Replication

To organize data replication tasks in SQL Server 2000, a Replication folder has been added. Replication can be configured by right-clicking the replication folder and selecting Configure Publishing, Subscribers, and Distribution. Replication is the process of transferring data between servers. The source of the data is known as the publication and the receiver is known as the subscriber. Two subfolders manage these entities.

Publications

To create a publication or manage an existing one, select the Publication folder. Selecting New Publication from the right-click pop-up menu will start a replication wizard to step you through the task. After a publication is created, it can be managed through its properties page.

Subscriptions

If this server is being configured to receive data in a replication scenario, its subscriptions can be created and managed from this folder. Creating subscriptions requires an existing publication server to which to connect, and you must be enabled to subscribe to the publication.

Although the Replication Wizards take care of most of the tasks associated with setting up replication, replication is a complex topic, and you should have a thorough grasp of its concepts before attempting to initiate replication. Chapter 22, "Data Replication," will help you make the proper decisions for your replication scenario.