Replicating Sql Server to Express Edition as backup application

Hello!

We are running a business critical client-server application that needs to have high availability to the end user.
I was wondering if it would be possible to setup a replication/data transfer from an existing Sql Server 7.0/8.0/9.0 (regular online environment running on server) TO an instance of Sql 2005 Express Edition (backup env. running on klient PC).
In case of server failure the application would redirect - accessing the local PC Express edition.

Does anyone have any input on this, and if it would be a possible alternative to use as extra standby- system. ?

Kind regards
TomasYes this is possible but there are certain exceptions.
And it depends on what kind of replication technology you are looking at.
SQL Server 2005 Books Online has more information on supported topologies.

Search for "Using Multiple Versions of SQL Server in a Replication Topology"|||

Hi Tomas.

It would appear that I have a similar type of need. See this post http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=677662&SiteID=1 which describes my situation. If you've got any further info on how this is achieved please respond. I'll do the same. We were able to create the windows form app and use Sql2005 Std to maintain a 'gold' standard db on our publisher/distributor machine. We have to replace our db daily with an entirely new dataset that is sent to us via a foreign host. We take that data an bulk copy it into our db. Then, we setup a snapshot replication scenario, installing SqlExpress w/ Advance Tools on the subscriber machine.

We install our offline viewer windows smart client application on the subscriber, and are able to bring in a view of the needed data. However, we need this view to be available offline, for use when the prefferred application is unavailable or when the network is down. At this point, if the network is down our replicated db is not available either. So, I'm lost with the way I've got it working now. I'm not sure if it is a setup issue or if I've misunderstood how replication works. At any rate, our need appears to be similar in scope to yours. I'll check back here, and on my post to update the status.

Right now, we are examining our setup of the replication subscription and whether there is a way to achieve the goal desired, or if we have to employ a bulk copy insert into a local database for our subscriber downtime usage.

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Hi,

You might want to talk to us about a product that we sell (WANSync) which provides real-time asynchronous data replication, full tree replication topologies to protect from server and site failures. Should an SQL database server fail for any reason, a geographically remote SQL replica takes it's place and will allow you to keep working.

If you want more information or want to trial this solution for free, please email me at paul.maziere@.dataplex-systems.com

Regards, Paul.