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 Import/Export (DTS) and Replication (2000)
 Where can I learn about replication etc ?

Author  Topic 

nathan.russell
Starting Member

13 Posts

Posted - 2004-10-13 : 05:44:27
Hi,

I need to explore the possibilities of making our SQL environment 'highly available'

One option I have (what I like to call 'the poor mans option') is to have a 2nd server on the same LAN, with the data replicated to it. In the event of the primary failing, I can bring up the 2nd, and it will have a near up-to-date copy of the databases (as up to date as my replication schedule allows)
But I cant really find any documentation or anything about replication to be able to decide if its appropriate / practicle.
The impression I get from reading this and other boards is that people dont like it; with people saying things like its hard to setup / maintain / monitor etc. From my limited testing, I also get the impression that the underlying technology in order for this to work is Windows file shares ? Am I right ?

The other technology that I've heard people mention is log shipping - but I know nothing about that ? Where can I find out more information on this or replication ?

The other option I have ('the rich mans option' !) is to setup a proper cluster - 2 (or more) servers, W2K Advanced or Datacenter Server, the cluster service, SQL on both - but importantly, some shared disk where the databases are.
Where can I find information on this ? Anyone doing it ?
Obviously its a better solution that replication / log shipping - but it comes with a price tag, and I need to be able to understand both options in detail and make an appropriate recommendation to my board.

Any help with this would be very much appreciated,

Cheers

Nathan
   

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