sql server replication: It has been suggested that we consider how to replicate our production
server to a remote site that does not have a dedicated connection to our
production environment. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

TIA

Michael MacGregor
Database Architect
SalesDriver

Michael,
assuming there's no direct connection, this type of setup is usually done
through a VPN.
Here is a reference to help you:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=321822.
Regards,
Paul Ibison

Additionally, I should mention that pull subscriptions would be most
suitable.
Regards,
Paul Ibison

Thanks Paul.

Totally new to replication and our IT guy is proposing some really weird and
wacky ideas on how to do this, one of which is low-level bit comparison, and
subsequent updating, of backup files to use to restore a database. Makes me
shake my head in wonder.

Michael MacGregor
Database Architect
SalesDriver

To be honest, I'm not too sure what problem this is supposed to address. We
have an active/passive SQL Server cluster which has only been required once
in over three years. In addition there is a fairly standard backup/recovery
plan in effect with regular backups, both full and transactional, performed.

The IT guy has got the idea of having another SQL Server installed at a
remote site, to act as what I'm not sure, but wants to have it as close to
the production server as possible.

I wondered about log-shipping as well, but I'm not even sure that this idea
is going to fly anyway, but thought I'd do a little research of my own
before this issue gets raised on a more formal basis, at which point in time
I can address it better then.

Would you be able to provide me with the subject titles of the threads you
refer to?

Michael MacGregor

Michael,
if this is for disaster recovery you might want to consider log-shipping.
There have been a few threads recently (last 2 weeks) comparing this to
transactional replication which might be helpful, and it is a standard way
of maintaining a database copy. Using propriety solutions like
bit-comparisons would no doubt not be supported by ms, and presumably would
require a comparison of the full database backup. Also, log shipping will
just require that you transmit the changes which are in the log to the
remote site rather than full backups.
HTH,
Paul Ibison

Michael,
the main thread was entitled "Disaster recovery - Use Replication or Log
shipping".
HTH,
Paul Ibison