RMAN recovery area backup status

Job details

Name:	RMAN recovery area backup status
Platform:	Oracle
Category:	Availability
Description:	Checks the status of RMAN recovery area backup (input_type ‘RECVR AREA‘) from V$RMAN_BACKUP_JOB_DETAILS performance view.
Long description:	Checks the status of RMAN recovery area backup (input_type ‘RECVR AREA‘) from V$RMAN_BACKUP_JOB_DETAILS performance view.
Version:	1.0
Default schedule:	25 6 * *
Requires engine install:	Yes
Compatibility tag:	.[type=‘instance’ & databasetype=‘oracle’]/.[hasengine=‘YES’ & _cdb_v_rman_backup_job_details = ‘1′ & is_pluggdb = ‘0′ ]/.[is_rds = ‘0′]

Parameters

Name	Default value	Description
backup expire time	168	Backup expire time (in hours). If no valid backup exists within this time threshold a warning is returned.
return status when backup RUNNING	1	Return status value (ALARM – 2, WARNING – 1, or OK – 0) when RMAN backup status value is RUNNING.
return status when backup FAILED	2	Return status value (ALARM – 2, WARNING – 1, or OK – 0) when RMAN backup status value is FAILED.
container ID	1	The ID of the container to which the data pertains.
return status when OLD backup	1	Return status value (ALARM – 2, WARNING – 1, or OK – 0) when RMAN backup is older than “backup expire time” parameter value.
return status when backup NOT IMPLEMENTED	1	Return status value (ALARM – 2, WARNING – 1, or OK – 0) when RMAN backup is not implemented.

Job Summary

Purpose

Checks the status of RMAN recovery area backups by querying the V$RMAN_BACKUP_JOB_DETAILS performance view in Oracle.
Tracking is specific to backups identified as “RECVR AREA.”

Importance

Monitoring recovery area backups is critical to ensuring data is recoverable in case of a disaster.
Alerts can be triggered based on the age or status of the backups, ensuring timely problem resolution and system stability.
Backup status insights help in proactive system management by preventing potential data loss.

Manual Check

You can manually check the recovery area backup status using the following SQL command:

SELECT start_time, end_time, status, TIME_TAKEN_DISPLAY, output_bytes, input_bytes FROM V$RMAN_BACKUP_JOB_DETAILS WHERE input_type = 'RECVR AREA';

Technical Details

Default Schedule

The job is scheduled to run automatically at “hourly intervals,” specifically tied to the default database maintenance schedules or as customized by administrators.

SQL Code Execution

Executes a SQL check to count valid records from the V$RMAN_BACKUP_JOB_DETAILS to verify access privileges:

SELECT CASE WHEN COUNT(*) > 0 THEN 1 ELSE 0 END FROM V$RMAN_BACKUP_JOB_DETAILS

Parameters

The job includes various parameters allowing flexibility and condition-based monitoring:
- Backup expire time: Sets the threshold in hours for valid backups.
- Return status settings: Configurable statuses (ALARM, WARNING, OK) based on different backup conditions (RUNNING, FAILED, OLD, NOT IMPLEMENTED).
- Container ID: Identifies the container in Oracle (CDB or a specific PDB).

Dependencies

Depends on additional scripts and permissions granted to specific database views (V$BACKUP_PIECE, V$RMAN_CONFIGURATION, etc.) for comprehensive data access and manipulation.

Alerts and Notifications

Generates alerts based on the backup conditions and thresholds set through parameters.
Provides detailed error or informational messages to aid quick response and resolution.

Output Metrics and Reporting

Additional reporting templates are associated for visualizing RMAN backup history and configurations:
- Displays backup statistics such as start/end times, status, and space utilization.
- Reports can track specific backup events and trends over time.

Compatibility and Execution Environment

Specifically designed for Oracle database instances with necessary privileges.
Checks for compatibility with Oracle features like Recoverable Managed Areas (RMAs) and Container Databases (CDBs).

Privilege Requirements

Requires SELECT privileges on several SYS views and installation grants with verification checks to ensure successful deployment.

Automation and Maintenance

Supports automatic installation with forced update options to ensure the latest version is operational.
Includes self-checks to verify environment compatibility and the existence of required database features.

Overall, this dbWatch task is essential for maintaining the health and recoverability of Oracle databases, especially those utilizing RMAN for backup processes. It allows for scalable monitoring and management of backup statuses from a centralized control center, providing essential safeguards against data loss and enabling robust data governance.