Description
Data replication technology ensures that the backup system immediately applies all changes to a production database. The replicated backup database is always a consistent and complete copy of the production database. Should the production system fail, applications can restart immediately on the backup system; processing then continues with minimal interruption to users.
Imagine that you are bidding for a contract to implement a major transaction-processing application using Microsoft’s SQL Server database manager on a large Windows server. The production SQL Server database will be stored on an EMC Symmetrix Storage Area Network (SAN). The production system will be located in Columbus, OH.
To maintain user services in the event of a disaster that takes down the production site, the company intends to locate a disaster recovery site in Chicago. It will use data replication to keep the database at the Chicago backup site synchronized with the production site in Columbus. While acting as a backup, the system also will be used to support query processing and reporting.
The proposed service level agreement calls for the backup system with an RTO of 1 hour and an RPO of 5 minutes. Identify some commercially available replication engines that will satisfy the needs of this system. You can start your search with the following list of popular replication engines, then research new replication engines on your own.
EMC’s SRDF Data-Replication Engine (http://www.availabilitydigest.com/public_articles/0604/srdf.pdf)Links to an external site.
Flexible Availability Options with GoldenGate’s Transactional Data Management Platform (TDM) (http://www.availabilitydigest.com/public_articles/0202/goldengate.pdf)Links to an external site.
HP’s NonStop Synchronous Gateway (http://www.availabilitydigest.com/public_articles/0406/hp_srg.pdf)Links to an external site.
Master/Slave Replication with Continuent’s Tungsten (http://www.availabilitydigest.com/public_articles/0405/continuent_tungsten.pdf)Links to an external site.
Neverfail for Windows Applications (http://www.availabilitydigest.com/public_articles/0506/neverfail.pdf)Links to an external site.
Replicating Windows and Linux Environments with Double-Take (http://www.availabilitydigest.com/public_articles/0408/doubletake.pdf)Links to an external site.
Shadowbase – The Active/Active Solution (http://www.availabilitydigest.com/public_articles/0203/shadowbase.pdf)
Select one replication engine to propose in your bid. Other students in the course represent competing companies bidding for the same contract. Describe the engine you chose, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and explain why you would implement a synchronous or asynchronous architecture based on the business’ needs. Present a convincing argument that the engine you selected is the best solution.
