Beginning, Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Administration

Chapter 13. Introduction to Replication

As the amount of data we store increases, so does the need for making that data available. Many of us want to access our data from any place, at any time, and from any device. And we work for companies that have a global presence, or a mobile sales force. We can increase the accessibility of our data through SQL Server Replication.

This chapter is designed to provide you with a high-level understanding of SQL Server Replication. You will learn about the different replication methods and tools that are available in SQL Server 2008, including replication components and the physical and logical design options for replication.

Replication Overview

I may be dating myself by using the analogy, but replication is similar to how the print media operates. 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 (although SQL distributors don't usually expect a tip during the holidays), or they can go to the distributor to pick up the publication – not unlike ...