What should I use for real-time data replication between systems?

For real-time data replication between systems, the best choice depends on whether you need database-to-database replication, event streaming, or application-level sync.

Common options

1. Change Data Capture (CDC) tools

Best when you want to replicate changes from one database to another in near real time.

• Examples: Debezium, AWS DMS, Oracle GoldenGate, SQL Server Replication
• Good for: keeping a target database in sync, migration, analytics pipelines
• Pros: low latency, efficient, captures inserts/updates/deletes
• Cons: can be complex to set up, especially across different DBs

2. Event streaming platforms

Best when multiple systems need to react to the same changes.

• Examples: Apache Kafka, Confluent Platform, Pulsar, AWS Kinesis
• Good for: building event-driven architectures, syncing many consumers
• Pros: scalable, durable, decouples systems
• Cons: more infrastructure and design effort; not “replication” in the strict DB sense

3. Integration/ETL/ELT tools with streaming support

Best when you need managed connectors and less custom engineering.

• Examples: Fivetran, Airbyte, Informatica, Matillion
• Good for: operational sync, analytics warehousing, managed pipelines
• Pros: faster to implement
• Cons: less control, can be expensive, may not be true sub-second replication

4. Native database replication

Best when source and target are the same or compatible database engines.

• Examples: PostgreSQL logical replication, MySQL replication, SQL Server Always On, MongoDB replication
• Good for: HA, read replicas, same-engine sync
• Pros: simplest and most reliable for homogeneous setups
• Cons: limited cross-system flexibility

Quick recommendation

• Need database change replication across systems? Use CDC.
• Need multiple apps to consume updates in real time? Use Kafka/event streaming.
• Need managed, low-effort integration? Use a managed connector/ETL tool.
• Same database technology on both sides? Use native replication.

If you tell me:

1. source and target systems,
2. latency target,
3. whether it’s one-way or bi-directional,
4. cloud/on-prem constraints,

I can recommend the best specific tool or architecture.