Optimising data management and facilitating cloud backups

Proper data management is a major concern for many companies. To ensure the smooth running of the business, company data must be safeguarded, through regular backups in the cloud, and easily recoverable when needed. 

Many companies use Oracle databases, both for their SAP data and other data, and they need to make cloud backups of these databases to prevent all kinds of disasters. In this blog post we will talk about Recovery Manager or RMAN: a native Oracle protocol that enables the proper and efficient management of cloud backups and their subsequent recovery. Some of the benefits of working with Oracle and RMAN systems include the excellent performance capability, optimal cost management, and high reliability of this software combination. 

However, before we look in more detail at the advantages offered by RMAN, we need to consider that not all companies currently have a cloud backup solution, as the transition to the cloud brings new challenges, which vary depending on the stage the company is in. Below is an explanation of some of the most common scenarios in which a business may find itself in its transition to the cloud so you can identify where your company stands. 

Scenario 1: I am not in the cloud nor can I be

As we mentioned, there are companies that are still not in the cloud. If this is your case, it is important to know that if your company manages Oracle databases on traditional servers – such as IBM, HP, or Sun Microsystems – the format of your data probably won’t be compatible with what is required at the destination (going from what is known as Big Endian to Little Endian). 

To remedy this incompatibility, when designing your transition strategy to the cloud, keep in mind that you will need to convert this format using third-party tools. This usually results in lengthy and costly processes, sometimes postponing the possibility of migrating to the cloud. 

Scenario 2: I have successfully migrated to the cloud, but I am tied to a single provider.

After overcoming various challenges, you are now in the cloud and can host your backups there! However, there are backup software solutions that only offer their services for a single cloud provider. Being dependent on a hyperscaler can prevent you from accessing all the benefits that the transition to the cloud can offer: if you have only one provider, you are tied to whatever price, terms and conditions they offer. 

Once in the cloud, you want to be able to store your data at your convenience based on criteria such as location, cost or business strategy. However, sometimes the method used to move data to the cloud limits your ability to move once there, preventing you from taking full advantage of the benefits offered by different hyperscalers. 

CxLink Backup, Syntax’s multi-cloud storage solution, is provider-agnostic, allowing backups to be made across different hyperscalers, taking into account the type of project and the aforementioned criteria: location, costs, and business strategy. 

Scenario 3: it’s not just about being in the cloud…

Once in the cloud, the architecture of the solutions and the location where they are hosted are crucial factors to consider for controlling data speed and costs. Designing and distributing information in the cloud properly can save your company a lot of headaches. 

For example, hosting your cloud backup solution on the same instance where your data resides is a good idea. Since it is an installed software, it will take up virtually no space and won’t incur extra costs associated with hosting the solution. In addition, this will have an impact on the speed of cloud backups and subsequent recovery in the event of a disaster: your data will go back and forth as fast as the cloud allows, as the storage software uses the cloud’s own bandwidth to move and retrieve them. 

What are the main benefits of backing up to the cloud with Recovery Manager (RMAN)?

Having explored the different scenarios that companies may find themselves in as they transition to the cloud, let’s return to the importance of choosing the right software for managing cloud backups. In the landscape of Oracle systems management, the choice of tools for backup and restore operations is crucial to ensure data integrity, performance efficiency, and seamless integration with other systems. 

Integration

Let’s start by talking about integration, as this is a prerequisite for any enterprise solution. If we invest in new software – such as CxLink Backup – not only should it not interfere with existing processes, but it should integrate with them and help optimise them. 

Recovery Manager (RMAN) is fully integrated into the Oracle ecosystem and offers a robust interface for database backup and restore processes. The Oracle Backup Solutions Program (BSP) ensures that RMAN works seamlessly with CxLink Backup, enhancing its flexibility and utility in various IT environments. This tight integration makes CxLink Backup an excellent choice for Oracle system administrators. 

Performance

Another key factor when choosing software to help manage cloud backups of your Oracle databases is performance. RMAN offers advanced performance tuning options, such as asynchronous I/O and the ability to perform stripe backups to multiple media devices. This, combined with its block-level backup capability, allows RMAN to perform cloud backups and restore processes efficiently, minimising the impact on database performance. 

RMAN’s performance can be further optimised through the use of features such as incremental backups and compression, which reduce the size and time of backups. 

Ease of use

RMAN is designed to be a comprehensive backup and recovery tool for Oracle databases and therefore offers a wide range of features and options, making it incredibly powerful. 

Managing these databases can be complex, but it is something their administrators are already accustomed to, so understanding RMAN commands and configurations won’t be an added problem. Administrators can effectively use the tool and its services without needing to learn new technologies. 

Reliability 

RMAN is known for its reliability, as it offers comprehensive cloud backup and restore services that ensure data integrity. Its deep integration with Oracle systems allows it to cope with advanced restore scenarios, including point-in-time recovery and damage repair. 

RMAN’s reliability is also enhanced by Oracle’s continuous development and support, ensuring it remains a trusted choice for database administrators.

Optimise your backups with CxLink Backup and RMAN

Cloud backups and data restoration are key requirements to ensure the smooth and secure operation of any business. Investing in the right tools can not only help you protect your data from disasters, but also save you future costs. 

At Syntax, we have proven experience in the world of cloud backups and we can help you optimise your Oracle database management thanks to the combination of our CxLink Backup storage solution and RMAN, Oracle’s powerful and versatile tool. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our experts. We also offer a 15-day free trial of CxLink Backup for RMAN, so don’t miss out!