IBReplicator

A tailored solution

IBReplicator uses Firebird's/InterBase's own native API for all replication, so there is no reliance on middleware and drivers. IBReplicator is, therefore:

• Fast: Replication occurs directly between servers: there are no intervening layers of processing from database engines or drivers.
• Small: IBReplicator consists only of the necessary code; there is none of the overhead associated with any form of middleware.
• Inexpensive: IBReplicator does not rely on any other software, so we pay no royalties, which means a cheaper product for you.

Furthermore, IBReplicator can take advantage of Firebirds/InterBase's advanced, non-standard features:

• Advanced datatypes: IBReplicator can replicate data of all types, including BLObs and arrays.
• Event-alerters: Replication can occur in response to database events.
• Internationalisation: International character sets are supported.

Ease of use

A replication tool is, by it's nature, a complex piece of software, especially if it is a highly configurable one, like IBReplicator. Nonetheless, careful design has ensured that our replication server is exceptionally easy to install and use:

• Point-and-click configuration: This tool allows you to select which tables and fields are to be replicated, and to view and edit optional settings; it also generates the required triggers on the source database for you.
• Minimal configuration: Target databases need no configuration at all.
• Performance monitor: This tool provides a real-time graph showing how replications are going.

Powerful replication strategies

Just how data should be replicated depends on the what you're trying to do, so our replication server offers you great flexibility as you configure your replications:

• Multiple source and target databases: IBReplicator allows you to publish the data in many databases, and to subscribe many databases to each of them.
• Flexible replication timing: Replication can occur either synchronously or asynchronously, i.e. on request, at timed intervals, or in response to database events.
• N-way replication: Each target database can also be a source database in its turn, with replication being controlled by different instances of the replication server, or even by the same one.
• Conflict resolution: IBReplicator provides three ways to handle cases where replicated data conflicts with extant data in the target database:
  • Priority-based. Databases can be given priorities, and the database with the higher priority takes precedence.
  • Time-stamped. Either the earliest or the latest change takes effect.
  • Master/slave. The source database always takes precedence.

Remote replication

Our replication engine doesn't have to be running on either the source or the target database server for replication to occur; it can be running on any machine on your network or intranet.

Operation logging

IBReplicator can record its transactions in a log which can be either a window onscreen or a disk file.

Sophisticated database operations

IBReplicator uses a variety of techniques to get the most out of an Firebird/InterBase server, and to give you all the flexibility you need to configure a replication that fits your needs:

• Multi-segment primary keys: IBReplicator recognizes primary keys made up of multiple columns, and allows each column to be of any InterBase datatype.

Binary distributions

All IBReplicator binary distributions are available for free from our store. However, to use these binaries, you would need a valid license(s).

There are two items you need in order to run IBReplicator:

1. The Replication Manager, which runs on any 32-bit compatible Windows platform. Or you can use the command line configuration tool on Linux.
2. The Replication Server, which is different for each operating System.

The 32-bit Windows Replication Server and Manager installation contains the Replication Manager executable, as well as all help files and documentation. The Replication Server is available for Windows 32-bit, 64-bit and Linux - Other platforms are possible, but you would need to ask.

You can also purchase the licenses via bank transfer after you send us an order.

Evaluation License

When you install the Replication Manager on Windows, and after creation of the configuration database, license keys need to be installed before the software will work. To create and install the 14 day evaluation license:

• Run the Replication Manager and connect to your configuration database.
• Select the Menu Item TOOLS | LICENSE MANAGER
• Enter EVAL as a license key.

How does the licensing work?

In the simplest scenario, you will need to buy at least two licenses, one for the source database, and one for the target database. Since the source database is typically on the same machine where the Replication Server is running, this means one Replication Server License and one Replicant License.

For each machine that is a Replication Server, one Replication Server license must be bought. For each source or target database, one Replicant License must be bought.

The Replication Server License is counted as a Replicant License as well, so for example, a machine that acts as the Replication Server, and has a single source database, and which is replicating to a remote target database, will need only two licenses, not three, i.e a Replication Server License and a Replicant License.

No database needs to be licensed more than once. If a Source or Target database is being controlled by more than one instance of the Replication Server, then only one "Replicant" need be bought for that database. This license will be installed in all configuration databases involved.

Quick Guide to Licensing contains examples for various replication scenarios.

The Licensing Matrix

IBReplicator Replicant licenses are available in various quantities. A "Replicant-10" license consists of 10 licenses, which allows a Replication Server to replicate between 10 different databases. Similarly for the other quanities. The reduced pricing for larger numbers of licenses represents a discount for bulk purchase.