Data Integration

How to Select the Right Data Replication Software

This blog discusses data replication, its various methods and patterns. It also talks about various types of data replication software in the market and how you should go about selecting replication software that is appropriate for you. We also discuss the BryteFlow data replication software and the benefits it offers. How BryteFlow Works

Quick Links

How does data replication help?

As the King said in Alice in Wonderland, “Begin at the beginning,” and so this blog on data replication software should start by explaining what data replication is all about. In the simplest terms data replication is all about making copies of the same data in various locations i.e. making replicas of it. Replicas can be copying of data between hosts in different locations, copying to different storage devices on the same system, replicating data between two on-premise hosts, replicating from an on-premise host to a Cloud-based host and vice versa etc. Then again, frequency and volume of the replication can differ – it can be done in batches, as a bulk replication, or even in real-time. Database Replication Made Easy – 6 Powerful Tools

Data replication for disaster recovery
Data replication offers a means of keeping your data safe, secure, backed up and available for whatever purpose you may have for it. Having multiple copies of synced data ensures that even if something nasty happens (hardware breakdowns, calamities, hacking, virus attacks etc.) your data is still available to you via the multiple copies or backups you have. This also helps organizations keep in line with organizational compliance and governance policies. The Complete Guide to Real-Time Data Replication

Data replication for faster access
Multiple copies on multiple servers means data can be accessed faster, especially if data is located in multiple geographical locations. Rather than a user in Europe accessing data on a US server (which may lead to latency issues), the data could be replicated to a server in Europe which would make access faster and reduce load on the network. SQL Server CDC for Real-Time Data Replication

Data replication to enhance the server performance
Data replication can optimize the performance of your servers. DBAs can reserve the primary server for resource-intensive write operations while directing users to a replica for conducting read operations. Postgres CDC and 6 Easy Methods to Capture Data Changes

Data replication for data analytics
Data replication enables data from multiple sources including data repositories, transactional data, applications and databases to be transferred to data warehouses where it can be subjected to real-time analytics with BI tools to drive business insights and enable informed decisions. SingleStore DB – Real-Time Analytics Made Easy

Data replication helps in collaborative working
Data replication by virtue of the multiple copies it seamlessly makes and distributes, encourages collaboration, concurrent working and sharing among teams, making for a more innovative, efficient organization. Oracle CDC: 13 Things to Know

What are the different methods of replicating data?

Data replication consists of 3 basic methods – Log-Based incremental replication, Key-Based incremental replication and Full Table replication. Let us examine all three one by one.

Log-based Incremental Replication
With log-based incremental replication, changes that happen in a database are deduced from information of the database log file and replicated to a destination database. This method is efficient but needs to be supported by the source database. This includes databases such as Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server and MySQL. Why Log-Based CDC wins hands down

This method is ideal when it is used for a fairly static database rather than one with frequent additions and deletions of database columns and changes in data types. For such changes the log-based system needs to be reconfigured to reflect changes which can be a time-consuming task. In such a situation it may be advisable to use Key-based or Full table replication. Of course, exceptions exist, for instance with BryteFlow data replication software (which mainly uses log-based CDC), it creates schema and tables automatically on destination to reflect the source structure and does not need coding at all. About BryteFlow Ingest

Key-based Incremental Replication
Key-based incremental replication works by replicating data using a replication key. The replication key is a column in the database table and could be an integer, ID, timestamp or float. During the data replication process, the replication software gets the maximum value of the replication key column and stores it. In the next replication cycle the tool compares the maximum value stored with the maximum value of the source column. If the stored maximum value in the software is less or equal to the maximum value of the source column, the changes will be replicated by the replication software, so that finally the source’s maximum value is reflected as the stored value.

For every key-based replication job, the process is repeated to identify changes at source. Though this method is a lot like log-based replication, it has some drawbacks, for e.g. it cannot identify deletes at source, since when a column is deleted the replication key is also deleted. Also, it can give rise to duplicate entries if some records have the same replication key values. However, this method is helpful where log-based replication is not possible or supported. CDC with BryteFlow

Full Table Replication
In full table replication all the data in the source database including existing, updated and fresh data is copied to the destination. Full table replication is ideal when you need to create an exact copy in a different location to enable loading of content for users situated in different regions. Full table replication creates an exact mirror of the source, and you are assured no data is missing. It can also detect hard deletes at the source, which is another feature that is useful if records are being hard-deleted regularly, or if the source does not have an appropriate column for key-based replication. Database Replication Made Easy – 6 Powerful Tools

There are certain limitations however, for e.g. full table replication needs more processing power and creates more pressure and load on the network, since all the data at source is being replicated rather than just the data that has changed. This aspect will also increase the replication cost depending on the replication software you use, since some software calculates charges based on the number of rows copied and costs increase accordingly if the whole table (more rows) is being copied. The Easy Way to CDC from Multi-Tenant Databases

Data Replication Modes

Besides these basic methods, there are different replication modes depending on how data is distributed, copied and how it will be used.

Synchronous Replication
Synchronous replication is a database replication mode where two or more databases share the same data always, at any given point in time. It’s particularly used in scenarios where quick access to data is required like social media channels and online banking and payment systems. Synchronous replication ensures security and the latest updated data, since all changes on the source database are reflected on all replica databases. SQL Server to Postgres – A Step-by-Step Migration Journey

Asynchronous Replication
Asynchronous replication involves keeping copies or replicas of the data in different locations, but they need not necessarily be the same and have exactly the same data. If there is a change on one database, there might be a time lag before it is reflected on other replicas. Asynchronous replication is suitable for applications that do not need to access data fast, for e.g. data used for reporting or analytics. This replication pattern is more flexible since data in one location can be updated without waiting for other replicas to reflect the changes as well. SQL Server to Snowflake in 4 Easy Steps

Snapshot Replication
Snapshot replication works by replicating the entire database or a snapshot of it at any given time. This pattern does not continuously capture changes to data and is useful in cases where data does not change very often and where you don’t need the latest data all the time. For e.g. a quarterly report to investors in a company. Snapshot replication can be set up fast and is good for reporting or analytics use cases. Oracle to Snowflake: Everything You Need to Know

Real-Time Database Replication
Real-time database replication is a pattern where changes happening in one database are copied into another database in near real-time. This ensures the databases have the same, most current data and is indicated for applications that need real-time data. Use cases for real-time data replication are many, including online banking, retail transactions, health monitoring devices, credit card fraud detection, social media posts, disaster recovery, predicting equipment failure and creating predictive maintenance models -the list goes on. The Complete Guide to Real-Time Data Replication

Merge Replication
Merge Replication enables multiple databases to aggregate changes independently and then merges them. This is used in scenarios where there are multiple users, every user works with a local copy of the database and then syncs the changes with the main server. A case in point could be surveys being done in the field with every team member feeding data into their local database and syncing the data later when they return. Oracle Replication in Real-time, Step by Step

How to select Data Replication Software

Data replication software is a broad term that encompasses a lot of types. Which one you select will be based on the volume of data you have, size of your organization, whether it is global or local, number and type of sources, and your destination. Are you doing a Cloud migration or just on-premise? Everything will be a factor in your selection of data replication software. In a nutshell we present you with the points you should consider. SQL Server CDC for Real-Time Replication

Make sure the data replication software can connect to many sources
Do you have a lot of sources to collect data from? Your data replication software must be capable of extracting and ingesting data from multiple sources, so check whether it has a lot of connectors. Consider the future of your organization as well, whether there is a possibility there may be additional sources to draw data from in the days ahead. Postgres CDC (6 Easy Methods to Capture Data Changes)

Does the data replication software provide real-time data?
Many organizations need real-time data, either data from transactions (payments, subscriptions etc.), operations data for real-time analytics, data from medical devices for monitoring human health, data to detect credit card fraud, or even sensor data from machinery and equipment for predictive analytics. If your organization needs real-time data, make sure the replication software can capture data in real-time and transfer it. BryteFlow Ingest captures data in real-time or as specified using log-based Change Data Capture. Oracle CDC (Change Data Capture): 13 Things to Know

Is the data replication software compatible with sources?
You need to ensure the data replication software is compatible with your multiple sources of data including the databases and applications you use. Only then go ahead with licensing it.

Can the data replication software deliver top of the class performance?
In today’s world with its exponentially growing data volumes and data sources, you need replication software that can support heavy volumes of data without a hiccup, to provide scalability, high performance, and increased concurrency. A case in point is very own BryteFlow which loads petabytes of data with very low latency in seconds, with smart configurable partitioning and parallel multi-threaded loading for both- initial and incremental data ingest. Successful Data Ingestion (What You Need to Know)

Can the data replication software be handled by normal business users?
Select a replication software that is no-code, does not need manual tinkering, and is purely plug and play. You wouldn’t need to hire expensive IT resources to manage the replication software. In this case, look for a replication software that is completely automated and has a user-friendly UI. Something like our BryteFlow which will extract data and perform CDC automatically, create schema and tables on destination without coding, and will also provide you with automated merges, data conversions, DDL, SCD Type2 history, masking and more. Postgres Replication Fundamentals You Need to Know

Is the data replication software reliable and resilient?
The data replication software should be reliable and deliver data that is complete and accurate. Even in case of network failure or errors, it should preserve your data without having to start over again. BryteFlow does exactly that – by resuming operations automatically from where it had stopped, when normal conditions are restored. It also provides automated data reconciliation by performing point-in-time data completeness checks for complete datasets including Type-2, by comparing row counts and columns checksum to detect missing or incomplete data.  Oracle to Postgres Migration (The Whys & Hows)

How secure is the data replication software?
Data replication software should have built-in security features like data encryption, audit trails and access control to prevent data leakages and security breaches. Our replication software runs in your own secure environment so the data is always subject to all the security measures and safeguards you may have in place. This also ensures your data complies with all applicable security regulations. BryteFlow also provides an option to mask sensitive data. Database Replication Made Easy – 6 Powerful Tools

Does the data replication software offer monitoring capabilities?
The data replication software should have features to help track your data replication process and its status. This allows you to recognize any issues in the process and accordingly take steps to ensure the replication runs smoothly. BryteFlow offers the ControlRoom, a software that lets you monitor and track every replication instance easily.

Does the data replication software provide basic transformation and data type conversions?
The data replication software must ensure that data is delivered on destination in a structure and format that renders it ready for immediate use. This is critical since data replication across applications and databases should take into account their respective configurations and compatible formats, and accordingly transform the data so it is consumption-ready. BryteFlow provides data type conversions (Parquet-snappy, ORC) so your data can be immediately used on destination for Analytics or ML models. About Oracle to SQL Server Migration

Can you filter data with the data replication software?
Very often you just need a subset of data to analyze, rather than the whole large dataset. In this case it can help if the replication software enables only some of the data to be replicated, based on parameters like date range, data type, source system etc. This reduces the data volume to be copied, leading to better performance and reducing impact on the network. The Easy Way to CDC from Multi-Tenant Databases

BryteFlow for e.g., allows you to select the tables you need to replicate and the date range you need. It enables smart, configurable partitioning so you can select data based on parameters you put in. It allows for selection of columns using Primary Key. How BryteFlow Works

Can the data replication software extract data from hard to replicate sources like SAP systems?
Sap data is notoriously hard to extract, and this issue is compounded by multiple customizations and different versions present in implementations. Many replication software are unable to manage SAP data. The good news is that BryteFlow does this admirably. SAP S/4 HANA and 5 Ways to Extract S4 ERP Data

BryteFlow has a unique software for SAP ETL called the BryteFlow SAP Data Lake Builder. While BryteFlow Ingest easily extracts and loads data from SAP databases (if access is available), the BryteFlow SAP Data Lake Builder extracts data from SAP systems with business logic intact, creating schema and tables automatically on destination. It delivers data from SAP applications to on-premise and Cloud destinations and has flexible connections for SAP including: Database logs, ECC, HANA, S/4HANA , SAP SLT, and SAP Data Services. BryteFlow replicates SAP data to on-premise and Cloud destinations like Amazon S3, Redshift, Snowflake, SingleStore, Azure Synapse, ADLS Gen2, SQL Server, Databricks, PostgreSQL, Google BigQuery, and Kafka. Learn about BryteFlow for SAP Replication

Is your data replication software Cloud-native?
Currently most organizations want to migrate data to the Cloud to benefit from the cost efficiency, scalability and flexibility that the Cloud brings. In such a scenario, it makes sense to have a Cloud-native replication software that brings synergistic benefits to the table. A Cloud-native application’s functionalities are split over a bunch of micro-services and is highly scalable, collaborative and can be updated fast without affecting service delivery. It also lends itself to a high degree of automation like our very own BryteFlow. Traditional applications on the other hand, typically have a monolithic block structure encompassing different functionalities, they are not scalable and are time-consuming to deploy and update. Oracle to Snowflake: Everything You Need to Know

Types of Data Replication Software

Data replication software is of various types, including open-source replication software, commercial replication software and platform-specific replication software. Let’s discuss each of these. SQL Server to Snowflake in 4 Easy Steps (No Coding)

Open-Source Data Replication Software
Open-source replication software is free to use, and many commercial replication software might offer a version free subject to certain restrictions, for e.g. if your data volume is below a certain limit. Since the source code for open-source replication software is easily available, many users prefer it so they can tweak the code to adapt to their own use cases and data objectives. A few well-known open-source replication software include ReplicaDB, SymmetricDS, MariaDB, Tungsten Replicator, and Talend Open Studio among others. About Oracle to Postgres Migration

Commercial Third-Party Data Replication Software

There are many commercial data replication software available like Hevo, Informatica, Striim and our very own BryteFlow. These data replication software are typically versatile, replicating from multiple sources to multiple destinations. They are Cloud-agnostic and can be used on a variety of platforms. Database Replication Made Easy – 6 Powerful Tools

These replication software have a variety of ways by which they calculate payments. Some like Informatica have consumption-based pricing (charges based on volume of data replicated). Some replication software are SaaS tools and have monthly or annual subscriptions like Fivetran. With Fivetran you pay for monthly active rows (MAR), which are rows inserted, updated or deleted by the connectors (not total rows). The MARs are counted once per month, regardless of the number of changes.  Some like BryteFlow levy charges based on number of source and destination pairs, and the database size of the source. About Oracle to SQL Server Migration

Within the commercial space you will find replication performed by Change Data Capture (CDC) software (Oracle GoldenGate, Qlik Replicate, BryteFlow), ETL (Extract Transform Load) software (SSIS, Fivetran, Stitch), and Data Integration software (Informatica, SnapLogic and IBM InfoSphere).

Database Built-in Replication Software
This data replication software comes as built-in tools and functionalities with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, etc. PostgreSQL, for e.g. has a built-in streaming replication feature and the built-in logical replication feature, MySQL has a built-in Master-Slave replication feature. Other database-native software include SAP with the SAP SLT replication tool, Oracle with Oracle GoldenGate, and SQL Server with SSIS. SQL Server CDC for Real-Time Data Replication

Cloud-Based Replication Software
Cloud-Based Replication Services are part of many Cloud platforms. These are put in place to aid users to get data from multiple sources to the Cloud. Some of these services include AWS DMS (AWS Database Migration Service), and AWS Data Pipeline for data replication and migration on AWS. On Azure you will find replication software like Azure Migrate, Azure Data Factory, and Azure Database Migration Service. Oracle To Azure Cloud Migration (Know 2 Easy Methods)

About BryteFlow Data Replication Software

BryeFlow, our data replication and migration software is extremely versatile, completely automated and easy to use with a point-and-click user interface. BryteFlow replicates your data using CDC from transactional sources like SAP, Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL and PostgreSQL to popular platforms like AWS, Azure, SQL Server, BigQuery, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, SingleStore, Teradata, Databricks and Kafka in real-time, providing ready to use data on the destination. It replicates data to both – on-premise and Cloud destinations, is quick to deploy, and you can start receiving data in as little as 2 weeks. It supports both – batch and real-time replication as per your requirement.

BryteFlow Data Replication Software Highlights

  • Ingests petabytes of data in seconds with parallel, multi-thread loading, smart configurable partitioning, and compression. SAP to S3 – Know an Easy Method
  • BryteFlow XL Ingest performs the initial full ingest (>50GB) followed by BryteFlow Ingest which uses Change Data Capture to sync incremental data and deltas with the source in real-time. It supports a variety of CDC options for SQL Server including CDC for Multi-Tenant Databases.
  • Very high throughput of 1,000,000 rows in 30 seconds for Oracle sources – 6x faster than Oracle GoldenGate.
  • Completely automated replication software – no coding for any process including schema and table creation, data extraction, Change Data Capture, merging, masking, data mapping, DDL and SCD-Type2 history. SQL Server to Snowflake in 4 Easy Steps
  • BryteFlow merges inserts, updates, and deletes automatically with existing data so you always have the latest data.
  • Automates data type conversions (e.g. Parquet-snappy, ORC) so you get consumption-ready data on destination. Oracle To Azure Cloud Migration
  • Has a user-friendly, point-and-click interface that any business user can use easily.
  • Supports data versioning, data is saved as time-series data, including archived data.
  • Your data is always secure since it never leaves your network and is subject to the security controls you have in place. BryteFlow Ingest uses SSL to connect to data warehouses and databases, encrypts the data at rest and in transit. Oracle to Postgres Migration (The Whys & Hows)
  • Supports ETL from SAP applications and databases with the BryteFlow SAP Data Lake Builder. It extracts data from SAP systems with business logic intact, and automatically creates tables on destination. How to Migrate Data from SAP Oracle to HANA
  • Has an automated network catchup feature, it resumes replication automatically from where it halted, after normal conditions are restored.
  • BryteFlow provides automated data reconciliation by seamlessly integrating with BryteFlow TruData. It checks row counts and columns checksum and provides alerts for missing or incomplete data.

Conclusion
In this blog we have seen how data replication software works, the different types of replication software, and the various modes or patterns of replication. We have also seen how BryteFlow ticks off all the main boxes of the list of attributes a good replication software should have. Please contact us if you would like a demo of BrytFlow.