1. Review database architecture to plan backup and recovery

1.1 Examine architecture of database file system

1.2 Determine most appropriate methods for backup and recovery

1.3 Identify and examine likely or possible risk and failure scenarios

1.4 Prepare a backup maintenance schedule

1.5 Prepare a contingency plan

2. Determine backup methods appropriate to database requirements

2.1 Evaluate range of backup and restoration methods based on organisational and security standards and on the assessment of likely or possible failure scenarios

2.2 Complete full off-line backups according to organisational and security standards with minimal down time

2.3 Complete online file backups as determined by organisational and security standards and with minimal down time

2.4 Employ disk mirroring and redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) hard disk configurations to keep copies of files

2.5 Arrange off-site copies of backup files

3. Establish recovery points and disaster-recovery procedures

3.1 Determine database recovery points based on the backup arrangements according to organisational guidelines

3.2 Test the restore process to ensure that the database can be restored to a given recovery point, with minimal down time

3.3 Complete the restoration of the database to the point of failure, without loss of committed transactions

4. Create and deploy standby database

4.1 Create or set up a standby database to meet organisational guidelines

4.2 Implement standby database to support critical business functions

4.3 Prepare documentation for standby database

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

determine the most appropriate methods for backup and recovery

implement backup and restore procedures with minimum disruption to the business, following contingency plan if necessary.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

documentation standards

backup and recovery policies

sites with a representative range of current industry standard software and diagnostic tools

database package with data

technical records

organisational guidelines

vendor documentation

server and networked personal computer on which to conduct backup and restore procedures

appropriate learning and assessment support when required

modified equipment for people with special needs.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of candidate performing backup and restore procedures

review of candidate’s documentation containing:

planning

backup schedule

contingency plan

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:

backup and restore techniques and procedures

risks and failure scenarios that are likely or possible.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Architecture may include:

configuration:

large memory model

requests per second

small memory model

database software:

DB2

Informix

Ingres

Microsoft SQL (MS SQL) server

Mini SQL (mSQL)

MySQL

Oracle

Sybase

operating system:

Linux

Mac

multi-user ability

Windows 2000 or above

Novell NetWare 5 or above.

Database may include:

commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) database packages

object-relational databases

proprietary databases

relational databases.

Backup may include:

DVD or CD backup

more comprehensive and complex backup facilities across the network or the internet

multiple tape units

single tape units.

Standards may include:

International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Australian Standards (AS) standards

organisational standards

project standards.

Organisational guidelines may include:

communication methods

content of emails

dispute resolution

document procedures and templates

downloading information and accessing particular websites

financial control mechanisms

opening mail with attachments

personal use of emails and internet access

virus risk.

Documentation may include:

audit trails

client training

ISO, IEC and AS standards

maintaining equipment inventory

naming standards

project management templates and report writing

satisfaction reports

version control.