Navision, SQL and sychronization

Tcrawford

Navision 3.70, SQL database.

My shop has 5 countries connected to one central location. Same SQL server, separate databases. They connect via citrix. We want to setup a redundancy or synchronization of each countries database locally, as a backup for lost communications.


Does anyone have experince with doing this with SQL or possibly another software. What issue, limitation are there with Navision and/or SQL?


Thank you in advance for the help. :-k

bbrown

First a comment: If the only thing you are trying to protect against is a communications failure, I would consider building some redundancy into your data communications network.

The high-availability options for SQL Server are focused on keeping the databases available and are generally independent of the applications.

1. Fail-Over Clustering

(Very Expensive). Requires specific certified hardware and high versions of Windows Server and SQL Server.

This would not solve your data communication issue, as the redundant servers must be close. Unless you use a third party solution that supports stretch clusters. (very expensive).

2. Log Shipping

This is probably the most cost effective solution for providing a standby SQL server at a remote site. It requires no special hardware or software. (SQL Enterprise does make it easier).

It does require a trained staff and documented procedures to handle the failover and recover to main systems.

3. Transaction Replication

This requires changes to the actual database and an indepth knowedge of the applications data structure and SQL. I would not suggest this solution for use with Navision.

To determine your solution, answer the following questions:

1. How much downtime is exceptable? There is no such thing as 100% uptime.

2. How much are you willing to invest for this level of uptime. Some of the solutions can be very expensive, but you business may justify them.

3. The abilities of your staff. Less automated solutions may require a more technically trained staff.

4. What about the rest of your data environment?

I hope this information is helpful. I would suggest you download and read the SQL Server 2000 High Availability Planning Guide. It is available on the Microsoft website.