Oracle Database Image Copy Backup for Faster RMAN Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Oracle database backup methods, such as cold and hot backups, face inefficiencies in data recovery times due to the need for decompression and extended operations, especially when using the Recovery Manager (RMAN) tool, which complicates disaster recovery processes.
Innovation Solution
A backup and recovery system for Oracle databases that utilizes a server-side storage unit connected to an agent client within the Oracle production environment, employing an image copy method through the RMAN tool to ensure data integrity and format preservation, allowing direct data writing to mounted storage units and minimizing decompression during recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If RMAN backup set compression format is used to reduce backup file size, then backup space is saved, but recovery time is significantly extended due to required decompression operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates image copies of database files in their original format during backup, storing them as exact replicas rather than compressed representations. This allows direct copying during recovery without decompression, resolving the contradiction between backup space efficiency and recovery speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the backup format parameter from compressed backup set to uncompressed image copy, trading backup space efficiency for recovery speed. The image copy maintains original file attributes and format, eliminating the need for decompression during recovery operations
2Reliability
If offline cold backup method is used to back up Oracle database, then data integrity is ensured, but database availability is lost during backup process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by mounting the storage unit before initiating the backup process and keeping it mounted during database operations. This allows continuous database access while backup operations proceed, maintaining both data integrity and database availability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounted storage unit as an intermediary between the database and backup destination. This intermediary allows the database to continue operating while backup data is written to the mounted storage, eliminating the need to shut down the database for backup operations
3Quantity of substance
If RMAN tool is used to perform incremental backup, then backup quantity is reduced, but recovery process becomes complex with multiple operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential recovery operation by directly copying image copies to the target location without requiring restore or decompression steps. This simplifies the recovery process to a single copy operation while maintaining the space efficiency of incremental backups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by maintaining image copies in a ready-to-use format during the backup process. This preliminary preparation allows rapid recovery through direct copying without complex restore operations, reducing both backup quantity and recovery complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a backup and recovery system and method for an Oracle database. The system includes a server side, an agent client side, and an Oracle production environment; the agent client side is connected to the server side, and is installed in the Oracle production environment. The Oracle production environment is internally provided with a database and a recovery management (RMAN) tool that are connected in sequence; a storage unit is connected to the server side; the server side is configured to control a working state of the storage unit, send a backup task instruction or a recovery task instruction to the agent client side and receive an execution result returned by the agent client side; the agent client side executes corresponding processing on the Oracle production environment according to the instruction sent by the server side.