Data replication is the foundation of high availability (HA) solutions. Here we explain what data replication is and how it works, using MIMIX replication technology as an example.

The Beauty of Redundancy

Ignore what your third-grade English teacher told you – redundancy is a good thing, or at least when it comes to your data’s availability. Data replication for HA solutions is literally the duplication of data from a production server to a backup server. So in regards to replication, redundancy means that you have multiple sites with virtually identical data. That means that if one of your servers goes down, you can switch over to a redundant server and pick up right where you left off.

MIMIX replication technology is used for IBM i and AIX system data, and ensures that the secondary site is always complete and prepared to take over at the press of a button. By self-auditing data as it is replicated, MIMIX also ensures that the production and target systems remain in sync, and that the replicated data’s integrity is intact.

To add extra resilience to downtime, MIMIX has an automatic failover option that detects when the primary system becomes unavailable, a great feature for unplanned disasters (think natural disasters, system failure or human error). When the production systems come back online, the two servers are automatically synchronized. Advanced autonomics search for any errors in the replicated data and correct them, so you don’t need operator intervention, or to worry about any discrepancies. This allows for a seamless transition back to the primary system when it becomes available again.

The Nitty-Gritty of Data Replication with MIMIX

MIMIX replicates IBM i and AIX data and system values in real time, completes tasks within seconds, and gives you incredibly low recovery point objectives and recovery time objectives (RPOs and RTOs). This occurs “transparently,” or in the background, so system users don’t notice it and aren’t interrupted by it. The replicated data is encrypted and monitored to ensure that it arrives securely at the target, without any interruption or interception along the way.

One of the most appealing aspects of MIMIX is its customizability. Replication speed or frequency can be set your exact specifications per application. Do you want minutes, or do you want seconds? If you want a nearly identical setup at the target site, you can have your data replicated so that it is only seconds behind live production. This way, if you choose to restore to a host server and run production from there, it’ll be like you never stopped working from your main site.

Downtime Elimination

We use MIMIX technology to virtually eliminate planned and unplanned downtime for IBM i and AIX systems. MIMIX is a scalable solution suitable for all business types; from small and midsize businesses (SMBs) to enterprises, data replication with MIMIX sets you up to have business-critical applications running 24/7/365.

Being able to replicate data is one thing, but being able to replicate data for IBM i and AIX systems, and tie this in with failover solutions and layer 2 communications, is another thing entirely. That’s where a third party comes in. Combined with a secure target for your replicated data (like a private cloud), your RPO can be nearly immediate, and RTO will be less than one hour.

Whether it’s partial server loss, downtime from scheduled maintenance, or an unplanned disaster – at the end of the day, data replication and high availability keep your company going.

For more information on data replication, MIMIX Availability, or how to eliminate downtime, contact us today at 317-707-3941.