Linux: Preparing the server for database backup operations

To prepare the server for automatic and manual database backup operations, ensure that you specify a tape or file device class and complete other steps.

Procedure

  1. Ensure that the IBM Spectrum Protect™ server configuration is complete.
    Tip: You can configure the server for database backups by using the configuration wizard (dsmicfgx) or you can complete the steps manually. For more information about configuration, see Configuring servers.
  2. Select the device class to be used for database backups, protect the master encryption key, and set a password. Ensure that the following key files are protected:
    • Master encryption key files (dsmkeydb.*)
    • Server certificate and private key files (cert.*)
    All of these actions are completed by issuing the SET DBRECOVERY command from the administrative command line:
    set dbrecovery device_class_name protectkeys=yes password=password_name
    where device_class_name specifies the device class to be used for database backup operations, and password_name specifies the password.
    You must specify a device class name or the backup fails. By specifying PROTECTKEYS=YES, you ensure that the master encryption key is backed up during database backup operations.
    Important: Create a strong password that is at least 8 characters long. Ensure that you remember this password. If you specify a password for database backup, you must specify the same password on the RESTORE DB command to restore the database.

Example

To specify that database backups include a copy of the master encryption key for the server, run the following command:
set dbrecovery dbback protectkeys=yes password=protect8991