Selecting a database synchronization solution

Hello,

I am currently investigating several possible solutions to our database synchronization / replication problem. Basically, we have a SFA app to which we need to add synchronization functionality. We support Oracle 7 and 8, MS SQL Server 6.5 and 7.0, and IBM DB/2.

Here is a basic user scenario: We have the "master" database at the main office, and Ned has our app and Personal Oracle Lite loaded on his laptop. He makes a sale, or a new contact, etc., and enters the data into our app. He then wants to synchronize his new data with the master, and also get the latest data from the master. It would be convenient for him to initiate the synchronization process on demand.

Our requirements are:

• bi-directional synchronization
• transactional integrity
• minimal or no changes to data model
• prefer NOT to use ODBC (native support for the above DBMSs)

So far, it is between PeerDirect Replication Engine (PDRE), Data Junction, and Synchrologic. I know that Synchrologic meets our requirements, but it would be foolish not to investigate other solutions when making such a monumental decision, especially consider- cost and time needed for integration.

Specifically, I need to know:

 Does PDRE *require* ODBC? I have not been able to get a straight  answer to this question anywhere!

 How does Data Junction handle synchronization (store-and-forward?),  and how customizable is the process? How does it handle conflicts?

 Is Data Junction really "geared towards" synchronization? It seems to  do a zillion things, and synchronization was just an after-thought.

I am, so far, not impressed with Data Junction. The installer was broken, the interface is confusing, and the setup has been very complex. Does anyone have experience with a successful implementation of synchronization using Data Junction? I still have not ruled it out as an alternative, but I need more information.

If anyone out there has information, suggestions, advice, URLs, FAQs, experiences, etc., I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
ben

PS -- Sorry about the crosspost, but I could not find a newsgroup that

      is specific to replication/synchronization in general.

--
Benjamin Foster
fosterbt_at_yahoo.com
Please CC any replies to my email address.

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't. Received on Mon Sep 20 1999 - 17:59:31 CDT