Data Mastering For Replication; Data Mastering Across Multiple Applications - Netscape DIRECTORY SERVER 6.1 - DEPLOYMENT Deployment Manual

Data Mastering for Replication

Directory Server allows you to contain master sources of information on more than
one server. If you use replication, decide which server is the master source of a
piece of data. Directory Server 6.x supports multi-master configurations, in which
more than one server are masters sources for the same pice of data. For more
information about replication and multi-master replication, see "Designing the
Replication Process," on page 105.
In the simplest case, put a master source of all of your data on two Directory
Servers and then replicate that data to one or more consumer servers. Having two
master servers provides safe failover in the event that a server goes off-line. In
more complex cases, you may want to store the data in multiple databases, so that
the entries are mastered by a server close to the applications which will update or
search that data.

Data Mastering Across Multiple Applications

You also need to consider the master source of your data if you have applications
that communicate indirectly with the directory. Keep the processes for changing
data, and the places from which you can change data, as simple as possible. Once
you decide on a single site to master a piece of data, use the same site to master all
of the other data contained there. A single site simplifies troubleshooting if your
databases get out of sync across your enterprise.
Here are some ways you can implement data mastering:
• Master the data in both the directory and all applications that do not use the
directory.
Maintaining multiple masters does not require custom scripts for moving data
in and out of the directory and the other applications. However, if data
changes in one place, someone has to change it on all the other sites.
Maintaining master data in the directory and all applications not using the
directory can result in data being unsynchronized across your enterprise
(which is what your directory is supposed to prevent).
• Master the data in the directory and synchronize data with other applications
using Netscape Meta Directory.
Maintaining a data master that synchronizes with other applications makes the
most sense if you are using a variety of different directory and database
applications. Contact your Netscape sale representative for more information
about Netscape Meta Directory.
• Master the data in some application other than the directory and then write
scripts, programs, or gateways to import that data into the directory.
Performing a Site Survey
Chapter 2 How to Plan Your Directory Data 33