Configuring and Maintaining Replication

The replication documentation is divided into a number of sections. It is recommended that you first look through one or more of the following scenarios to understand how replication can support your application and business requirements:

  • The section Replicating Data in a Server to Server Environment provides a set of scenarios for replicating data between servers. Scenarios include:
    • Improving scalability and availability
    • Data warehousing and reporting
    • Integrating data from multiple sites
    • Integrating heterogeneous data
    • Offloading batch processing
  • The section Replicating Data Between a Server and Clients provides a set of scenarios for replicating data between servers and clients, including workstations, laptops, tablets, and devices. Scenarios include:
    • Exchanging data with mobile users
    • Retail point of sale (POS) applications
    • Integrating data from multiple sites

You can then use the chapter on configuring and maintaining replication for detailed conceptual, procedural, and reference information on all replication features. This section covers all replication features and includes information about configuring and administering replication through replication wizards, Replication Monitor, and SQL Server Management Studio. For information and examples of programming replication with stored procedures, Replication Management Objects (RMO), and agent executables, see Replication Programming.

Topic Description

Replication Publishing Model Overview

Describes the replication publishing model, which includes Publishers, Subscribers, publications, subscriptions, and articles.

Types of Replication Overview

Describes the three types of replication: snapshot, transactional, and merge. Provides information about which types of replication are appropriate for different applications.

Replication Agents Overview

Describes the replication agents, which are programs that carry out the tasks associated with tracking changes and distributing data.

Implementing Replication

Describes the steps for implementing replication, including: configuring Publishers and Distributors; creating publications; and creating different types of subscriptions. Explains the options available with each type of replication. Provides information about: issues to consider before implementing replication; and backwards compatibility of replication features.

Administering Replication

Provides information on: monitoring replication topologies; techniques for optimizing replication performance; backing up and restoring replicated databases; and upgrading replicated databases.

Security Considerations for Replication

Discusses: the replication agent security model; securing the Distributor, Publisher, and Subscribers; securing the snapshot folder; and role requirements for replication configuration and administration.

Advanced Replication Features and Internals

Provides information on how replication works and advanced replication features.

Troubleshooting Replication

Provides information on: troubleshooting tools; diagnosing and resolving replication issues; and cause and resolution information for a number of replication error messages.

Replication How To

Provides procedural information for configuring and maintaining replication with replication wizards, Replication Monitor, and SQL Server Management Studio.

See Also

Concepts

SQL Server Replication

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance