Respond to this,back up of database server for an internet application

[viztek]

Hello all,

I have a web site having the database as oracle 8i. Now the site needs to be always up.

COuld you please give me alternative ways (please be more elaborative and technical as much as you can), cause i need to find the best and most efficient way to back up my database without shutting down the server. I need to take a tape backup of the entire structure of the database including the control files, datafiles etc which require me to shutdown the server.

Regds,
Viztek

 

[karluk]

What you need is to do an online backup. To do this your database must be running in archive log mode.

To write backups to tape requires media management software. Companies that provide media management include Veritas and Legato. I believe Oracle ships with a rudimentary version of the Legato software. If you don't want to pay extra I think you will be limited to a single tape channel running on a locally attached tape. I don't think the free software allows backup over a network.

If you are on 8i you should be using RMAN for your backups. When you install your database you will get some sample RMAN scripts that support various backup and recovery scenarios, including online backups. You can modify them for your specific needs. I think the scripts are stored in directory {oracle home}\rdbms\demo on your server.