Confers DNA tethering and processivity to DNA polymerases and other proteins. Acts as a clamp, forming a ring around DNA (a reaction catalyzed by the clamp-loading complex) which diffuses in an ATP-independent manner freely and bidirectionally along dsDNA. Initially characterized for its ability to contact the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase III (Pol III), a complex, multichain enzyme responsible for most of the replicative synthesis in bacteria; Pol III exhibits 3'-5' exonuclease proofreading activity. The beta chain is required for initiation of replication as well as for processivity of DNA replication. Forms a ring-shaped head-to-tail homodimer around DNA which binds and tethers DNA polymerases and other proteins to the DNA. The DNA replisome complex has a single clamp-loading complex (3 tau and 1 each of delta, delta', psi and chi subunits) which binds 3 Pol III cores (1 core on the leading strand and 2 on the lagging strand) each with a beta sliding clamp dimer. Additional proteins in the replisome are other copies of gamma, psi and chi, Ssb, DNA helicase and RNA primase. Belongs to the beta sliding clamp family. Extended N-terminus.