Replication
Continuously copying data or entire systems to a second location so a current copy is always available.
Synchronous replication writes to both locations before confirming, giving near-zero data loss at the cost of distance and performance. Asynchronous replication lags slightly but works across long distances.
Replication is not backup. It faithfully copies corruption, accidental deletion, and encryption to the replica, usually within seconds.
Where this comes up
Replication sits inside our backup and disaster recovery work. If you are trying to work out what this means for your own environment rather than in the abstract, that is the page worth reading next, and a short call will get you a straight answer faster than either.
Related terms
Backup A separate copy of data kept so it can be restored after loss, corruption, deletion, or encryption. Failover Switching operation to a standby system when the primary one fails. Recovery point objective The maximum amount of data, measured in time, you can afford to lose. Snapshot A point-in-time image of a system or volume, allowing a quick return to that exact state.