Avoid read-only access at physical standby

Question

Hi!
DB=11.2.0.2
when I start the standby with
SQL> startup
the db is open read-only.
Is there a way to configure the db so that startup command only mounts the db and start redo apply?
this is the config:
DGMGRL> show configuration verbose;
Configuration - w
Protection Mode: MaxPerformance
Databases:
w_01 - Primary database
w_02 - (*) Physical standby database
(*) Fast-Start Failover target
Properties:
FastStartFailoverThreshold = '30'
OperationTimeout = '30'
FastStartFailoverLagLimit = '30'
CommunicationTimeout = '180'
FastStartFailoverAutoReinstate = 'TRUE'
FastStartFailoverPmyShutdown = 'TRUE'
BystandersFollowRoleChange = 'ALL'
Fast-Start Failover: ENABLED
Threshold: 30 seconds
Target: w_02
Observer: ora
Lag Limit: 30 seconds
Shutdown Primary: TRUE
Auto-reinstate: TRUE
Configuration Status:
SUCCESS
DGMGRL> show database w_02
Database - w_02
Role: PHYSICAL STANDBY
Intended State: APPLY-ON
Transport Lag: 0 seconds
Apply Lag: 0 seconds
Real Time Query: OFF
Instance(s):
w
Database Status:
SUCCESS
br
Daniel

Answer 1

If Data Guard is setup correctly the application is not losing data, you cannot read from it, but it will apply logs:
Ex.
/home/oracle:STANDBY >sqlplus "/ as sysdba"
SQL> select * from BIGSHOW.CUSTOMER;
select * from BIGSHOW.CUSTOMER
ERROR at line 1:
ORA-01219: database not open: queries allowed on fixed tables/views only
So even as the SYS user I cannot read from my test user's tables.
ORA-01219 is expected when the standby is in this state.
You can open READ ONLY if you have Active Data Guard, but generally that will cost you extra.
OR, you can do thing to check your data:
To open a standby database for read-only access when it is currently performing managed recovery:
Cancel log apply services:
SQL> ALTER DATABASE RECOVER MANAGED STANDBY DATABASE CANCEL;
Open the database for read-only access:
SQL> ALTER DATABASE OPEN READ ONLY;
At some point you have start the recovery again, you probably don't have an issue.
If you want more peace of mind on this you have to setup a test Data Guard system and bang on it.
Best Regards
mseberg