The Store and Forward process

The Store and Forward process reduces the number of routes between computers when compared to traditional replication. Traditional replication involves a star configuration that connects all systems to one another, Store and Forward simplifies the replication routes and eliminates unnecessary network traffic.

The figure above shows how one route can be eliminated from three connected systems by using Store and Forward. In this example, Main is selected as the Store and Forward system. Data is replicated from ES to Main with a Store and Forward route. Then, when Backup subscribes to data that ES owns, Main will be responsible for fulfilling these subscriptions.

The figure below illustrates a more complex example where Store and Forward configuration is used . Each site's system has both a Hot and a Standby computer. The Primary Site owns the data which is replicated to the Backup site which has been designated as the Store and Forward system. The Backup site is then responsible for delivering the data to fulfill subscriptions from two Decision Support sites (indicated by the red lines), which replicate data to their Standby systems through hot and partner replication (indicated by the blue lines).

The above configuration eliminates direct connections between the Decision Support Sites and the owning system. Since the owning system only has to replicate data to the Store and Forward system, network traffic is reduced by two routes, which improves the entire system’s performance and stability.

Note: To mirror the replication routes shown above, six records would need to be configured in the StoreAndForward table: all would use a Store and Forward Route Type. There would be one route from the Primary Site to the Backup Site, and another from the Backup site to the Primary to handle replication in the reverse direction. Each Decision Support Site would also need a route to and from the Backup Site. Hot and Partner replication happens automatically between the Hot and Standby computers, no Store and Forward configuration is necessary for them.