REPLICATION - AN IMPLEMENTATION IN SQL
    
    
    Abstract
    
    Replication has been achieved on a master-copy 
    and master-master basis between several instances 
    of Oracle using an asynchronous technique. 
    Master-master replication requires that insert, 
    update and delete can be supported on any copy of 
    a table, and that any modifications on a table are 
    replicated to every other copy of that table. All 
    this has been achieved while maintaining full 
    referential integrity constraints across all 
    tables participating in the replication.
    
    Although replication can appear a complex process, it 
    is argued that so long as the business requirements 
    of the organisation are clearly defined, and the 
    database effectively models those requirements, 
    replication is simply an exercise in logic.
    
    This paper describes the historical development of 
    the software used (built by the author), with particular 
    emphasis on its current functionality. This software is 
    written almost entirely in SQL*Plus, using the code 
    generation techniques presented at conferences during 
    the recent past. It will be contrasted with Oracle's 
    own snapshot approach to replication.
    
    
    Peter Robson
    Database Administrator