Replication with no downtime – with Firebird 2.5 - 5.0
Our replication extension for Firebird 2.5–5.0 turns your database platform into a robust, flexibly scalable system – without the typical limitations of classic standard replication mechanisms. Whether you need high availability, a reporting database, geographical distribution or load balancing, you remain in control – even during live operation.
The solution can be integrated into existing third-party software that works with Firebird 2.5 - 5.0 and can also be marketed by software manufacturers as an enterprise feature to complement their own applications.
Advantages at a glance
1) Switch replication on and off at any time – with no downtime
Activate or deactivate replication during ongoing operation without having to stop the master database. This means that maintenance, testing, conversions or temporary shutdowns are possible without interrupting your productive processes.
2) Error-tolerant and fail-safe – continue working without any data loss
If the server running the replicated database fails, your system will continue to operate without any data loss. As soon as the target server is available again, the extension automatically restores replication and reliably synchronizes any changes that have been made in the meantime.
3) Scalable: One-to-many with no architectural changes
One master, multiple targets: Use the solution without any changes as 1:n replication (one master replicates to multiple targets) – ideal for reporting, read scaling, branch/location solutions or separate systems for analysis and operation.
4) Multi-master perspective – near-time synchronous or asynchronous
With targeted adjustments to your software – particularly when assigning primary keys – the solution can also be operated as synchronous or asynchronous near-time multi-master replication: writing is possible on every server, and all others then receive the changes. This allows you to lay the foundation for genuine distributed write scenarios and maximum availability.
IBExpert company workshops – implementation, source code and expertise included
IBExpert offers company workshops for precisely this solution, in which not only the basics are taught, but replication is also implemented specifically on your customer database – including clear documentation and operational setup.
What will be implemented and documented in the workshop
In the workshop, implementation will be individually tailored to your specific environment. This includes, among other things:
Integration of the solution with your customer database (Firebird 2.5 - 5.0)
Documentation of the customer-specific setup (operating and restart concept)
Provision of ready-to-use batch files, e.g. for:
Initialisation (initial synchronisation/initial setup of replication)
Starting the replication
Stopping replication
Backup/restore of the replicate (including restart after restore)
Optional: Standardised processes for replicate refresh and recovery
Remote training (up to 6 hours) included
Each workshop includes up to 6 hours of remote training, during which the system is activated on your actual customer database. The necessary expertise for subsequent operation (monitoring, troubleshooting, restart scenarios, update/maintenance procedures) is developed jointly during this training.
Important prerequisite (and alternative should it not be met)
Ideally, all tables which are to be replicated should have a primary key.
If this is not possible for certain reasons, we can also replicate such databases – including with Firebird 2.5 – 5.0, albeit using alternative technology developed in-house.
Source code & usage rights for workshop participants (user companies)
Workshop participants receive the complete source code.
The source code is provided in a form that is executable for Firebird 2.5 - 5.0.
The company may use the solution on its own computers/systems without any restrictions.
Source code & usage rights for software manufacturers/ISVs (marketing as an enterprise feature)
Software manufacturers may use the solution on up to 10 customer installations at no extra charge.
For more than 10 customer installations, an OEM price for resale can be obtained on request.
The result: greater availability, greater control, greater scope for growth.
Instead of treating replication as a rigid ‘on/off’ construct, you get a system that adapts to your operational reality: maintenance-friendly, fail-safe, scalable – and ready for sophisticated setups, right up to multi-master concepts.
Cost: EUR 4,999 (net of sales tax)
Contact us with absolutely no obligation! Contact our team at sales@ibexpert.biz or start a personal Signal chat directly:
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Risks of business software as a cloud solution
Firebird White Paper
Holger Klemt, January 2026
What should you do if your Porsche won't start or your cloud ERP is no longer usable?
Some readers will no doubt have already read the recent articles about dissatisfied Porsche customers in Russia whose vehicles no longer start, because a globally implemented anti-theft device in the vehicle permanently blocks the vehicle as a precautionary measure due to a lack of cloud access and shuts off the fuel supply in such a way that it cannot be circumvented with simple tricks, even though some providers have already offered workarounds. Porsche has sanctioned all support for Russia for good reasons, so no solution should be expected from that side.
What does this story have to do with a cloud ERP solution?
Well, sooner or later, a number of customers will surely notice this as well.
The idea for this White Paper was triggered by the decision of a medium-sized German company that had been using a self-written Delphi/Firebird application at numerous locations and had expanded it over the course of the last 30 years, implementing processes specific to their needs. Not everything was perfect, but in the area of logistics in particular, constantly changing standards were implemented in such a way that they precisely met their requirements.
Newsletter 09/2025
Firebird Server Analysis & Performance Optimization
Is your Firebird application running slower than expected? In most cases this is not due to the software, but rather to the hardware or configuration.
In just one 3-hour remote session, our experts will get the most out of your server environment:
- Analysis and optimization of the Firebird and system configuration
- Fine adjustments for significantly faster performance
- Hardware check with clear recommendations
- Cost-effective recommendations (e.g. SSD upgrade for EUR 200–300)
In the case that your hardware is fundamentally unsuitable, you will receive a clear assessment and specific alternatives – individually tailored to your requirements.
Advantages:
- Direct support by Firebird specialists
- Sustainable performance improvement with no major alterations
- Clear and practical recommendations for action
Invest EUR 390.00 and you will gain a high-performance, reliable Firebird server landscape.
Please order direct by email to sales@ibexpert.biz or request a written quote.
Especially for software manufacturers:
Take the pressure off when discussing performance issues with customers. Our neutral expert analysis objectively identifies the causes and provides clear solutions – allowing you to remain in focus as a reliable partner while we uncover potential hardware or configuration weaknesses.
Feel free to forward our PDF, Firebird Server Analysis & Performance Optimization, on to your customers.