"Duplication of table schema and data or stored procedure definitions and calls from a source database to a destination database, usually on separate servers." (Microsoft Corporation, "SQL Server 7.0 System Administration Training Kit", 1999)
"A process that copies and distributes data and database objects from one database to another and then synchronizes information between databases for consistency." (Anthony Sequeira & Brian Alderman, "The SQL Server 2000 Book", 2003)
"The duplication of I/O from one set of disks to another similar set, on a file level." (Tom Petrocelli, "Data Protection and Information Lifecycle Management", 2005)
"A set of technologies for copying and distributing data and database objects from one database to another and then synchronizing between databases to maintain consistency." (Thomas Moore, "MCTS 70-431: Implementing and Maintaining Microsoft SQL Server 2005", 2006)
"This is a process that copies data from one database to another." (Joseph L Jorden & Dandy Weyn, "MCTS Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Implementation and Maintenance Study Guide - Exam 70-431", 2006)
"Process of copying data and database objects from one data source to another across a network. This is done to synchronize two databases or to maintain a remote copy of a database." (Sara Morganand & Tobias Thernstrom , "MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit : Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Exam 70-442", 2007)
"A process whereby information is published from a database server and sent to one or more subscribers. Data may be transferred proactively by the publisher or requested by the subscribers. See also publishand- subscribe." (Robert D Schneider & Darril Gibson, "Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies", 2008)
"A group of technologies within SQL Server 2005 that are used to copy and distribute data and database objects from one database to another. Data is then regularly synchronized to maintain consistency. Replication uses a publishing metaphor with Publishers (data source), Distributors (process responsible for replicating the data and/or objects), and Subscribers (data target)." (Darril Gibson, "MCITP SQL Server 2005 Database Developer All-in-One Exam Guide", 2008)
"A feature allowing multiple database servers to share the same data, thereby ensuring redundancy and facilitating load balancing." (MongoDb, "Glossary", 2008)
"A process whereby information is published from a database server and sent to one or more subscribers. Data may be transferred proactively by the publisher or requested by the subscribers." (Robert D. Schneider and Darril Gibson, "Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies", 2008)
"A set of techniques and technologies to make and then maintain a copy of data from a source database. Different approaches support different synchronization and performance requirements." (Allen Dreibelbis et al, "Enterprise Master Data Management", 2008)
"The process of storing data in multiple databases while ensuring that it remains consistent. For example, one database might contain a master copy of the data and other satellite databases might hold read-only copies to let clerks view data quickly without impacting the main database." (Rod Stephens, "Beginning Database Design Solutions", 2008)
"Carrying out an identical transaction on two copies of the data in sequence." (David G Hill, "Data Protection: Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance", 2009)
"A method for creating copies of the database, either in real time or in a deferred mode." (Paulraj Ponniah, "Data Warehousing Fundamentals for IT Professionals", 2010)
"The storage of duplicated database fragments at multiple sites on a DDBMS. Duplication of the fragments is transparent to the end user. Used to provide fault tolerance and performance enhancements." (Carlos Coronel et al, "Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management" 9th Ed., 2011)
"The copying of data from a data source to one or more target environments based on rules." (Craig S Mullins, "Database Administration", 2012)
"The process of copying content and/or configuration settings from one location, generally a server node, to another. Replication is done to ensure synchronization or fault tolerance." (Microsoft, "SQL Server 2012 Glossary", 2012)
"The process of maintaining a defined set of data in more than one location. Replication involves copying designated changes for one location (a source) to another (a target) and synchronizing the data in both locations." (Sybase, "Open Server Server-Library/C Reference Manual", 2019)