"Backup/restore" and "export/import" are both homogeneous system copies, as long as the OS/DBMS platform remain the same (not counting version upgrades of either). They are just different ways of achieving the copy. "Export/import" is required for heterogeneous copies (where OS and/or DBMS change entirely), but is optional for homogeneous (in most cases). I have done both, and I don't actually think the "export/import" method is easier. It's not much more difficult, but it is a little bit more involved than the "backup/restore" method, and has more opportunities for errors to occur. Also, as you say, it involves source system downtime, whereas the "backup/restore" method does not.
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