Prepare RND and UAT database environment

Snapshot Database provide facility to make RND(Research & Development) and UAT(User Acceptance Testing) environment. If we have several replica servers using oracle data-guard database option then there is always chance to convert Snapshot Database from Physical standby. 

Convert to Snapshot database from Physical Standby database:

Follow the following steps. 

1. Stop Redo Apply, if it is active.

2. On an Oracle Real Applications Cluster (RAC) database, shut down all but one instance.

3. Ensure that the database is mounted, but not open.

4.  Issue the following SQL statement to perform the conversion:

   command:

   SQL> ALTER DATABASE CONVERT TO SNAPSHOT STANDBY;

   We should remember log transport service continue to ship archive_log files from primary to snapshot db. 

   Lifetime of snapshot database after conversion depends on FRA(Fast Recovery Area) size.

   Convert to Physical Standby from Snapshot database:

   Follow the following steps.
   

5. On an Oracle Real Applications Cluster (RAC) database, shut down all but one instance.

6. Ensure that the database is mounted, but not open.

7. Issue the following SQL statement to perform the conversion:

   command:

   SQL> ALTER DATABASE CONVERT TO PHYSICAL STANDBY;

   Reference:

   https://docs.oracle.com/cd/B28359_01/server.111/b28294/manage_ps.htm#i1035175