How to create a one-way replica from a FGDB to ArcSDE

[JohnBroecher]

Is there anyway to create a one-way replica of a FGDB to ArcSDE. I want the FGDB to be editable, and the ArcSDE replica read-only.

[Asrujit_SenGupta · Accepted solution]

No, the scenario you mention is not possible.

To create a replica, the Parent gdb has to be SDE.

In 1-way Parent to Child: Parent is ArcSDE and Child can be File\sde gdb. But the editing will be in the Parent sde gdb.

In 1-way Child to Parent: Both the Parent and Child have to be an sde gdb.

In 2-way replica: Both have to be an sde gdb.

So your only option remains, creating a Checkout Replica....but in this scenario, you will have to recreate replica after every synchronization process.

[JohnBroecher]

I was afraid of that. This is even if you make a GeoData Service out of the FGDB?

[Asrujit_SenGupta]

Yes, I believe so. However I'll let one of the Server Experts on the forum to confirm that and suggest any other solution if possible. 

[RebeccaStrauch__GISP]

I'm not an expert, but was playing around with replicas and check-outs a couple months ago and here are a few links that I found helpful

• Scenarios using distributed data—ArcGIS Help | ArcGIS Desktop 
• An Overview of Distributing Data with Geodatabases 
• ArcGIS Help (10.2, 10.2.1, and 10.2.2)   (we're still using 10.2.2, but you should be able to find a more current version if needed)
• I was starting to look at Checking out data from feature layers using replicas | ArcGIS for Developers   with the ArcGIS API for Python but didn't get into it very far