Hello. We have two SQL 2005 machines. One is used for production data, and the other is used for running queries/reports. Every night, the production machine dumps (backups) it's database to disk, and the other one restores it. This is called the D-1 process.

I think there must be a more efficient way of doing this, since SQL 2005 has many forms of replication. Some requirements:

1) No need for instant replication, there can be (some) delay

2) All changes (including schemas, data, constraints, indexes) need to be replicated without manual intervention

3) It is used for a single database only

4) There is a third server available if needed

5) There is high bandwidth (gigabit ethernet) available between the servers

6) There isn't a shared storage (SAN) available

What would be a good alternative to this daily backup/restore routine? Thanks!