Managing Database Conversions

You can use the DGMGRL CONVERT DATABASE command to convert a physical standby database to a snapshot standby database.

A snapshot standby database is a fully updatable standby database.

Like a physical or logical standby database, a snapshot standby database receives and archives redo data from a primary database. However, unlike a physical or logical standby database, a snapshot standby database does not apply the redo data that it receives. The redo data received by a snapshot standby database is not applied until the snapshot standby is converted back into a physical standby database, after first discarding any local updates made to the snapshot standby database.

To convert a physical standby database to a snapshot standby database you must have Flashback Database enabled. The following example shows how to convert a physical standby database to a snapshot standby database:

DGMGRL> CONVERT DATABASE 'South_Sales' TO SNAPSHOT STANDBY;

When you are ready to convert the snapshot back into a physical standby, use the DGMGRL CONVERT DATABASE command as follows:

DGMGRL> CONVERT DATABASE 'South_Sales' TO PHYSICAL STANDBY;