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2.3.3 Other requirements for Enterprise environments
In larger networks, multiple ERA Servers can be installed to perform remote installs of client computers from servers
which are more accessible. For this purpose, ERAS offers
replication
(see chapter
Installation at headquarters
and
Branch office: Installation of ERA Server
), which allows stored information to be forwarded to a parent ERAS (
upper
server
). Replication can be configured using ERAC.
The replication feature is very useful for companies with multiple branches or remote offices. The model deployment
scenario would be as follows: Install ERAS in each office and have each replicate to a central ERAS. The advantage of
this configuration is especially apparent in private networks which are connected via VPN, which is usually slower – the
administrator will only need to connect to a central ERAS (the communication marked by the letter A in the figure
below). There is no need to use VPN to access individual departments (the communications B, C, D and E). The slower
communication channel is bypassed through the use of ERAS replication.
The replication setup allows an administrator to define which information will be transferred to upper servers
automatically at a preset interval, and which information will be sent upon request from the upper server
administrator. Replication makes ERA more user-friendly and also minimizes network traffic.
Another advantage of replication is that multiple users can log in with various permission levels. The administrator
accessing the ERAS london2.company.com with the console (communication E) can only control clients connecting to
london2.company.com. The administrator accessing the central company.com (A) can control all clients located at
company headquarters and departments/branches.
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