Because RMAN can read and write Oracle ASM files, you can use RMAN to copy data files into and out of Oracle ASM storage or between Oracle ASM disk groups. Native operating system commands such as Linux cp or Windows COPY cannot write or read files in Oracle ASM storage. You can also migrate a fast recovery area to Oracle ASM. If a database currently uses a storage system other than Oracle ASM, then you can migrate all or part of the database into Oracle ASM, thereby simplifying database administration.
Oracle Real Application Clusters (Oracle RAC) databases benefit from Oracle ASM because it provides ready-made shared storage. You do not need a third-party Logical Volume Manager because Oracle ASM manages disks for you. Oracle ASM includes numerous benefits over these storage alternatives, including performance optimization, redundancy protection, and load balancing. Alternatives to Oracle ASM storage include file systems, raw disks, and SAN configurations.
