NetWorker Module - EMC Symmetrix for Oracle

Serverless Backup and Recovery

NetWorker Module for EMC2 Symmetrix for Oracle (NMEO) delivers live, serverless backup and recovery of Oracle databases stored on EMC2 Symmetrix Enterprise Storage Systems. Managed by NetWorker, NMEO is fully integrated with EMC2 TimeFinder, SRDF technology, and Oracle to provide automated protection and optimizes database performance. Oracle data is copied from a Business Continuance Volume (BCV) or Symmetrix Remote Data Facility (SRDF) Volume directly to tape using a secondary server, enabling Oracle databases to remain fully accessible and free from the impact of backup operations. With NetWorker Module for EMC2 Symmetrix for Oracle, true 24x7 service level attainment can be realized for even the largest Oracle databases.

Protecting Oracle databases online traditionally relies upon Oracle log files and database server resources. This method works well for small to medium sized databases that can be backed up during “off-peak” hours when Oracle demand is light. However for large Oracle environments that must operate at peak service levels “around-the-clock”, impact-free protection is needed to achieve business objectives. NMEO delivers live, automated protection without sacrificing Oracle performance.

NMEO contains two key components. The first component resides on the Oracle server and upon initiation by NetWorker, places the database in a consistent state utilizing Oracle’s “alter tablespace” function. Through interaction with EMC2 TimeFinder or SRDF, this component then splits off a mirrored BCV or SRDF volume and returns Oracle to its normal state. This takes only seconds and avoids the sluggishness that can occur from filling log files during backups of large, highly active databases.

The second component resides on a secondary server connected to the EMC Symmetrix array and copies the Oracle data from the split BCV or SRDF volume directly to tape. Since backup traffic bypasses Oracle server resources, administrators can perform full backups including important Oracle control and log files at anytime, without impacting user productivity – eliminating the need for a backup window. Once complete, the mirrored volume is automatically re-synced.

In the event of data loss, NetWorker enables individual data files or an entire database to be readily restored. NMEO also fully leverages NetWorker’s backup scheduling, efficient indexing, and advanced media handling, including library and dynamic drive sharing, to keep overhead low and service levels high. These combined features further simplify, centralize and automate Oracle information protection, thus reducing overhead and total cost of ownership.



Features & Benefits

Online Backup for SAP R/3 on Oracle Stored on EMC Symmetrix

    High availability data protection solution for very large SAP R/3 applications on Oracle databases stored on EMC Symmetrix Enterprise Storage Array

    Integrates with EMC Symmetrix TimeFinder and SAP BR*tools software to provide backups from a secondary backup host

    Provides point-in-time recovery of SAP R/3 applications on Oracle databases


Serverless Backup Using a Secondary Server

    The SAP data is copied directly from the BCV to the tape using a separate backup host

    No additional strain is placed on the database server during the backup process

    Perform backups at any time of the day and not impact the performance of the database server


New Features Provide Increased Performance

    Support for databases that reside on multiple Symmetrix arrays

    Support for multiple BCVs mapped to a single standard device

    Support for user defined Symmetrix device groups

    Support for backup "dry-run" feature for troubleshooting

    Advanced Archive Log management



Requirements

Database Server Requirements

    The database server must be running Sun Solaris 2.6, 7, or 8 or HP-UX 11.0, 11i

    The Oracle database must be version Oracle 7.3.4, 8.0.x, 8i or Oracle9i

    The SAP R/3 BR*tools v4.5B and above

    The database server is licensed with NetWorker Module for EMC Symmetrix for Oracle

Backup Server Requirements

    The backup server must be running Sun Solaris 2.6, 7, or 8 or HP-UX 11.0, 11i to match the database server.

NetWorker Server Requirements

    The NetWorker Server must be version 6.0.x or greater.