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Data synchronization
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<p>Data synchronization is the process of establishing <a href="/facts/Consistency_(database_systems)/GmTWXGKA">consistency</a> between source and target <a href="/facts/Data_store/qcvA8eyT">data stores</a>, and the continuous harmonization of the data over time. It is fundamental to a wide variety of applications, including file synchronization and mobile device synchronization. Data synchronization can also be useful in encryption for synchronizing <a href="/facts/Key_server_(cryptographic)/r2n2th7l">public key servers</a>. </p><p>Data synchronization is needed to update and keep multiple copies of a set of data coherent with one another or to maintain <a href="/facts/Data_integrity/g3XGbKIH">data integrity</a>, Figure 3. For example, database replication is used to keep multiple copies of data synchronized with database servers that store data in different locations. </p>