Summary

Data replication is a powerful feature of SQL Server that can be used in many business situations. Companies can use replication for anything from roll-up reporting to relieving the main server from ad hoc queries and reporting. However, applying it as a high availability solution can be very effective if your requirements match well to its capability. Determining the right replication option and configuration to use is somewhat difficult, whereas actually setting it up is pretty easy. Microsoft has come a long way in this regard. As with scenario #2, if your requirements are not “extreme availability,” this perhaps is one of the options you will make good use of. It is more than production-worthy, and the flexibility it offers and the overall performance is just short of incredible, incredible, incredible (replication humor for you).