Back up an Oracle database into a backup vault

This page describes how to back up an Oracle database into a backup vault.

Use a backup vault to store Oracle database backups. Sending backups to a backup vault provides protection against modification (immutability) and deletion (indelibility). For more information about backup vault, see backup vault for immutable and indelible backups.

With a backup vault, you can store backups in a single region. If you need backups in multiple regions, consider the following options:

  • You can define a backup plan and resource profile that sends backups to two or more OnVault pools with two or more backup vaults. Create these backup vaults in different regions, which provides dual-region protection for your backups. Note that you will be charged for the storage in each backup vault separately.
  • Define an OnVault pool that uses a multi-regional Cloud Storage bucket. Note that this option doesn't provide the protection against modification and deletion that a backup vault provides.

Backing up the Oracle database into a backup vault involves the following steps.

  1. Create a backup vault

  2. Register a backup/recovery appliance as an authorized accessor for a backup vault

  3. Create an OnVault pool associated with backup vault

  4. Create a profile associated with the backup vault

  5. Create a template

  6. Apply a backup plan to protect an Oracle database

Create a backup vault

A Backup vault is a container to store backups. To back up an Oracle database to a backup vault, you need to create a backup vault. For instructions, see Create and manage a backup vault in the Google Cloud console.

Register a backup/recovery appliance as an authorized accessor for a backup vault

You can access a backup vault from the backup/recovery appliance project only after the appliance service account is granted with the Backup and DR Backup Vault Accessor (roles/backupdr.backupvaultAccessor) and Backup and DR Backup Vault Lister (roles/backupdr.backupvaultLister) IAM roles in the backup vault project. Without these roles, you cannot access the backup vault to complete the setup to enable backup creation. For instructions, see Grant roles to the backup/recovery appliance service account.

Create an OnVault pool associated with a backup vault

OnVault pools created with the backup vault type store data in the backup vault. A backup vault with a minimum enforced retention period prevents the deletion of backups before the enforced retention period is met.

Backup/recovery appliances that are registered with the backup vault pool type and updated to the version 11.0.12 or later are displayed for selection. To upgrade your appliances to the latest version, see Update backup/recovery appliances.

Use the following instructions to create an OnVault pool which points to a backup vault.

  1. Click Manage and select Storage pools from the menu.
  2. Click Add OnVault pool.
  3. Enter a name for the pool. Valid characters are letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens (-), and underscores (_).
  4. Check that the Pool type is set to Backup vault.
  5. From the Appliance list, select the appliance you want to add the OnVault pool to. If your appliance is not available to select, you will need to updated the appliance to the latest version.
  6. In the Project ID field, enter the Google Cloud project that contains your backup vault.
  7. From the Region list, select the region that contains your backup vault.
  8. From the Choose a backup vault section, select a backup vault.
  9. Click Save.

Create a profile associated with a backup vault based OnVault pool

A resource profile specifies the storage medium for Oracle database backups. You can use a backup vault, a specialized storage for Backup and DR Service backups, designed with features that support resilience against malicious or accidental deletion of backups. After the profile is created and designated for use with backup vaults, the profile cannot be edited to use a different storage pool type and a backup vault must always be specified. Also, if the resource profile is in use to protect an application, the specified backup vaults cannot be changed.

Use the following instructions to create a resource profile which points to a backup vault.

  1. Click Backup plans and select Profiles from the menu.
  2. Click Create profile.
  3. Enter a name and optional description for the resource profile.
  4. Select Use OnVault pools that point to backup vaults (Recommended).
  5. In the Primary appliance section, from the Appliance list, select the appliance type that the backup pool type is associated with.
  6. From the Snapshot pool list, select a snapshot pool type.
  7. From the OnVault pool 1 list, select the OnVault pool associated with your backup vault.
  8. Optional. From the OnVault pool 2 list, select the OnVault pool associated with your backup vault that is created in a different region.
  9. Click Save profile.

Create a template with the backup policies

A backup plan template defines backup creation and management details, such as the backup schedule and the timeline for backup deletion. Backup plan templates are created within the management console. Create a backup template using the instructions in the Manage backup templates.

Apply a backup plan to protect an Oracle database

Use the following instructions to apply a backup plan to protect an Oracle database:

  1. Click App Manager > Applications and enter the database application name or use the filters to find the database that you need.

  2. Right-click the application and select Manage Backup Plan.

  3. On the Manage Backup Plan page, select a template and a profile and click Apply Backup Plan.

  4. The Apply Backup Plan dialog opens. Assign policy overrides and change application settings as needed.

  5. You can wait for the job to run during the period scheduled in the backup plan, or you can run the job at the next opportunity by clicking on the desired job and selecting Run Now.

  6. The job runs as soon as the scheduler has an opening, often immediately. You can go to the Jobs Monitor to view the progress and details of the job.

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