Database Replication Tool and its Features

When you copy data from a central database to one or several other databases, the process is called data replication. The source database from where data is to be moved is known as the publisher and the intended target database where data is replicated is called the subscriber. All users have access to the same data and records. However, to ensure that the process of data movement is optimized only the best database replication tool must be used.

A database replication tool supports a host of functions that include data security, disaster data recovery and resilience, and business continuity. The software auto-manages the replication process across diverse sources and targets. However, the functioning of a database replication tool is different from a data backup as in replication, not only is the entire database replicated but changes made periodically in the source database are continually updated in the target system.

The Functioning of Database Replication Tool

A database replication tool maintains data consistency for end-users accessing multiple data stores during their usual course of work. The main benefit of replication is that the source database remains in fully functional mode during the process and businesses do not have to resort to downtime or shut down their systems. This is a big help for large enterprises for whom downtime even for a brief period can impact operating efficiencies.

Another advantage of using a database replication tool is business continuity. How does this work? Replication moves data to multiple databases at various locations. In the event of an outage or crash of the primary server, the secondary databases in remote locations are automatically triggered and workflow is not disturbed. When the issue is resolved, the tool works in the reverse direction, updating the primary server with data that was generated in the break period. Data replication is therefore an integral part of archiving and data retention.

Features of a Database Replication Tool

In recent times data initiatives have been supported by data replication tools that provide transactional data delivery in real-time and integrate into data lakes. The top-end replication tools guarantee data policy compliance, continuous data replication with negligible data loss, and recovery and failover of data at all times. They also have facilities for tracking changes in the source database and updating target databases with them, a feature known as Change Data Capture.

What are the areas that users should focus on when choosing an optimized database replication tool?

Here are some of them.

· Replication Continually with multiple recovery points

· Cross-platform replication

· Replication of databases in remote locations

· Automated compliance-based data retention

· Immediate failover and triggering of secondary databases during outage

· Zero data loss and synchronized data replication

· Asynchronous data replication for high performance

· Simultaneous data replication and migration

· Performing separate analytics with multiple data sets.

Keep these aspects in mind when selecting a database replication tool.