What does the term "data replication" refer to?

Data replication refers to the process of copying data from one location to another. This is commonly done to ensure that the same data is available in multiple places, which enhances data availability and reliability. Replication can be used in various contexts, such as database management systems where data from a primary database is duplicated to secondary databases for load balancing, disaster recovery, or providing a faster response to user queries in different geographical locations.

In the context of information systems, replication can be asynchronous or synchronous, depending on the need for real-time data consistency. The primary goal of data replication is to maintain copies of data that are consistent and accessible, which is crucial for organizational operations and data integrity.

The other options do not accurately describe data replication: encrypting data is focused on securing it, backing up data involves creating copies for recovery purposes, and visualizing data relates to the graphical representation of data for analysis.