Beginning SQL Server™ 2005 Administration

Chapter 16. Introduction to Replication

The world is getting smaller. When it comes to communications, faraway places don't seem so far away anymore. Many of us work for companies that have a global presence, or a mobile sales force. We need to be able to provide access to data and services wherever our users are. SQL Server can provide a way to increase the availability of your data and applications through the use of replication.

This chapter presents an overview of how replication works. You will learn about the different SQL Server replication components, as well as learning about the physical and logical design options for replication.

Replication Overview

SQL Server replication operates similarly to print media. In fact, many of the terms used in replication are also used with newspaper and magazine distribution. Replication begins at the server known as the publisher. Just as a newspaper collects articles its readership is interested in, the publisher compiles and arranges data into articles, and one or more articles are included in a publication. To get data to subscribers, the newspaper needs to employ a distributor.

In SQL Server replication, just as in the newspaper business, the subscribers can choose to have the distributor deliver the publication to them, or they can go to the distributor to pick up the publication. This is not unlike going to a newsstand or your favorite coffee shop and picking up a newspaper. SQL Server also allows you to specify whether the publisher ...