How Can Data Replication Software Optimize Your Business Operations

The activity of copying data from a centralized database to one or more databases is called replication. There are two aspects here – the Publisher and the Subscriber. The central or the source database is known as the Publisher since it provides data to users working at various sites and remote locations. The data at the source is replicated to target databases in other locations and all users regardless of whether they are linked to a publisher or a subscriber (target database) have the same data and records to work with. A Subscriber may be connected (file server) or disconnected (laptop)to a remote site.

Data replication software has multiple uses like ensuring data security, business continuity, and support to disaster recovery and resilience as the software quickly replicates data to a location not linked to the source. Data replication software is not to be confused with data backups as it can update changed databases regularly at pre-fixed intervals.

What is the importance of data replication software in the modern business ecosystem?

Optimized data replication software can do wonders for any business such as undertaking data migration from hybrid systems or real-time analytics of data. But before acquiring one, careful thought should be given to the overall functionalities and the cost of acquisition.

A very critical reason for having data replication software is to make sure that businesses have backups and copies of database systems thereby protecting data in case of a breach or outage. It might seem that taking a snapshot of the data is enough for this purpose but then there is also the need to continuously update any changes and modifications at the source to the target database. This is where data replication software comes in handy as it keeps databases in sync regardless of the location of the source and the target databases.

The ability of the software to replicate data at multiple locations is best used in case of an outage or crash of hardware mainly of the primary server. When this happens, secondary databases that have been continually updated by the data replication software are automatically triggered and there is no downtime. When the issue is resolved, the failover feature works in the reverse direction and the primary server is updated with changes that occurred during the break period. The status quo is therefore restored.

Choosing the right data replication software will optimize your operating efficiencies as it caters to various functionalities like quick synchronization and movement of data between databases and data warehouses. Data integration in real-time combined with non-invasive and log-based change data capture is also possible, resulting in reduced data warehousing costs and increased availability and accessibility to information. Hence select data replication software that is available with Changed Data Capture technology as it helps easily detect and capture changed data from all sources.