Oracle Database Discussions

I’m trying to research backup procedures for a number of platforms and software and I wondered if anyone could help for Oracle Database with the following:

• For backups of Oracle Databases, what is the default tool or utility that is used to backup the Oracle Database, and what file extension will the Oracle Backup have when the backup is created? In addition, is there a default folder that the Backup will be written too if using any default tools?

• Is it most typical an Oracle Database will be backed up using default backup utilities within Oracle or do most people use a 3rd party tool?

• Also how far do you go with backups of Databases? Do you backup the database to different drive, then backup the backup to different media again? How far down the chain do you go?

• What do you feel about operating system backup utilities including oracle databases on system volumes within the backup, is this common or is it critical to have a backup procedure specific to the Oracle Database?

• What audit logs or trails will be available to demonstrate to management or auditors that the backup has taken place in line with corporate policy? Where is this file and what detail does it show when you use default oracle utilities?

• As Oracle DBA’s are there any given reasons why backups may not be run on a specific day, i.e. evening, if so could you provide some details on what types of occurrence will prevent it from being logical to run the backup that night? For example if you saw it was backed up 6 days out of 7, what reasons for the 7th day would be reasonable, if any.

Would prefer your comments and input as opposed to a load of links as the links I have read to date aren’t consistent.