SAP SYSTEM COPY - in a nutshell
Purpose of the SAP system copy
An SAP system copy is a process in which an exact copy of an existing SAP system is created. This copy can be used to run tests, perform development, or back up the system.
For some time now, SAP customers have been supported in system copying by very powerful automation tools that can be used as needed. In addition to this area of activity, additional automation tools are also available, for example up to the creation of sandboxes, which provide valuable services.
Automation tool reduces time required to create test environments
Checklist for preliminary work: Comparison of database sizes (target system must be the same or larger), comparison of database versions, kernel, host agent (ideally the same software version), dump of kernel files (export via SAPINST), saves download via SWDC, compile RFC connection passwords, inform third-party system administrators, provide memory, hard disk on the system for database and software import. Perform database dump, if necessary with transaction log, if possible with downtime, then without jobs or stop running jobs with report BTCTRNS1. Adminsitration passwords (DDIC, DB-Admin, Winadmin), create system snapshots (recovery), perform database import.
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One of the most common methods of creating an SAP system copy is to use SAP's own tool "BR*Tools". This tool provides the ability to create a backup of the database, which can then be used to restore the system. It can also be used to export certain data from the database and import it into another system.
With "Shortcut for SAP Systems", a mature and yet very cost-effective product is available that offers useful functions for system copies. For example, SAP system users can be backed up and restored. Likewise, system-specific tables can be backed up before the system copy and restored after the system copy. And all this can also be automated.
Adminsitration passwords (DDIC, DB-Admin, Winadmin), create system snapshots (recovery), perform database import.
The website www.sap-corner.de offers many useful information about SAP basis.
Releasing the consistent disk blocks of the source database - resuming I/O activities or executing the DATABASE END ONLINE BACKUP command.