What is the Difference Between Agent and Distributor?

The main difference between an agent and a distributor lies in the ownership of the product and the responsibilities involved in the sales process. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Agent: An agent is an intermediary appointed to negotiate or conclude contracts on the supplier's behalf. The agent does not take ownership of the product and is paid a commission on a percentage basis for the sales made. Agents can be further classified into sales agents, who have the authority to enter into agreements with customers on the supplier's behalf, and marketing agents, who promote the supplier's product but do not have the authority to bind the supplier.
• Distributor: A distributor is an independent contractor who purchases products from the supplier and then resells them to customers. The distributor takes ownership of the product, controls pricing, and bears the ensuing profit. Distributors may also provide additional services such as installation, repairs, customs and port clearances, delivery, and after-sales service.

In summary, an agent acts on behalf of the supplier and does not take ownership of the product, while a distributor is an independent contractor who purchases the product from the supplier and takes responsibility for reselling it to customers.

Comparative Table: Agent vs Distributor

The main difference between an agent and a distributor in the context of SQL Server replication is their role and location within the replication process. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

In summary, agents are responsible for moving data and changes between the Publisher and Subscriber, while the Distributor is a database that stores replication-specific data associated with one or more Publishers. Agents can be located at different points in the replication environment, whereas the Distributor is typically a single database acting as both the Publisher and the Distributor.