SQL Server DTS Designer

Prior to SQL Server 2000, the only
way to back up or export databases from SQL Server to other databases was to
use the bulk copy program. We all spent hours configuring scripts to do
miraculous things using this cumbersome method. Then, when we finally mastered
the art, SQL 7.0 was released with a GUI to accomplish automation that was both
intuitive and simple to use. Microsoft called this interface Data
Transformation Services (DTS).

DTS is a set of related tools that enable you to manipulate or transform data
from various sources. To create a DTS package, you can use the DTS wizards to
move data. You can also use the more advanced DTS Designer, which lets you
create a multitude of packages and workflows. You can connect to a data store,
create tasks that allow you to FTP data, and create your own tasks using a
scripting language. Adding DTS to your repertoire will bring a whole new
dimension to your skill set.

Creating a package

To access the DTS Designer, open
Enterprise Manager from the Start Menu, right-click on Data Transformation Services,
and choose New Package. Figure A shows the New Package window.

There are 11 connection options (Figure
B
) and 17 task options (Figure C) for you to choose from.

Let’s create a package that will
do the following:

  • Query our sample pubs database
    for a list of authors and their year-to-date sales
  • Save the results to an Excel spreadsheet

First, open the DTS Designer and add the Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL
Server connection. Specify the pubs database and the authentication
method, as shown in Figure D.



Figure D.

Next, choose Microsoft Excel
97-2000 and specify the Excel document, as shown in Figure E.



Figure E.

Once you have created your source
and destination, hold down the [Ctrl] key and select both the OLE DB and the
Excel connections. Then, choose the Transform Data Task, as shown in Figure
F
. The DTS Designer will present the Transform Data Task Properties dialog
box (Figure G), where you can build your query.



Figure F.




Figure G.

You can choose the Destination tab
to view your table and the Transformations tab to define the transformation
between your source database and your destination database. When you are
finished, click OK and save your package by clicking the Save button on the
toolbar. Enter the name and location of the package and click OK.

Now you are ready to view your packages and test them. To do this, open
Enterprise Manager and expand Data Transformation Services. Choose Local
Packages, as shown in Figure H, and right-click and execute the package.



Figure H.



Figure I.

Conclusion

DTS offers an abundance of options that will
help you meet the needs of your company. The example we worked through here was
pretty basic, but the DTS Designer enables you to perform far more
sophisticated data manipulation. For instance, you can transfer logins from one
database to another, copy tables to FTP sites, and even script your own tasks.
The more you experiment with DTS, the better you will become at manipulating
data. If you have never used DTS, this article will help guide you as you
become familiar with the various connections and objects in DTS Designer.

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Steven S. Warren

Steven Warren
Steven Warren
Steven S. Warren is a popular author residing in Winter Haven, Florida with his wife Danna and 2 children: Catie-Charlotte and Dain. As a columnist on such well-known IT web sites as Techrepublic.com, CNET, and ZDNET, Steven has published numerous articles. Additionally, Steven holds the following certifications: MCDBA, MCSE, MCSA, CCA, CIW-SA, CIW-MA, Network+, and I-Net+. As a Senior Technical Consultant for The Ultimate Software Group, Steven has become an expert at administering Microsoft networks including Microsoft SQL Server. He is also a computer hardware and troubleshooting expert, and is constantly seeking out new technologies and certifications. Additionally, Microsoft recently awarded him the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for his outstanding achievements. Steven resides in Winter Haven, Fl.

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