Backup opinions

Nuno-- I use 10gR2 on 40 databases and have recently transitioned away from a netbackup tape-only configuration to using the FRA with image copies.  While both work, the image copy on disk is far faster than reconstructed backupsets from tape.  I can do full/partial recoveries and database duplications with either method, no problem, and with the BACKUP RECOVERY AREA command, get my tape backups in conjunction with my FRA backup to achieve my retention policy.
 

I strongly recommend using the FRA, and allowing Oracle to write your saves in OMF format as a primary save method, then use netbackup to tape save the changed FRA files. With OMF files and a reasonable disk allocation, Oracle will automatically managed your saves and remove the obsolete FRA files. Also the "switch" command is particularly handy for using your FRA image save in place of damaged production files.
 

Cheers!!

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