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.