Problem Summary:
Is the SQL Server distribution database required by HVR for log-based Capture?
Description:
A distribution database is created by a user with sysadmin privileges for SQL Server instance only if articles are used.
If a log based capture is setup from SQL Server as a source then there are two ways in which capture action can be configured to enable Supplemental Logging in the SQL server.
- Capture /SupplementalLogging=CDCTAB
- Capture /SupplementalLogging=ARTICLE_OR_CDCTAB
If the first one is used, i.e. CDC tables for supplemental logging then, you need to have the source database enabled for replication and the distribution database is no longer needed.
If the second one is used i.e. articles, SQL Server's own replication components are used for enabling supplemental logging then a distribution database is required.