Unix Backup and Recovery

What’s the Big Deal?

Why, all of a sudden, are we hearing so much about database backups? Why are they so hard? Why don’t utilities currently exist to do all this? Can’t I just shut down the database and back up the whole system? These are all questions that may be going through your head. If you already know the answers, feel free to skip to the next section.

Why, all of a sudden, are we hearing so much about database backups?

The demand for Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMSs) has grown exponentially in the last few years. Not only are there more databases, they are faster, larger, and more complex than ever before. Companies are relying increasingly on bigger and bigger databases to store their information—information that, if lost, would be irreplaceable. Customers have started to recognize the importance of safeguarding their data, and the demand for better backup and recovery utilities has followed. Database companies and backup product companies have finally responded with utilities that are up to the task at hand.

Why is backing up a database so hard?

Actually, backing up a database isn’t that hard. It’s restoring the database that has caused many people to go insane! Seriously, though, the reason it is so difficult is that you need a good SA and a good DBA to design a good backup plan. Most people know only one side well. If you or your people know both sides, then consider yourself very lucky. In some companies, it’s tough to get both sides to work together.

Why ...