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:

• Which parts of the system need to be backed up?
• What type of backup is suitable?
• 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?

Backup Types

What Needs to be Backed Up?

Backup Device Management

Disk Configuration