Pawan, We have AIX (5.2), EMC storage, Oracle9i (9.2.0.5.0) RAC (3 nodes). Yes, RAC works only with RAW files. I use RMAN to backup Production database. I create development database using Production backup(done by RMAN) in NON-RAC system. All my development databases are using FILE SYSTEM (not RAW). RMAN backup is done at block-level therefore it does not matter whether you are backing up RAW datafiles or FILE SYSTEM datafiles. Since RAW files name are not Oracle standand, I have created a SOFT LINK to create datafiles. For example: RAW FILE: /dev/sys1_1024m /dev/rsys1_1024m DATAFILE (Soft Link): $ ln -s /dev/rsys1_1024m /u01/oracle/oradata/prod/prod_raw_system_1_1024m.dbf Now my datafile name in Production database is /u01/oracle/oradata/prod/prod_raw_system_1_1024m.dbf. I strongly advise you to put the size in RAW file name because you can not find out the size of RAW file. I am using OEM, you do not need any third party software. You have to know lot of GV$ views. Muqthar Oracle9i Ceritified DBA -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of pawan.dalmia@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 12:05 AM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Oracle RAC Hi We are implementing Oracle Apps 11.5.9(CRM). There will approx 1000 user at any point of time. We are planning to implement Oracle 9i RAC. I am sure that Common Storage (SAN etc)is mandatory for RAC but i am getting contradictory views on whether raw file system is compulsary or not. List can u help me on this.Also if raw file system is manadatory then is there any 3rd party tool avilable which can help in managing of file on raw file system taht is how can i see free space avilable on server , backup commands other then dd.moving or copying of files etc Our platform is AIX 5.2 (P690 machines) and EMC storage box Regards Pawan Dalmia Oracle DBA-Business Intelligence Desk-566 Cell 9819718753 -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l * * * * * * * * * The information contained in this E-mail message is privileged, confidential, and may be protected from disclosure; please be aware that any other use, printing,copying, disclosure or dissemination of this communication may be subject to legal restriction or sanction. If you think that you have received this E-mail message in error, please reply to the sender and delete it from your computer. Thank you. -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l