Oracle Database Discussions

Hi all,

I need a clarification regarding Oracle DB hope you guys can throw some light on my question.

One of my client wants me to take backup of the oracle data file path (oradata folder) using AIX-OS Commands, when the database is running but
database is actually scheduled in RMAN backup regularly.

He stills insists to take a backup of the oradata folder of the database without even shutting down. I said tat backup would be incomplete, invalid and
it cannot be used to restore but client is saying he had restored it previously with tat kind of backup so he needs a backup.

Can you please clarify me, If i take a backup of the oradata folder using AIX commands such as tar or gunzip when database is running and db is in archive log mode.
Will I able to restore it or does the backup will be valid.

Thanks in advance..

Nonuday