Best Data Replication Software

Data replication can work in two ways: either the creation of a single copy of the existing data, or a continuous process. If data is replicated once, then the process simply ends there. However, the most common type of data replication is ongoing replication, which allows for the updates of the copies as the original changes.

Data is most often stored by being distributed among various different systems. Within the various systems, data gets separated into fragments and each fragment is stored on a different node. How data replication works is by gathering these fragments that are spread out in different places and making a replica of them that is then sent to a different server. Thus, a user can ensure not only that their data is secured and that if a fragment on the original fails, there will be a copy of it, but that a replica will be available to other users who may use different sources to access the data.

There are different types of data replication, including:

• Full-table
• Key-based
• Log-based
• Snapshot
• Merge

In order to replicate data, users may rely on a variety of data replication software, specialized for their needs and for the type of replication that they want to perform.

Data replication software is the software used to create different types of replicas of data. Depending on the software users select, they can also benefit from additional functions other than just a copy: there can be options for recovery in a state of emergency and various types of sharing options, as well as continuous data protection.

A company could have their own data replication software or the database they use might have replication tools. It is also possible to use third-party software. Many data replication software offerings are compatible with several databases at the same time, which gives users the opportunity to use their solutions across various databases.

Data replication and data backup may sound similar, but this is a common misconception. While, in an emergency, data replication could serve as a backup, this is not its main purpose.

The backup of data is the creation of a copy of it and then transferring the copy to a completely different source, to ensure that a current copy of the data exists and that if something happens to the main server where the original is stored, it will be possible to recover the losses. Data backup can be done during various stages, including at regular backup times or while the data is being worked with, in order to ensure that a permanent copy of it is saved in a separate place and can be accessed there if necessary.

Through data replication, on the other hand, data is copied and then moved between servers and different storage places, allowing users to access the same constantly-updating replicas of the data through their devices all at the same time. While replicated data can serve as a backup option as well, the purpose of data replication is not to provide a secure copy, but rather to distribute the data across a company, allowing different servers to store and access the information.

The prompt recovery of current data is possible through replication because the replica is updated simultaneously with the original. In contrast, data backup offers a static copy of some version of the original, stored somewhere where nothing can affect it. The two processes serve different needs and can be performed without affecting each other. If a company wants to secure its data while providing it in different locations, then it can benefit from both backup and replication, to ensure both the full protection and accessibility of its information. Different data replication software services also allow for varieties of backups for replicated data.

There are several benefits to the data replication process. Some of these include:

• Availability: Organizations with networks across different physical locations can highly benefit from data replication. For these organizations, data replication is important so that organization members are able to access up-to-date replicas of the original from anywhere.
  
• Recovery of updated data: Unlike data backup, which makes a copy of the data at a certain period of time for safekeeping, data replication updates frequently. Some software even allows for a complete synchronization between originals and replicas. Then, in case of any server failure or other emergency situation, this replicated data can serve as a recovery for the original, while also providing a current version with all updates of the data.
  
• Improvement of server performance: Data replication allows companies to provide copies of data on multiple different servers. This offers users the opportunity to access it more quickly than if it was all stored in one place; the number of incoming users would slow down the server. Data replication is important for the performance of the network as it allows users from different places to access data in different locations, possibly closer to their physical locations, thus reducing loading time and providing efficiency.
  
• Ability to perform real-time analytics: The synchronization of data replication can allow companies to extract data from different sources and use it to analyze certain metrics. Data replication allows for quick access to the analysis of the same data performed on different sources, giving companies insight into how they can change or improve their performance.