New Features in SAP R/3 Release 4.0 
Update Statistics for the Cost-Based Optimizer in CCMS (Oracle)
Use DB Optimizer Control Panel in the SAPDBA menu or the command option sapdba -checkopt to find missing or obsolete statistics for the CBO. You can then determine new statistics with the command option -analyze or with CCMS in the R/3 System.
See also:
SAPDBA Command Options, Update Statistics for the Cost-Based Optimizer with SAPDBA.
Database System Check
The check function DB System Check (sapdba -check) has been extended. As well as checking space and fragmentation this function also checks the physical consistency of the database and alerts (errors) on the database. You can also make these checks with the CCMS in the R/3 System.
Consistent Online Backup
You can use a consistent online backup to reset a database. This new type of backup (backup_type = online_cons) is logically consistent (data files and online redo log files) which allows you to recover the database completely.
Support for a two-phase backup of a disk backup to tape
The backup has two phases, which you can run independently of each other; in the first phase back up the database to disk (Backup database), and in the second phase copy this disk backup to tape (Backup from disk backup).
Completion of BRBACKUP Backups and Completion of BRRESTORE Runs
You can complete terminated or incomplete backups (partial backups). To do this, use the SAPDBA menu option: Backup database – Restart backup or Make partial backups complete. SAPDBA (dynamic menu) also supports you when you want to complete canceled restorations without having to repeat the whole restoration process (this does not apply to the restoration of offline redo log files, or to data files in a partial restore and full recovery).
Backup Verify
You can check the Oracle block structure of restored backups or data files (online) with ORACLE DBVERIFY (DB Check/ Verification – DB verification using DBVERIFY). You can also verify backup tapes at a later point in time (Backup database - backup function - Verify BRBACKUP tape).
Reorganization Methods
For the data transport in a reorganization you can speed up the process by using one of the following methods as an alternative to Oracle export/import:
–
SAP unload/ Oracle SQL*Loader
– SAP unload/ SAP loader
–
CREATE TABLE AS SELECT
Object handling - RebuildI in Reorganization
If you are just reorganizing the index you can use the old index to create a new index (ALTER INDEX REBUILD). The old index is only deleted after the reorganized index has been successfully restructured.
Object handling - HideTab in Reorganization
You can temporarily rename the tables you are reorganizing. This stops these tables being accessed during the reorganization process.