Introduction to convert syntax in oracle10g

Starting from 10g, Rman added the syntax of convert, which allows database files to be replicated across versions, starting with the operating system and the platform being no longer limited to database physical files.

Oracle-supported convertible platforms can be queried in the V$transportable_platform view:

SQL> SELECT * FROM V$TRANSPORTABLE_PLATFORM;
PLATFORM_ID PLATFORM_NAME ENDIAN_FORMAT
----------- ---------------------------------------- --------------
1 Solaris[tm] OE (32-bit) Big
2 Solaris[tm] OE (64-bit) Big
7 Microsoft Windows IA (32-bit) Little
10 Linux IA (32-bit) Little
6 AIX-Based Systems (64-bit) Big
3 HP-UX (64-bit) Big
5 HP Tru64 UNIX Little
4 HP-UX IA (64-bit) Big
11 Linux IA (64-bit) Little
15 HP Open VMS Little
8 Microsoft Windows IA (64-bit) Little
9 IBM zSeries Based Linux Big
13 Linux 64-bit for AMD Little
16 Apple Mac OS Big
12 Microsoft Windows 64-bit for AMD Little
17 Solaris Operating System (x86) Little
18 IBM Power Based Linux Big
20 Solaris Operating System (AMD64) Little
19 HP IA Open VMS Little

19 rows have been selected.

Oracle supports converting data files to data file formats on these platforms.

SQL> host
$ rman target /

Recovery manager: Release 10.2.0.3.0-production on Thursday March 5 01:36:55 2009

Copyright (c) 1982, +, Oracle. All rights reserved.

Connect to target database: Testrac (dbid=4291216984)

rman> convert tablespace ' TEST ' to platform ' Linux 64-bit for AMD '

2> format '/data/backup/%t_%n_%n.dbf ';