To make sure the data from an Informix database archive with ON-Archive can be used quickly and effectively to restore the database, you should perform the tasks described in this section.

You have checked the archive result and the legibility of the tape.

1. Use the SAPDBA recovery report

SAP recommends that you have the SAPDBA recovery report produced after your archives. This report can be automatically produced and reduces the time taken to perform a restore by listing the volumes required. See Recovery Report with SAPDBA for more details.

2. Copy archive volumes and store copies offsite

Since your archives are vital to restore your database in the event of failure, SAP recommends copying the volumes and storing the copies at a different physical location.

For example, to copy the volume set DBTAP (created with request ID 68), enter the following command:

$ onarchive ‘COPY/VSET=DBTAP/DESTINATION=DBTAP_BKP/REQUEST=68’

3. Write the following information on your tapes to simplify the restore process:

Checking Result of Database Backup or Archive with Message Log