Table of Contents
File replication is a process where one or multiple copies of a file are created from the source file.
File replication helps to create backups for the data and aids in the protection and recovery of the files.Though file back and file replication appear to be the same and sometimes are used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Backup of files and folders refer to the process of creating copies of files, folders, or the entire system on servers or cloud. The backup files show the information contained in the data or folders at the time of backup. Whereas file replication refers to the process of creating real-time copies of files and folders. Using file replication ensures all copies are updated as soon as any changes are made to the original file.
File replication software helps to replicate files on different servers, desktops, and laptops. This software can be used anyone ranging from large business organizations to individual users to protect their files by copying and replicating them to an external hard drive. This software helps to replicate data between one source to one or many destinations. Data can be replicated between computers, servers, virtual machines, external storage, and networks. Replication of files can be done in real-time, on-demand, or in a scheduled manner according to the requirement of the organization.
File Replication has several uses. It can be used by business organizations for the purpose of data aggregation, data migration, workflow automation, data sharing, data copying, and data delivery. File replication also improves the end-point data protection.
ADVANTAGES OF FILE REPLICATION
Apart from providing backups and recovery of files, file replication software has many other advantages. Some of them are
- Improved availability
Data replication improves the availability of the data. It masks the problems in the network and ensures that at least one copy of the file is available.File replication software makes sure that all copies of the data are up-to-date. Hence other copies of the data can be used, when the primary copy is lost or deleted.
- Improved response time
File replication reduces the response time as the data can be accessed easily. Since the files are stored in different locations, users can choose the location with fast access and improve their response times.
- Reliability
File replication software improves reliability as the data is stored in multiple locations. Some applications require extreme security of data. File replication ensures that the information is safely stored and can be recovered easily when the need arises.
- Improved scalability
File replication helps to achieve better scalability. Increased number of users from a single server can result in poor performance and reduced speed. File replication software helps to copy the files to multiple servers, which will distribute the workload and improve efficiency.
- Reduction in network traffic
Since file replication allows us to have copies of a file in different servers and locations, it reduces network traffic. Different client requests for the same data can be serviced through different servers, which improves efficiency and reduces traffic.
TIPS TO CHOOSE A FILE REPLICATION SOFTWARE
There are many file replication software to choose from. However, it is crucial to know the features of good software before you want one.
- The software should support different modes of operation. Choose a file replication software that supports scheduled as well as automatic replication.
- The software should support one to one and one to many replications of files.
- It should have filters to include or exclude files and folders as per the specifications.
- The software should be able to work with different devices such as virtual machines, hard drives, network disks, and other removable devices
- The software should not have any limits concerning file size and usage.
- The file replication software should be capable to sync files, which are in use.
Most of the file sync software companies provide a free trial. Use the trial period and judge whether the software suits your requirements before buying the software.
File replication is the process of creating one or multiple copies of a file or folder. Manual file replication is highly challenging and time-consuming. File replication software helps to make the task easy by providing real-time file replication from source to one or many targets.
Baloydi Lloydi is the content manager of Asknoypi.