Hi

I would always prefer RMAN over dd.dd is less complicated agree..but for a incremental complexity look at the features you get

backup database will backup your complete database
restore database will restore the complete database

go to metalink and refer docid on

243760.1

and let me know which one you prefer.

If you ask my opinion since your are on 9i.I would say RMAN RMAN RMAN..no to DD..been there done it.

If you have any special requirement let me know on why you prefer dd over RMAN.

dd would be preferred in oracle7.3 OPS database certainly not for 9i..no way

regards
Hrishy