What is data synchronization?
Data synchronization is required when two or more systems want to access and manipulate the same datasets with accuracy and consistency. Data synchronization can take place in memory in the case of a traditional relational database, or it may be required with datasets that are widely distributed – in different cities, regions, or data centers.
In order to achieve effective Data synchronization, a database/data platform must prepare and cleanse data, check for errors or duplication and then ensure consistency before it can be distributed, replicated, and synchronized. This is important because if synchronized data is changed by any replica, those updates must be reflected throughout the system to avoid errors, prevent fraud, protect private data and deliver accurate, up-to-date information and insights.
Data synchronization is becoming more vital as the population grows mobile and globalization continues. Data synchronization is also important with the growing accessibility to cloud-based data.
Some of the data synchronization methods include data replication in databases, file synchronization – typically used for home/cloud backups – and version control methods to synchronize files that might be changed by more than one user simultaneously. A distributed file system usually requires that devices be connected in order to sync multiple file versions. Mirror computing provides different sources with the same copy of the data set.