Backing Up the Logical Log (Automatic) in the DBA Planning Calen

Backing Up the Logical Log (Automatic) in the DBA Planning Calendar (Informix)

Use

To avoid the logical-log files of an Informix database filling up, you can activate a triggered automatic logical-log backup in the DBA Planning Calendar, which is part of the Computing Center Management System (CCMS). You can only follow this procedure if you use the Informix data recovery tool ON-Archive.

You can create a logical-log backup for the Informix database with the DBA Planning Calendar in the Computing Center Management System (CCMS) by using the following methods:

Normal scheduled logical-log backup

With this you can back up the logical log including the currently used log file at the scheduled time. For more information, see Backing Up the Logical Log in the DBA Planning Calendar (Informix).

Automatic logical-log backup

With ON-Archive you can use this method to trigger logical-log backup. This works by detecting the fill level of the logical log. When a pre-defined level is reached, the backup job triggered to run. Therefore, you must make sure that the correct tape volume is always mounted. This method offers you an extra level of security to avoid the logical log filling up.

This is the method described in this section.

SAP recommends that you use both methods for extra security. Always keep a dedicated tape drive free when backing up logs automatically.

If the logical logs are not backed up before they completely fill, you need to perform an emergency backup. This is complex, time-consuming and leads to unplanned downtime for your system. You can avoid this by devising a sensible backup schedule with the Calendar. Always make sure that the correct empty tape is loaded in the appropriate tape drive. See Preventing Emergency Logical-Log Backup.

If you need to execute a logical-log backup immediately, see Scheduling Actions in the DBA Planning Calendar.

For more information about logical-log backup, see Logical-Log Backup.

Prerequisites

You are ready to use CCMS. Refer to Getting Started in CCMS with Informix DBA.

You know how to use the DBA Planning Calendar. For more information, see:

DBA Planning Calendar for an overview

DBA Planning Calendar (Informix) for Informix-specific aspects

For more information about scheduling an action (for example, a logical-log backup) in the DBA Planning Calendar, see Scheduling Actions in the DBA Planning Calendar.

Your storage devices are ready and have media loaded with enough available space. For example, if using tape, your tape device is ready to receive data and you have loaded a tape with enough available space.

Procedure

Choose Tools ® CCMS ® DB Administration ® DBA Planning Calendar.

Choose Calendar ® Automatic Logsave.

Enter the percentage fill level to trigger a backup and choose Continue.

The percentage fill level is how full the logical-log files must be in order for a backup to be performed. A typical value might be 50%. To turn off the automatic logsave, enter 0%.

Choose the Vset name (that is, the volume set name) to be used for the triggered backup.

For more information, see Volume Sets and Volumes for ON-Archive.

Choose Continue.

Result

The automatic logical-log backup is now scheduled. A logical-log backup will be created when the logical log reaches the fill level you specified. For more information about looking at the results of the logical-log backup, see Using the Archive and Backup Monitor in CCMS (Informix).