Re: Large Backups...

lpf1_at_ahs.aberdeen.k12.ms.us (Larry Flippo) wrote:
> I currently have a 10+ GB Oracle database running on a 4-processor
> RS/6000 with a auto-loading tape. A complete system backup from AIX
> takes almost 8 hours.... Is this normal? It seems long to me, but I
> have no experience with backups this large...

I'd be interesting in a general discussion of this topic as well.

We have Oracle databases ranging in size from ~2Gb to ~250Gb, and in the latter case we're experiencing growth on the order of ~100Gb per year. Our data is non-purgable and non-prunable (patient health/care information), so the numbers will continue to mount forever. We're currently moving to Oracle 7.3.

We've been looking at multiple port (SCSI) multiple drive systems. The main players seem to be DLT with a couple of vendor software packages and IBM's 3590 subsystem. The principle orientation seems to be backup for Unix servers, and hooks for Oracle databases are available. We just looked at a system from CoComp that supports up to 9 drives, coupled with an automated (robotic) builtin vault. It supports backup for the directly coupled system and centralized backup management for distributed Unix servers (Unix servers only, though in this latter situation they indicated support for NT clients "real soon").

The base numbers for speed, shelf life, and MTBF seem to preclude 4mm and 8mm backup in favor of linear or highly dense helical.

So, how DO we backup these puppies in a 24/7/52 environment? BTW: We've been specifically directed that the system can never be shutdown for any reason.

My gut is beginning to tell me that the notion of full backup, restoration image, etc. has become obsolete. Tumms, anyone? What are the alternatives?

Mark A. Scarton, ABD
CompUtah!, Park City, Utah USA
Home: 801.565.9835
Office: 801.265-4612 Received on Tue May 28 1996 - 00:00:00 CEST