Cloning - when is the best time...

[Daniel Voutt]

Hi,

I need to clone my PROD instance over both my TEST and DEV instances and it's been some time since we last performed a clone.  My first question is, does cloning have much impact on the PROD system whilst it's taking place and with that in mind, would it be wiser to perform the clone during the weekend rather then during the working week.

I understand the TEST and DEV instances will be down during the cloning process, I just wanted to try and gauge the impact it will have on PROD.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[ARG645]

The Source Instance [PROD] will not have any impacts during the cloning process. Having that said the best time to schedule the clone will really depend upon your target instance availability [TEST, DEV] . 

Also keep in mind that, once you clone a sub-prod from prod instance, you may have to perform some tasks after cloning in the sub production instance. Below threads explicitly discuss what you need to do Post Clone. 

HI Support: Post-Cloning Checklist

Post-Clone Checklist, anyone?

Thank you,

Aman Gurram

[Jeff Currier]

Just to expand on that a bit, a clone from production to sub-prod will use the backup copy on the secondary production node.  Production systems are pairs in separate data centers.  To to avoid extra load on production, the secondary copy is used to create the clone, thus no impact on the production node.  So as Aman said, the key is when is it most appropriate to have some downtime for Test or Dev.  The only other consideration might be any special activity in production where you want to make sure those data updates are in prod before you clone.

my 2 cents,

Jeff

[Tanner6]

Hi Daniel,

Check out Perspectium they have helped companies eliminate the need for cloning down if that would interest you.

Follow this Link if you want more information, or reach out to me at Tanner.torres@perspectium.com and we can set something up.