What is the role of "backup catalog" in HANA?

The backup catalog in HANA plays a crucial role in ensuring systematic management of database backups. By keeping track of all backups taken, it facilitates efficient management of restore operations. This includes maintaining records of backup times, types, and locations, which are essential for database administrators when a restore operation is necessary due to data loss or corruption. The catalog helps streamline the restore process by providing a clear history of what backups are available, allowing for selective restoration to specific points in time.

This function is fundamental in maintaining data integrity and availability. In a scenario where rapid recovery is required, the backup catalog significantly reduces the complexity and time involved in retrieving the necessary backup files. Its importance cannot be understated in environments that demand high availability and reliability, as it directly influences how quickly and effectively a database can be restored to its operational state.

Other options do not accurately describe the primary function of the backup catalog; they pertain to different aspects of database management that are not the focus of backup and restoration.