How can you perform a complete backup of an SAP HANA database system?

To perform a complete backup of an SAP HANA database system, the correct approach is to back up the system database along with all tenant databases individually. This method ensures that both the central management information (contained in the system database) and all specific application data (contained in the tenant databases) are preserved together.

When the system database is backed up, it contains crucial configuration and management data, while each tenant database holds distinct application data relevant to specific applications or business processes within the SAP HANA environment. By backing up these components individually, you create a comprehensive archive that allows for a complete recovery of the entire system in case of failure or data loss.

The unified backup method might seem efficient, but it doesn’t provide the granular control and detailed recovery capabilities that are often necessary in most production environments. Depending on that approach alone can risk incomplete system recovery if tenant-specific data is not adequately accounted for.

Focusing solely on backing up the tenant databases would leave out vital information from the system database, potentially leading to data inconsistency and incomplete restorations.

Lastly, performing a differential backup does not suffice for a complete system backup because it only saves changes made since the last backup (and typically refers to incremental backups in other contexts). Therefore, it doesn’t