A system specialist typically runs a database export to create a backup file which can be used to restore a database. A database export produces a copy of a Metrics Management database as a single binary encoded (SBF) file, for example, Sample Corporate.sbf. An SBF file opens only in Metrics Management. The SBF file provides a common file format to import or export any of the three supported Metrics Management database types, Standard, Oracle, and SQL Server. The system specialist uses the export to create simplified backups from any Metrics Management database type without the need for a database administrator’s intervention or attention. A database export is not suitable for exporting data to Microsoft Excel or to XML formats.
Before exporting a database, decide whether to export audit data and calculated data. Actuate recommends exporting without audit and calculated data to reduce the time to export and the size of the SBF file. Unless the SBF file is your primary backup mechanism, consider exporting audit data to a separate XML file and synchronizing calculated in Metrics Management after importing an SBF file.
How to export a database
Before performing a database export, take the database offline.
1 In Servers and Databases, select a database.
2 In the Navigation Pane, choose Database Tools➛Export Database.
3 In Verify User Credentials, provide login credentials. Then, choose OK.
4 In Database Export, and in Export filename, provide the path and export file name for the .sbf file, as shown in the example in Figure 10‑43.
Figure 10‑43 Specifying database export settings
5 In Options, perform any of the following tasks:
To export audit data with the database, choose Export audit data.
To export calculated data with the database, choose Export calculated data.
6 Choose Apply. A message displays the progress of the export.
7 In the confirmation message, shown in Figure 10‑44, choose OK.
To export audit data with the database, choose Export audit data.
