Re: AW: AW: AW: Postgres Replication

> > - only full replication possible

> I do not understand that point, if it is trigger based, you
> have all the flexibility you need. (only some tables, only some rows,
> different rows to different targets ....),
> (or do you mean not all targets, that could also be achieved with 
triggers)

Currently with Postgres-R, it is one database replicating all tables to 
all servers in the group communication system.  There are some ways 
around
this by invoking the -r option when a SQL statement should be replicated, 
and leaving the -r option off for non-replicated scenarios.  IMHO this is
not a good solution.  

A better solution will need to be implemented, which involves a 
subscription table(s) with relation/server information.  There are two
ideas for subscribing and receiving replicated data.

1) Receiver driven propagation - A simple solution where all 
transactions are propagated and the receiving servers will reference
the subscription information before applying updates.

2) Sender driven propagation - A more optimal and complex solution 
where servers do not receive any messages regarding data items for 
which they have not subscribed


> > - what happens if one server is down? (or the network between) are
> > commits still possible

> No, updates are not possible if one target is not reachable,

AFAIK, Postgres-R can still replicate if one target is not reachable,
but only to the remaining servers ;).  

There is a scenario that could arise if a server issues a lock 
request then fails or goes off line.  There is code that checks 
for this condition, which needs to be merged with the branch we have.

> that would not be synchronous and would again need business rules
> to resolve conflicts.

Yes the failed server would not be synchronized, and getting this
failed server back in sync needs to be addressed.

> Allowing updates when a target is not reachable would require admin
> intervention.

In its current state yes, but our goal would be to eliminate this
requirement as well.



Darren