Re: RMAN vs EXP/IMP

From: Frank van Bortel <fvanbortel_at_netscape.net>
Date: Fri, 04 Mar 2005 13:07:48 +0100
Message-ID: <d09iu5$sbk$1@news3.zwoll1.ov.home.nl>

Vince <vincent@ wrote:

>>Exports are *not* valid backups; it's just the logical structure,
>>a backup is about the physical structure.

>
>
> what do u mean by 'not' valid backup?
> Is the logical way not as a good result as physical ?
> what does it restore, then?
>
>
>

>>Apart from that - I'd like to see anything as fast as RMAN: it
>>*knows* Oracle (and skips empty blocks, to name something)

>
>

An export is just a logical dump - it contains tables, data, but (alomost) no information about the way your database was created.

If you just rely on exports, in case of a disaster, you would need to:

- install the Oracle software (possibly)
- patch it to the correct version (possibly)
- on Windows: create services.
- create a database (hopefully you have notes... or scripts).
- import.
- check privileges, grants, etc (exports are usually made

   as SYSTEM, and do not export SYS stuff...). Often forgotten. - create a backup (you have a new instance!!!). - open the instance for the general public.

Obviously, if your Oracle software tree wasn't affected, no need to reinstall that...

In case of proper backups (_even_ when the Oracle tree is gone!): - pop in the tape(s) and restore.
- on Windows: create services (although a good backup mechanism

   would take case of that, too).
- open the instance for the general public.

Which of these sounds easier, faster and more reliable?

-- 
Regards,
Frank van Bortel

Received on Fri Mar 04 2005 - 06:07:48 CST