Service registration data may be stored in a region database. A region database consists of tables in an Oracle database that stores Oracle Names information. A region database does not necessarily have its own database engine, nor is the data stored somewhere separate from any other data. A region database is merely a collection of tables with Oracle Names information that can exist within a larger database. It can be managed by a database instance that is also managing other data.

To create an Oracle Names server so data is stored in an Oracle database:

1. Use Server Manager and log into the Oracle database that you plan to use as the repository of the region’s information, using the account that the Oracle Names server will use to connect to the database. Note you will need to have the right to create tables when you log in.

2. To generate new tables, run the NAMESINI.SQL script located at $ORACLE_ HOME/network/admin/names on UNIX and ORACLE_ HOME\network\admin on Windows NT platforms. This script creates the tables needed by Oracle Names to store information. Optionally, run NAMESUPG.SQL to define old tables.

3. From the Net8 Assistant, click the Oracle Names Servers folder.

4. Choose Create from the Edit menu, or click on the "+" button to create a new Oracle Names server. The Names Wizard starts. The wizard guides you through the creation and configuration process. Be sure to click Use a region database.

   When the wizard completes, the following message appears:

   A Names Server, onames_name, has been created with default settings. Use the Configure Server section to modify the default configuration.

5. Choose Save Network Configuration from the File menu to save changes to NAMES.ORA in $ORACLE_HOME/network/admin on UNIX or ORACLE_HOME\network\admin on Windows platforms, or choose Save As from the File menu to save under a different file name or path.