Opaque Datatypes

The opaque datatype handles datatypes currently not supported by Replication Server. RepAgent provides the formatted data for Replication Server to apply directly to the target data server. Examples of such datatypes are the anydata datatype of Oracle and the sql_variant datatype of Microsoft SQL Server.

Limitations

The limitations of the opaque datatypes are:
  • You cannot use opaque datatypes in searchable columns and where clauses of replication definitions, subscriptions, and articles.

  • You cannot use a map to clause on opaque datatypes.

  • You cannot use the dynamic SQL feature when an opaque datatype column or parameter exists in your replication definition.

  • You cannot use opaque datatype if your function string has a remote procedure call (RPC).

  • You cannot apply character conversion or byte-order conversion to opaque data.