Abstract: Stored data are transported between different systems having different platforms by converting the format of the stored data into a common format either before or after transmitting the stored data from the source database system to the target database system. The common format may be a format that is universal in that the common format is not machine dependent. The stored data may be kept in the common format at the target database system and never converted to another format. Optionally, the stored data may be converted from the common format to a format associated with the target database system, thereby facilitating backward compatibility. A tool may be provided for performing the conversion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a target database on a target platform based on a source database on a source platform is provided. A target database is created on the target platform based on data, metadata (for example, data in the system tablespace and control files), and external objects (for example, password files and externally stored tables) comprised within the source database. Data and metadata stored in tablespaces of the source database are converted to the format compatible with the target platform. The conversion of the data and metadata may be performed either at the source database or the target database. Redo information and undo information of the source database are not copied from the source database to the target database. Certain files, e.g., a password files, and links to externally stored object may be recreated on the target database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a target database on a target platform based on a source database on a source platform is provided. A target database is created on the target platform based on data, metadata (for example, data in the system tablespace and control files), and external objects (for example, password files and externally stored tables) comprised within the source database. Data and metadata stored in tablespaces of the source database are converted to the format compatible with the target platform. The conversion of the data and metadata may be performed either at the source database or the target database. Redo information and undo information of the source database are not copied from the source database to the target database. Certain files, e.g., a password files, and links to externally stored object may be recreated on the target database.

Abstract: Stored data, such as tablespaces, are transported between different systems having different platforms by converting the format of the stored data into a common format either before or after transmitting the stored data from the source database system to the target database system. The common format may be a format that is universal in that the common format is not machine dependent. The stored data may be kept in the common format at the target database system and never converted to another format. Optionally, the stored data may be converted from the common format to a format associated with the target database system, thereby facilitating backward compatibility. A tool may be provided for performing the conversion. In an embodiment each of the target and source database systems have a copy of the tool.