OBIEE 12c : Export and Import Service Instance (BAR) files

This is once of the best features in OBIEE 12c, FYI my system is on 12.2.1.1. The way you can
export your RPD, catalog, security model all at once without you having to worry about going to
places and backing up files is just AWESOME.

I will keep it as simple as possible, BI Application Archive Files (BAR) are just like zip files but
in BI application readable format. The basic idea behind this concept is to enable us to migrate
the RPD, Catalog and Security Model all at once, to keep it simple. Its a command line utility
and there is no other way around it.

First thing is to understand that it is a WebLogic Scripting Tool (WLST) utility, and can be
executed only against it. To open a WLST command line utility open the below location on
command prompt.

[ORACLE_HOME]/oracle_common/common/bin/

and run the file wlst.sh using the ./wlst.sh

Now before we start we need to know few details like DOMAIN_HOME, Service Instance
Name, Administrator Username/Password which are already available as part of installation.
Now we need two directories (for export) one for TempWorkSpace and other for saving the
Exported BAR file.

Giving mine for an idea

DOMAIN_HOME = /oracle/systems/apps/Middleware/Oracle_Home/user_projects/domains/bi

Service Instance Name = ssi (definitely this one if dont know what it is)

you can find the same using the listBIServiceInstances('[DOMAIN_HOME') command where it
will display the key.

Work Dir = /userhome/oracle/Desktop/BARWorkDir

Export Dir = /userhome/oracle/Desktop/BARExpDir

We have prepared enough and now its time for action, Invoke the wlst.sh file and it will start in
offline mode, dont worry about offline lets take it for another day. Today only concentrate on
import and export Service instances.

The magical commands at last exportServiceInstance() and importServiceInstance() ,

definitely not expected them to be so simple when they are doing so much.

All the wlst commands are case sensitive so you must remember them as is. Let s see how to use.
exportServiceInstance()

Obviously this will export the service instance with RPD, Webcatalog and security info without
any question, but we will need to specify some parameters to it, there are 9 of them, 4 mandatory.

1st -- DOMAIN _HOME

2nd -- Service Insatnce Name
3rd -- Work Dir
4th -- Export Dir
5th -- No Use as of now, Future Use
6th -- no Use as of now, Future Use
7th -- no Use as of now, Future Use
8th -- true or false ( will decide on exporting user specific info like personal folders etc)
9th -- Password for exporting DB credentials, if not given then DB details are not exported

Now we can either go for 1-4 and leave rest as below

exportServiceInstance('/oracle/systems/apps/Middleware/Oracle_Home/user_projects/domains/b
i','ssi','/userhome/oraclebi/Desktop/BARWorkDir','/userhome/oraclebi/Desktop/BARExpDir')

or leave the 6,7 and 8 as blanks and give 8th and 9th as below

exportServiceInstance('/oracle/systems/apps/Middleware/Oracle_Home/user_projects/domains/b
i','ssi','/userhome/oraclebi/Desktop/BARWorkDir','/userhome/oraclebi/Desktop/BARExpDir','','','
',true,'Admin123')

Both the cases a Folder is created in Export Dir, with data and time as folder name with a file
generally as ssi.bar , You are done by the way.

importServiceInstance()

So no more explaining on what it does, we look at how to get it done directly. Even import
command needs some parameters 7 on the whole and 3 mandatory

1st -- DOMAIN_HOME
2nd -- Service Instance Name
3rd -- BAR file location with name
4th - Boolean to import RPD
5th -- Boolean to import Catalog
6th -- Boolean for User info
7th -- Password for DB credentials import

Now lets just use 3 , to get the RPD and catalog imported as below
importServiceInstance('/oracle/systems/apps/Middleware/Oracle_Home/user_projects/domains/
bi','ssi','/userhome/oracle/Desktop/BARExpDir/20161130_151519/ssi.bar')

To get everything imported from BAR file use below

importServiceInstance('/oracle/systems/apps/Middleware/Oracle_Home/user_projects/domains/b
i','ssi','/userhome/oraclebi/Desktop/BARExpDir/20161130_151519/ssi.bar','true','true','true','Adm
in123')

You can change the 4,5 & 6 Boolean parameters as per your need. Oracle doesn't say anything
about restarts after the Import but i did notice some inconsistencies it can be anything may not be
even related at all, but i did a restart of services. You can too if had a chance.