Abstract: A cache with a database system that contains a subset of the objects stored in another database system. The cache database system responds to a request that contains a reference to an object that is not in the cache by redirecting the request to the other database system when the request is executed in the cache's database system. Redirection is done by rewriting requests that refer to objects that are not in the cache. In one kind of rewriting, a cursor is marked to indicate redirection, and when the cursor is executed in the cache database system, it is redirected to the other database system for execution. In the other kind, calls to stored procedures that are not present in the cache database system are rewritten as remote procedure calls to the stored procedures in the other database system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide solutions to facilitate the management and/or automation of various database tasks, in particular system tasks. Merely by way of example, some embodiments provide methods systems and/or software products that can facilitate automation of such tasks. In accordance with certain embodiments, a maintenance window may be defined. The maintenance window can provide an opportunity for system tasks (and/or other tasks, especially those that consume significant database resources) to execute without significantly impacting the usability of the database. In particular embodiments, a maintenance window may be defined to coincide with a period of relatively low user activity. In some cases, a maintenance window may be implemented in conjunction with a job scheduler and/or a resource manager.