The protected database administrator is a user with SYSDBA or SYSBACKUP privileges on the protected database. This user connects to a Recovery Appliance to perform backup, restore, and recovery operations for the protected database.

With Oracle Database 12c, all RMAN backup and recovery operations can be performed with either SYSBACKUP or SYSDBA privileges. With releases of Oracle Database earlier than Oracle Database 12c, the protected database administrator must have SYSDBA privileges to perform RMAN backup and recovery operations.

To authenticate with a Recovery Appliance and perform backup and recovery operations, the protected database administrator must be associated with a Recovery Appliance user.