Transferring data to server is slow, am I doing it the best way?

[IB1]

It seems to take forever to transfer data to our server.

We have ArcGIS Server 10.1 SP1 with SQL Server 2012 and wired/direct connections.

The way I transfer data is from my laptop through ArcCatalog. I just open the Database Connection, choose the database,  and copy/paste the layers from my laptop into the database on the server.

I'm currently transferring a couple polygons parcel feature classes and some point features and it's been 20 minutes and it's still going. I feel like it should be quicker than this. What's the best way to transfer data to the server?

[MichaelVolz]

Does the data need to reside on the server?  How about registering the data from the network location with a UNC path (You will get a warning notice about UNC paths, but it is not high severity so its not important).  In this way, you would not need to copy data.

[IB1]

Does the data need to reside on the server?  How about registering the data from the network location with a UNC path (You will get a warning notice about UNC paths, but it is not high severity so its not important).  In this way, you would not need to copy data.

Yeah, I need the data on the server. I use the data for web maps and such and use other software that uses the data on SQL Server. Basically, I need the data always available.

[LeoDonahue]

It seems to take forever to transfer data to our server.

The way I transfer data is from my laptop through ArcCatalog. I just open the Database Connection, choose the database,  and copy/paste the layers from my laptop into the database on the server.

You are moving the data from your database connection, through your laptop, and then to your ArcGIS Server.  Based on your network switch, that could be really slow.

In other words, you are moving your data through the switch twice.

Are these layers candidates for versioning?  That could help your process alot.