PostgreSQL operations in Data Control Tower

This documentation explains how to manage PostgreSQL infrastructure, data ingestion, and virtualization workflows by using Delphix Data Control Tower (DCT). It covers engine onboarding, connector management, environment configuration, dSource lifecycle operations, and VDB provisioning and management.

Overview

Delphix Data Control Tower (DCT) provides a centralized control plane for managing PostgreSQL data operations across one or more Delphix Continuous Data Engines. Using DCT, you can discover PostgreSQL installations, define source configurations, ingest data into Delphix-managed storage, and provision virtual databases for downstream use cases such as development and testing.

Key components

  • Continuous Data Engine – Executes PostgreSQL discovery, ingestion, snapshot, and virtualization operations. For more information, read Connect a Continuous Data Engine in DCT.
  • PostgreSQL connector plugin – A JSON-based connector that enables engine-side discovery of PostgreSQL installations. For more information, read Upload the Connector.json in DCT.
  • Infrastructure connections (environments) – Registered PostgreSQL hosts that DCT communicates with over SSH. For more information, read Add PostgreSQL environments in Data Control Tower.
  • Source configurations – Logical definitions that identify which PostgreSQL instances can be ingested as dSources. For more information, read Create a source configuration for Connectors in DCT.
  • dSources – Managed representations of PostgreSQL databases used for snapshotting and provisioning.
  • Virtual Databases (VDBs) – Writable PostgreSQL databases provisioned from dSource or VDB snapshots.

Prerequisites

  • Access to DCT with administrative permissions
  • A running Delphix Continuous Data Engine
  • Network connectivity between DCT, the engine, and PostgreSQL hosts
  • Valid PostgreSQL operating system and database credentials
  • PostgreSQL connector JSON file available for upload

Limitations

  • Connector downgrades are not supported.
  • Source configurations linked to an active dSource cannot be deleted.
  • The Refresh prior to snapshot option must be enabled when creating a PostgreSQL dSource.

Workflow overview

Follow this workflow when you set up PostgreSQL in DCT for the first time: