Re: Backup opinions

Hi,

We use Netbackup agent for the last 7+ years to backup databases, including Oracle starting from version 8, directly to tapes and now to VTL ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Tape_Library) as well. It's working OK in most cases, including archivelog backups (sometimes we have them running hourly based on the archievlog destination usage threshold). Recovery is not an issue if right tape is in place. Otherwise it should be retrieved from the off site storage. However for 24x7 databases in archivelog mode with 99.999998% availability 8-) you have to examine and estimate capacity of the following crucial elements:
- size of FRA/archivelog destination vs amount of redo generated vs throughput to Netbackup infrastructure
- backup retention policy
- network connectivity to Netbackup infrastructure (it's better to have separate network interface(s)/segment for that) - potential scheduled/unscheduled outages of Netbackup infrastructure if archievlog backups are done to tape
- ability of the supporting personal to troubleshoot issues on Netbackup side

From logging standpoint - it's sufficient. There are two additional places in netbackup client installation where logging information for all backup/restore operations goes. It's easy to read and comprehend. RMAN catalog also has some additional information from Netbackup, tape labels for each backupset, for example. That helps significantly during restores because you can figure out what tape should be requested without even starting the activity.

--romas

On 8/13/08, Nuno Souto <dbvision_at_iinet.net.au> wrote:
>
> Folks, much appreciated if I can get some info:
>
> Anyone here using Netbackup agent to backup
> their dbs directly to tape - without using
> a FRA?
>
> If so, what's your opinion of ease of logging and
> recovery, flexibility in being able to transfer
> backups to others dbs for refreshes, etcetc.
>
> Also: are you using archived redo logs in full
> recovery?
>
> How does Netbackup then operate in a recovery
> situation?
>
> Only for 10g onwards users, please: I'm interested
> specifically in FRA vs Netbackup comments.
>
> --
> Cheers
> Nuno Souto
> in cold Sydney, Australia
> dbvision_at_iinet.net.au
> --
> http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l
>
>
>

--
http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l