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TJF
Asked: 2012-03-15 18:02:16 +0800 CST

DFS-R alternatives?

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I was wondering what alternatives to DFS-R are out there on windows machines for real-time bidirectional file & folder replication? DFS-R requires active directory and a domain controller which I don't want utilize in this particular environment.

Thanks!

Tom

windows-server-2008 dfs-r replication

2 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    I'm using Software Pursuits SureSync to keep a production and standby spare file server hosting roughly 2TB of data in sync at one Customer site. I'm using it in a unidirectional capacity but I know that it supports bidirectional sync (and delta compression, and using the NTFS change journal, and a host of other features). There is an add-on lock manager available that, I would suspect you might also need. I've been very happy with the software (we've been using it for roughly 6 years) and, with a couple of issues that the manufacturer addressed, it has been very stable and reliable.

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  2. I would also say that, depending on your needs, you could try command-line options of Beyond Compare (the Pro / paid version) - supposedly, it can do two-way and/or "mesh synch" (multi-tiered merges of different file locations).

    Additionally, please don't forget the old tried-and-true (and free) Robocopy.

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