This should be done about once a month. A cold backup is required of the Oracle data file directories; by default, /data01, /data02, /data03, /data04, /data05, and /data06 for Linux and \oradata for Windows. Cold backups require Oracle to be shut down, thereby disrupting the Portal’s availability. Perform a cold backup, then back up (export) the database tables on a more regular basis (nightly is recommended). In addition to monthly cold backups, a cold backup is recommended after a significant software upgrade to capture the updated database schema. See Perform a Cold Backup of the Database.

The reporting database should be exported nightly. Exports do not require Oracle to be shut down. See Backing Up the Oracle Reporting Database.