This topic describes how to optimize the data storage structure and separate hot data from cold data on the cloud disks of an ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance. The separation of hot and cold data is suitable for business scenarios in which a large amount of data is involved, cost-sensitive workloads need to be processed, or tiered data access is required. The separation of hot and cold data effectively reduces storage costs, ensures fast access to critical data, and optimizes resource usage. Data that is infrequently accessed is archived to Object Storage Service (OSS) buckets to reduce costs. Data that is frequently accessed is stored on the cloud disks of RDS instances to improve the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of data management.
The separation of hot and cold data is implemented based on cloud disks. For more information about the storage types and the principles of the data archiving feature, see Introduction and Archive data to an OSS bucket.
Prerequisites
The RDS instance meets the following requirements:
The RDS instance runs RDS Basic Edition.
The RDS instance uses the ESSD storage type.
The RDS instance uses the subscription or pay-as-you-go billing method. Serverless instances are not supported.
The RDS instance does not reside in one of the following regions: Thailand (Bangkok), South Korea (Seoul), UK (London), and UAE (Dubai).
For more information about the usage notes, limits, and billing rules of the data archiving feature, see Use the data archiving feature.
Step 1: Convert an online database to a cold storage database
Go to the Instances page. In the top navigation bar, select the region in which the RDS instance resides. Then, find the RDS instance and click the ID of the instance.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Databases.
Find the required database. Then, click More and select Convert Online Database to Cold Storage Database in the Actions column of the database.
Click OK and refresh the page. If the status of the database changes from Running to Being Stored in Cold Storage, the database is being converted into a cold storage database.
Step 2: Convert a cold storage database to an online database
Go to the Instances page. In the top navigation bar, select the region in which the RDS instance resides. Then, find the RDS instance and click the ID of the instance.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Databases.
Find the required database. Then, click More and select Convert Cold Storage Database to Online Database in the Actions column of the database.
Click OK and refresh the page. The cold storage database is being converted into an online database.
References
For more information about how to use an API operation for the conversion between an online database and a cold storage database, see ModifyDatabaseConfig.
For more information about the storage types that are supported by ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server, see Storage types.