Controlfile RMAN backup

Question

Hi
If I have configured the RMAN option for controlfile backup using:
RMAN> configure controlfile autobackup on;
Do I still need to do this:
sql "ALTER DATABASE BACKUP CONTROLFILE TO ''${CTRLBKP}''";
I have an RMAN backup script (written by someone else) which issues the above SQL after the backup is completed.
My understanding is that if RMAN is automatically backing up the controlfile, there is no need to run the above SQL.
Please advise.

Answer 1

You don't need to issue a BACKUP CONTROLFILE command
*but*
you need to track the controlfile autobackups that are created.
If you are copying your database and archivelog backups to Tape or a VTL, you must also include the controlfile autobackups into such Tape / VTL backups.
I've come across a few cases where DBAs forget to backup the controlfile autobackups to tape.
Hemant K Chitale