Data distribution components
The data distribution framework is a Commerce Headquarters tool that maps and facilitates the transfer of data between Commerce HQ and groups of commerce channel databases. Master data is configured in Commerce HQ and distributed to the Commerce channels, which is called a download. Transactional data is created in the Commerce channels and pulled back into Commerce HQ, which is called an upload.
The packaging of data at the source (HQ) is the process of preparing it for distribution. This process happens separately from the process of sending this data to the different channels and applying the changes to their databases. These processes are thus enabled through an asynchronous service. However, scenarios occur in which the data must be available in real time, for example, inventory lookups, issuing and redeeming gift cards, creating and updating customer records, and more. For these types of scenarios, Commerce Data Exchange includes a service that enables real-time communication between Headquarters and the channels.
The different components that help data to be distributed between the source and the target system are:
- Async service
- Microsoft SQL Server change tracking on the Commerce database is used to determine data changes that should be sent to the channel.
- Commerce scheduler is a mechanism that you can use to exchange data between locations through scheduled batch jobs.
- Real-time service
- Provides real-time data exchange between a channel and Dynamics 365 Commerce.