INTRODUCTION Any device with significant storage, processing resources, and wireless network access can support applications that use a local instance of SQL Server 2000 to cache and manipulate data while the device is disconnected. The local database can be a replica of all or part of a central SQL Server database, created using SQL Server Replication. When a network connection becomes available, such as when the user returns to the office or enters a hotspot in a café, the local and central databases can be synchronized using SQL Server Replication. SQL Server Replication can be implemented on a mobile client using the .NET* Framework and Visual Studio .NET*. A typical solution of this type has four stages: 1. SQL Server Enterprise Manager is used to create a database Publication on a central SQL Server database. 2. .NET COM* Interop is used with the SQL-DMO COM library to create a new local SQL Server database on the mobile PC. 3. .NET COM Interop is used with a SQL Server merge-replication ActiveX* component to create and run a subscription that synchronizes the local and central databases. 4. SQL Server Query Analyzer is used to make changes and view the results of synchronization. 

REPLICATION IN SQL SERVER 2000 SQL Server 2000 is a viable solution for a local database when the platform has sufficient storage and processing power, because it is available both in Personal and Desktop versions. Although these versions are less expensive than the Standard or Enterprise SQL Servers that are designed for a central database, they support replication. Database replication is the process of copying data from one table or database into another table or database. Optionally, subsequent changes in either database can be copied to the other to keep the source and the copy synchronized. In replication terminology, the initial source of data (typically a central data server) is known as the publisher, and the servers initially receiving data are known as subscribers. Three types of replication are available in SQL Server 2000: