Backup Strategy 

Use

To ensure secure database system operation, you must back up your datasets regularly. You should carry out regular data backups and log backups.

Data Backup

Note that, if data is restored, the older the data backup is, the more log entries have to be redone. Therefore, carry out data backups as often as possible.

If a complete data backup is active, an incremental data backup cannot be started.

A tape containing a complete data backup should therefore not be overwritten immediately with the next backup. If you retain, say, the last four backup generations, it may be possible to use an older backup if a media failure occurs.

Automatic Log Backup

Automatic log backup (autosave log mechanism) should always be active. Complete and incremental data backups are also possible when automatic log backup is active.

Check at regular intervals that automatic log backup is active. Note that the autosave log mechanism is deactivated if, for example, the database system is shut down. When the database system is started, automatic log backup must be reactivated.

Interactive Log Backup

Back up the log entries on every productive day. If automatic log backup is deactivated, you must check at regular intervals that there is sufficient storage space in the log area. If required, back up the log area immediately by starting an interactive log backup. If insufficient storage space in the log area means that new log entries cannot be written, a database standstill results.

Version File Backup

For log backups, back up the version files to a medium of your choice at regular intervals. You can then delete the backed up version files and thereby ensure that there is always sufficient space in the directory for the version files.