Jurij,
Due to wide area network constraints I am not using Dataguard features such as log_transport/apply. I am simply have a 'mounted standby' and i manually (with a script) transport and apply each log. So this is not failover (if it matters).

My follow up questions are:
1. If i use the standby control file, why can't I simply
ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS;
manual open of a database mounted in standby ?

2. In obtaining and using the production control files, do i just follow the usual clone process, such as:
a) ALTER DATABASE BACKUP CONTROLFILE TO TRACE RESETLOGS;
b) edit it:
CREATE CONTROLFILE REUSE set DATABASE "QA" RESETLOGS ARCHIVELOG
- change directory names where necessary
c) STARTUP NOMOUNT
d) use the script in b) to rebuild the control file
e) ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS

Julian...I need to purchase the Veritas MML Oracle extension in order to use rman to backup to tape (not enought disk) - my management has been warned many times. Once I have rman backups I can duplicate. thanx