Re: replication

In article <3d922edc_1_at_mk-nntp-1.news.uk.worldonline.com>, "Paul says...
>
>"Pete Sharman" <peter.sharman_at_oracle.com> wrote in message
>news:amsq030d13_at_drn.newsguy.com...
>> In article <3D90D9E9.C922651D_at_yahoo.com>, Kenneth says...
>> >
>> >Can someone answer a couple of questions?
>> >
>> >1. What is the difference between replication and advanced replication?
>>
>> Zip, zero, nothing.
>>
><snip>
>
>Pete,
>
>Version: 8.1.7.0.0. Platform: Various (mainly HPUX 32 bit). Begging
>permission from the authorities to upgrade to 8.1.7.4; currently awaiting
>clearance.
>
>You may very well be right; I'm not arguing.
>I can make replication work; but I'm darned if I can do the same with AR.
>
>Seriously, I'd welcome the publication of 'Oracle Replication for Dummies'.
>I have tried the concepts manual, but it still leaves me baffled.
>For example, I have successfully created updatable snapshots, but after
>they've been updated at the snapshot site, the next update at the master
>site overwrites all the changes at the snapshot site.
>I know I must doing something stupid, but any pointers would be more than
>welcome.
>
>Flame away, all!
>
>Cheers,
>Paul
>

Now how can I resist an invitation like that? :)

Seriously, the biggest problem with replication is not the technology. That's not particularly easy to use, but then again replication is pretty complex. What's more difficult, particularly in a bi-directional updatable form of replication (i.e. master-updatable snapshot or master-master) is working out the business side. By that I mean deciding who wins with conflict resolution. Sometimes that's easy, sometimes it's very hard.

If you're really working in this area, there are a couple of places I'd recommend looking:

1. Get Dye's book on distributed systems. I think this is an O'Reilly book, but I haven't looked at it for a while so I might be wrong.
2. Read the Replication documentation cover to cover, inside out, backwards and every other way.
3. If you need to get a fast start, then attend the Replication training course. I think it's 5 days still, so in one week you'll get it working and see what sorts of issues you need to address from a business perspective (if the instructor knows their stuff anyway).

HTH. Additions and corrections welcome.

Pete

SELECT standard_disclaimer, witty_remark FROM company_requirements; Received on Wed Sep 25 2002 - 22:03:38 CDT