You’re starting to hear more and more about distributed version control as some developers implement a new, decentralized version of distributed version control that enables developers to host a complete copy of the repository on their own computers without the need to be connected via a common network.

While this may be OK for smaller projects, there are some inherent risks for enterprise-wide large development projects. In fact, many large companies are loathe to allow their “crown jewels” – their source code – to be copied wholesale across a variety of developers’ machines. Enterprises tend to be genetically predisposed to keeping their files in one centralized location that they know is secure and backed-up.

For projects requiring enterprise scalability, there’s another way to handle distributed version control that’s more efficient, secure, and cost-effective. Developers working locally can simply work from a central server using the company LAN and remote developers can access the repository server through a WAN. If for some reason there’s a geographically-based performance issue, additional servers that replicate the central server can be installed at remote locations.

What’s great about this server-based model of distributed version control is that it nicely balances flexibility and scalability across the enterprise without sacrificing security and file integrity. Here at AccuRev, we’ve got a product called AccuReplica that handles replication and continuous integration for scaling our SCM system so that development teams using the server model can more easily collaborate on parallel development projects no matter where they’re located. In fact, replica servers can be added to handle, say, local and remote departments as well as build clients for easy, appropriate scalability based on your specific needs.

Some of the benefits of using a replicated server distributed version control system:

• Scalability is immediate and easy – set-up involves installing a server and replicating primary server repository with a single command
• Improves collaboration and communication between distributed development teams
• Makes branching and merging easier because all teams, regardless of location, use the same process – no per-site branches
• Administration remains centralized on the primary server – no need for costly resource duplication at each location

So with all the talk about distributed version control, if you’re a big enterprise project developer it’s good to know there’s a DVC server model that utilizes easy-to-setup replicate servers to provide scalable distributed version control across the enterprise without sacrificing flexibility or security.

If you’d like to learn more about the features and benefits of AccuReplica, download the free data sheet.