To back up and restore block storage databases, use either method:
Automated database backup and restore and transaction logging and replay
Backup and restore provides the equivalent functionality of manually backing up and restoring a database. When a backed-up database is restored, transactions that occurred after the backup procedure are not recovered. However, with transaction logging and replay, post-backup transactions are captured and can be replayed. Thus, a backed-up database can be recovered to the most-recent state before the interruption occurred.
Using the database backup and restore and transaction logging and replay features eliminates the need for various manual steps and, therefore, enables administrators to back up and recover databases more efficiently. Oracle recommends incorporating these features in your backup and recovery strategy.
See:
Manual backup and restore
Essbase customers who have designed a backup and restore strategy that uses manual procedures and who do not need the functionality of transaction logging and replay can continue using their manual strategy.