With dozens of data replication products to choose from, how do you choose the right technology to match to your particular business need? The answer lies in first understanding the different types of data replication technologies available and their strengths and weaknesses. Then second, know what it is you are trying to accomplish, so that you can match the right technology to the business need. Finally, decide if you can afford the technology you have chosen. For example, are you looking to data replication to provide a mirror of your data for business continuance? If so, how long can your application afford to be out of service? Seconds, minutes or hours? If seconds, then be prepared to pay the maximum amount, as the technologies are usually tied to storage hardware. If you can afford recovery times of minutes or hours, then your choices widen, allowing your IT dollars to go farther.
