Replicated database environment support

Content Manager can work in a replicated database environment.

NOTE: The database replication method and model to be employed must be in place and working before Content Manager can be setup to use it. You are encouraged to read the relevant RDBMS documentation before setting up this type of environment.

Content Manager utilizes the following database components in a replicated environment:

  • The primary (master) database - This database will:
    • Be registered as a dataset on the Workgroup Server.
    • Receive all updates, inserts, deletes and lock processing.
  • A read-only replica of the primary database - This database will:
    • Be connected to using an alternate connection string.
    • Be a full replica of the primary database (subsets are not supported).
    • Only be used for searching purposes.

    • NOTE: Data manipulation on the read-only replica is not supported.

A simplified example of the use of this setup is:

  • The client having the primary database in a central location and replicating out to remote locations.

  • At the remote location has a Workgroup Server and the read-only replica of the database.

The advantages of this setup is to facilitate faster retrieval of information and a reduction in network traffic. In low bandwidth WANs and high latency networks, this can mean significant performance improvements.

NOTE: Updating replicas frequently to keep the entire system synchronized can generate a great deal of traffic and reduce the above benefits. To minimize the effects of this network traffic, you can pause replication during periods when there are a high amount of changes occurring in the primary database and restart it during low activity periods.

To establish this type of setup in Content Manager, see Setting up Content Manager in a replicated database environment

  • NOTE: Apart from taking advantage of database replication, the Workgroup Server can be setup with pre-emptive caching of electronic objects which would also help facilitate faster retrieval of information and a reduction in network traffic. See Document caching and its related links for more information.