Patent ID: 8386462

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for processing queries in a log-shipping physical replication system comprising (i) a primary database server, comprising a primary database; and (ii) a standby database server, comprising a copy of the primary database, wherein the copy of the primary database is replicated from the primary database server, comprising: responsive to a request to generate an index definition for a standby index, generating the index definition for the standby index, by the primary database server; replicating the index definition for the standby index from the primary database server to the standby database server; while the primary database server is actively replicating data to the standby database server, generating the standby index by populating the replicated index definition, by the standby database server, wherein the standby index pertains to operations performed by the standby database server and wherein the standby index is distinct from any indices on the standby database server replicated from the primary database server and pertaining to the primary database; accessing the standby index by the standby database server to retrieve results responsive to a query; and outputting the retrieved results by operation of one or more computer processors.