azure-sql-databasesql server
In Features for SQL Server 2016, I see that Transactional replication to Azure is supported for Web edition. Following the instructions leads to Configure Publishing and Distribution
In attempting to create the publication, I get This edition of SQL Server cannot act as a Publisher or Distributor for replication., which is expected as my server is Web edition.
So how do I set up Web edition replication to Azure SQL, given that it is a supported feature?
Downlevel versions of SSMS cannot always connect to uplevel versions of SQL. When configuring replication, please ensure you are using the version of SSMS from your Distributor. In your case, based on the error message, you are using the SSMS from the Express version of SQL. Instead, use the version from your Distributor instance.
I'm not sure if this helps you or not, but In SSMS in all versions (2005+), if you haven't configured Distribution, you'll see the option configure distribution,
but if you've configured a distribution or have one on the server, then you'll have the below menu and won't see configure distribution.
Best Answer
According to Xiaochen Wu (Senior Program Manager at Microsoft), there is an error in the documentation. Web edition does not support transaction replication to Azure SQL.