SQL Server 2005 Express Edition - Part 19 - Authenticating Merge Web Synchronization

(Marcin Policht) In the most recent installments of our series dealing with SQL Server 2005 Express Edition-related topics, we have provided an overview of Web Synchronization, which facilitates efficient and inexpensive implementations of merge replication with remote subscribers, separated from their publishers via (potentially insecure and unreliable) TCP/IP networks (such as the Internet). So far, we have presented a simplified scenario that illustrated its basic setup and discussed several options (related to SSL certificates and creating subscriptions via stored procedures, without direct connectivity between replication partners) that addressed some of its limitations. This article will further elaborate on this subject, by focusing on authentication settings that are available when configuring Web access for multi-tier SQL Server-based applications.