[dba-SQLServer] Replicate to laptop

Hi all

Our client asks for an option to replicate data between the central database and a local database on the user's laptop where an Access 2010 app is the frontend.

The users are travelling purchasers, and the requirement is an option to hook up the laptop in the morning while at the hotel and sync, visit the suppliers where the laptop may be off-line, and return in the evening syncing again. They travel all over the World, so "morning" and "evening" are local times, thus I cannot count on "windows" or quiet hours.

As the central database is SQL Server 2008 and the database size is well within the limits of SQL Server Express, my first thought was to install a local copy of SQL Server Express and set up replication between the central server and these local servers.

But I haven't dealt with replication and SQL Server before, so I wonder if this is as simple as it sounds? Is this a no-brainer (just look up the BOL, as JC would say (not)), or are there any pitfalls, tips, or perhaps better methods?

/gustav