linked mode vcenter 5.1

Hi,

Looking at using linked mode in vcenter 5.1 and was after what benefits it offers. We currently have two data centres with ESXi hosts at both sites and we use a single vcenter to manage the environment. If one of our datacentre is off the air for x amount of time we will be able to still manage the environment using linked mode? Also i assume the database is stored on the actual vcenter server as well and its then replicated between the sites.

Thanks.