"Why the hell would I do a full export" Because my BOSS told me that we will do it that way. It is NOT our only backup scheme, it is just one piece. We are using autoarchive, we do hot backups, coldbackups, etc. The logical exports are just a piece of our scheme.

I am fully understanding the concept of archive logs, redo logs, full recoverys, etc, etc. AND, I explained these concepts in full detail to my boss.

I am a 24x7 jail. Our system has to be there to assist in inmate control. And, since we have been hit with one tornado already, we have to be prepared to go elsewhere. With an export, all I need is a box and oracle. up time is minimal.

And yes, the exports are copied away to a new location after every export.

Yes, once we get our upgrade to our system done, replication on a different geographcially seperated server will happen, thus negating the need for 6 hour exports.

It all boils down to this Mr. Moderator. When the boss says do it, you do it. Or find new work.

Thank you for the helpful input. One day, I hope to be an Oracle expert such as yourself. Until then, I will just keep learning.