The Replicator is a quite versatile piece of software. Basically, it allows the administrator of a website to upload its compressed master files to the website to be then distributed to machines that have the Replicator client installed. Both the administrator and the receivers need to also have JRE installed to be able to use the Replicator’s functionality.

There could be many uses for the Replicator. Firstly, administrators can upload compressed master files to allow users with slow or otherwise insufficient Internet connection access the website. As an example, the developers of the Replicator, Canadian Mind Products, have their master files uploaded to their website mindprod.com via the Replicator.

The Replicator could also be used to automatically back up the master files with each update. Once an internet connection is established, the Replicator automatically downloads the changed files to your computer. The client only receives the newest files, allowing you to avoid downloading the whole website with its every update.

Overall, the Replicator offers the following features:

• It is written in Java, meaning that it will run on any platform that supports Java.
• Multiple clients can receive updates simultaneously.
• The Replicator updates the files as frequently as the users like.
• Deleted master files are automatically deleted from the client’s machine as well.
• The Replicator works with simple HTTP servers and requires no special software on the web server. It should also work with HTTPS.

That’s what the Replicator does in general. This software can be exceptionally useful, although it may be a challenge for inexperienced users to get it running the first time. Luckily, Canadian Mind Products have a thorough manual on their website.

How could the Replicator help you? For those who do not always have internet connection, the best way to access a website anytime is to download it in its entirety. Depending on the website’s size, this may take quite some time and also money if you happen to use dial-up internet. Updating the data is a whole another story. The Replicator allows downloading compressed master files quicker.

The main issue with the Replicator is that the client would still have to somehow get the master files. The files may be quite big, so downloading them might take some time. However, the master files could be distributed via CDs or other media. All in all, the Replicator cannot fully allow you to avoid downloading big files, but it will surely help you with keeping the local copy of the master files up to date.