Database Agents/Options

[erathtech]

Question:

We are getting a few new servers and new company software that will run on an Oracle database.

Since my current backup software will backup the entire PC including system state and open files. Do I have to buy the "database agent" the backup company sells?

Is the database not just files that get backed up in the normal backup of drives?

Is this something I need or just something for the backup company to get more money?

--Daniel

 

[Jesper12]

The "database agent" integrates with RMAN to allow you to do an online backup of the database - it basically serves as a link between your backup software and Oracle. It basically 'allows' RMAN to use the devices configured in your backup software for the backup job.
You will still need a second backup task for the host itself - just remember to exclude the DB disk space.

The alternative would be to take the Oracle database offline while running a flat file backup.

Cheers,
Jesper

 

[LeeMason]

I would certainly look at going for the backup agent. As Jesper12 says this uses RMAN which will keep the backups and redo logs consistent. If you just backup the Oracle database files you will have difficulty restoring them as Oracle is very fussy about restoring different database incarnations. Everything has to be just right.

Again alternatively as Jesper12 said you could write RMAN scripts yourself and then back these up. In Oracle 10g you can get Oracle to schedule it own backup and then backup this file with you existing software.


Lee Mason
Optimal Projects Ltd

http://www.opl.co.uk

http://www.backupsanywhere.com