1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium to direct a computer to create a replica of a source database, comprising executable instructions to: receive a hot backup logical change number for the source database indicating initiation of hot backup replication of the source database; in response to receiving the hot backup logical change number, initiate hot backup of the source database, wherein the initiating of the hot backup of the source database includes executable instructions to: create a clone of the source database up to the hot backup logical change number by capturing committed transactions while the source database actively accepts read and write operations on data within files being backed up during replication of the source database, wherein actively accepts read and write operations on data within files includes the source database continuing to operate with full data availability; transfer the clone of the source database to a replica database while the source database continues to operate with full data availability, wherein the clone of the source database includes transactions committed before the hot backup logical change number; and initiate an apply process at a target database to start at the hot backup logical change number, wherein the apply process discards transactions committed prior to the hot backup logical change number.