSQL database within a virtual cloud network (VCN). This feature simplifies the management of network security and enhances the protection of your data by grouping resources under a common security posture.

Application development

How can I integrate my application with your managed PostgreSQL service?

Integration is straightforward. Once your database is set up, you'll receive connection details that can be plugged into your application's configuration. We offer SDK/APIs for management of database systems, configurations, and backups.

Is there a limit on the number of connections to the database?

We provide a generous connection limit suitable for most applications. Default connection limits are provided via default configuration of a shape (OCPU and memory). You can also create custom configurations with different connection limit and apply those configurations either during creation of database system or you can modify an existing database system.

Pricing and billing

How is the pricing determined for the managed PostgreSQL service?

Pricing is based on the storage, compute resources, and additional features you choose. Our transparent pricing model ensures you only pay for what you use, with no hidden fees.

Are there any additional costs for data transfer or backups?

Data transfer in and out of the database within the same region is included in the base price. However, cross-region or external data transfers may incur additional charges. Backups will incur a standard OCI Object Storage charge based on the size and retention time. After backup retention time, the backup would be deleted, and there will be no further charge for that backup.

What payment methods do you accept, and how often will I be billed?

We accept all major credit cards and bank transfers. Billing occurs monthly, with detailed breakdowns of resource usage and any additional charges provided in the invoice.