Backup Strategy

The purpose of backups is to ensure that the database system can be restored to a correct and consistent state after it has been damaged. Simply performing any type of backup at arbitrary intervals is senseless. Backups are only meaningful, if they are integrated in an overall strategy that is designed to enable a safe and efficient recovery of a damaged database. An effective strategy normally describes a backup cycle of one month and includes answers to the following questions:

Which parts of the system need to be backed up?
What type of backup is suitable?
What type of Recovery Model must be set for the SAP database?
How frequently are backups necessary?
When should they be performed?
Which media are they written to?
How are backup devices managed?
How are backups monitored and checked?

An effective strategy providing adequate insurance against data loss is always based on an appropriate hardware and system configuration.