Is it possible to run replication on a SQL 2005 DB which is also mirrored principal server?

Question

We have a client that currently has a large busy database that they back up using database mirroring. As part of a reporting requirement we need to use some of the data stored in the database to run reports against but we cannot access the data directly. The client also want their data to be as up to date as possible.

Is it possible for us to run transaction replication on that server to get our data while it is running database mirroring at the same time? We were planning to use a SQL 2008 database to store this data on. If this is possible would there be any issue with the SQL 2008 subscriber taking data off a SQL 2005 publisher while it is configured for mirroring?

Answer 1

You can run transactional replication off the principal but not the mirror.

You can also run database snapshots off the mirror if you are running Enterprise Edition there and report off it.

Hilary

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Answer 2

Thanks Hilary.

I was just concerned that the use of 2 different types of database replicating processes would cause some kind of conflict.

I don't think the client's mirrored server is the enterprise edition unfortunately, but as long as we can have an up to date replication of their mirrored principal server then we that should fulfill their requirements regarding reporting.

Answer 3

You can replicate a mirrored database, you just need to set the failover partner property of the log reader and snapshot agents to be the mirror server.

However it is not possible to have a mirrored subscriber

Anthony