29 Backing Up an Oracle Database to Cloud

Using an off-site storage location, such as public cloud, can be an important part of your Oracle Database backup strategy. Cloud backups are always accessible over the Internet and are immediately available for recovery purposes when needed.

29.1 About Using RMAN to Backup an On-Premises Oracle Database to Cloud

RMAN can backup directly to Oracle Cloud and Amazon Web Services. Obtain a subscription to the preferred cloud storage provider and then configure RMAN to directly backup to the cloud storage destination.

The Oracle Database Cloud Backup module is an Oracle-supplied media management software that enables RMAN to directly backup and restore with a cloud service. The backup module installer files are available in the Oracle home directory after you install the Oracle Database.

On the target database server, install the Oracle Database Cloud Backup Module that corresponds to your preferred cloud backup destination. For example, to backup your Oracle Database to Amazon S3 Cloud, you must set up the Oracle Secure Backup Cloud Module on the target database server.

RMAN uses the SBT (tape) channel to create backups on cloud storage. When you configure an SBT channel, you must also specify the SBT library that corresponds with a cloud backup module.

The SBT library files are available in the Oracle home directory after you install the Oracle Database. You must use the SBT libraries available as part of the target database release version. For example, on UNIX and Linux systems, define the SBT_LIBRARY path as $ORACLE_HOME/lib/libosbws.so for backups and restores with Amazon S3.

After you install the backup module and configure the SBT channels, you can use the RMAN utility to perform backup and restores with the chosen cloud backup destination.

These are the high-level steps to set up RMAN for cloud backup and restores.
  1. Obtain a subscription to the preferred cloud storage service. You must have an active account and credentials associated with the chosen cloud service.
    RMAN supports backups and restores with these popular cloud services:
    • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Object Storage
    • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Object Storage Service with Swift APIs
    • Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)
  2. Install the Oracle Database Cloud Backup Module on the target database server.

    The backup module installer files are available in the Oracle home directory as part of the database installation.

  3. Configure an RMAN SBT (tape) channel for backup and restore operations with the chosen cloud service.
  4. Use RMAN to directly backup and restore to cloud.

29.2 Oracle Database Cloud Backup Modules and RMAN SBT Libraries

To create backups to cloud, you must install or setup the Oracle Database Cloud Backup Module, and then configure an RMAN SBT channel using the relevant SBT Library.

Table 29-1 Oracle Database Cloud Backup Modules and RMAN SBT Library Matrix

To Store Backups in Install/Setup Using the Installer File/Setup Tool Native SBT_LIBRARY Path

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Object Storage

Oracle Database Cloud Backup Module for OCI

oci_installer.zip

UNIX and Linux Systems: $ORACLE_HOME/lib/libopc.so

Windows Systems: %ORACLE_HOME%\bin\oraopc.dll

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Object Storage Service with Swift APIs

Oracle Database Cloud Backup Module for OCI Classic

opc_installer.zip

UNIX and Linux Systems: $ORACLE_HOME/lib/libopc.so

Windows Systems: %ORACLE_HOME%\bin\oraopc.dll

Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) (AWS)

Oracle Secure Backup (OSB) Cloud Module

osbws_installer.zip

UNIX and Linux Systems: $ORACLE_HOME/lib/libosbws.so

Windows Systems: %ORACLE_HOME%\bin\oraosbws.dll

29.3 Typical Workflow to Configure RMAN for Cloud Backups

Refer this workflow to set up RMAN for cloud backup and restores.

Table 29-2 Task Workflow to Set Up RMAN for Cloud Backups and Restores

Step Description More Information

Obtain a cloud service account

Create an account with the chosen cloud service provider: Oracle Cloud (OCI) or Amazon S3 (AWS).

The cloud service account details are required to authenticate RMAN operations with the chosen cloud service.

Verify the prerequisites

Review the supported Oracle Database version and the requirements specific to each cloud backup module.

Install or setup the required Oracle Database Cloud Backup Module.

Access the Oracle Database Cloud Backup Module installer files from the Oracle home directory of the target database.

Configure the RMAN environment to create persistent settings for cloud backup and restores.

Use the RMAN CONFIGURE command to create an automatic SBT channel for RMAN cloud backup and restore operations. Configure SBT as the default device type to directly send all backups to the configured cloud destination.

Configure RMAN Encryption

Configure RMAN encryption. Oracle recommends that you encrypt the RMAN database backups before they can be sent to the cloud.

Configure RMAN Compression (optional)

Configure compression to reduce the size of RMAN database backups before they are sent to the cloud.

Perform Cloud Backup and Recovery operations using RMAN

Connect RMAN to the target Oracle Database. Use RMAN commands to create a backup to cloud and restore backups from cloud.

29.4 Management Interfaces for Cloud Backups

You can use any of the following options to manage cloud backup operations.

  • RMAN interface

    Use the RMAN command-line interface to run familiar commands and perform backups on demand. You can also create automated backup jobs using the cron utility.

  • Oracle Enterprise Manager Cloud Control

    Use Oracle Enterprise Manager Cloud Control to configure the backup module and perform backup and recovery operations.

  • Third-party tools

    Use third-party tools such as CloudBerry Lab's cloud backup solution. See https://www.cloudberrylab.com/backup.aspx.