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Microsoft SQL Server Connector

Read and write SQL Server tables without writing code. Rapidi reaches the database from inside your network, so the server never has to face the internet.

Rapidi connects to Microsoft SQL Server through RapidiConnector, a small service on a machine in your network that has the SQL Server client installed. It reads and writes the tables of the database you name, signs in with Windows authentication or a SQL user, and can encrypt the connection with SSL. SQL Server 7 onwards is covered, including Express.

What it connects to
Microsoft SQL Server, including SQL Server Express, on a server in your own network.
Which way the data moves
Both ways. A SQL Server table can be the source or the target of a transfer.
What you need
A machine that can see the database, with RapidiConnector and the SQL Server client installed.

What does this connector actually do?

The short version: RapidiConnector sits next to your SQL Server, reads the layout of the database you name, and moves rows in and out of its tables on the schedule you set.

The SQL Server connector at a glance.
Records it movesRows in any table of the database you name on the connection. Read Design loads the tables and fields so you can map them.
DirectionBoth ways. The connection transfers data to and from SQL Server.
Data typesBit, char, varchar, nchar, nvarchar, text, ntext, int, smallint, tinyint, decimal, numeric, float, real, money, smallmoney, datetime, smalldatetime, timestamp, uniqueidentifier, image and varbinary. Binary is supported with some limitations, so ask us first.
Versions supportedAll versions, as the documentation puts it. It names SQL Server 2008, 2005, 2000, SQL Server 7 with at least Service Pack 1, SQL Server Express and MSDE.
How it signs inA SQL Server user ID and password, or Windows authentication using the account RapidiConnector runs under.
EncryptionOptional SSL on the connection, which sets Encrypt=yes in the connection string.
How often it runsOn a schedule you set. The shortest interval depends on your plan, from one hour on Entry down to one minute on Unlimited.
What you set up onceInstall RapidiConnector and the SQL Server client, enter the server name and database in MyRapidi, then press Test and Read Design.

What goes on your side?

SQL Server usually lives inside your own network, so Rapidi reaches it through a small service you install once. Nothing is installed inside SQL Server itself.

The two pieces on your side, and what each one does.
What you are comparingRapidiConnectorSQL Server client
What it isA small Windows service you download from MyRapidi, in a 32-bit or a 64-bit versionMicrosoft's own client software for SQL Server
Where it goesA machine that can see the database, on an application server or in the DMZThe same machine as RapidiConnector
What it doesOpens a connection out to the Rapidi service, keeps it open, and carries the data between your database and the other systemLets RapidiConnector talk to SQL Server
How it is set upInstall it, then enter the Rapidi Service ID, user ID and password shown in MyRapidi and press VerifyA standard installation, nothing specific to Rapidi
Ports opened to the internetNone. It calls out, so nothing is opened inwardNone

If you choose Windows authentication, RapidiConnector signs in to SQL Server as the Windows account it runs under. Set the service to run under an account that has access to the database you want to use.

Frequently asked questions

Can Rapidi connect to Microsoft SQL Server?

Yes. SQL Server has its own connection type in MyRapidi. You name the server and the database, test the connection, and read the design, and the transfers are then configured on screen rather than written as code.

Which SQL Server versions are supported?

The Rapidi documentation describes support for all versions and names SQL Server 2008, 2005, 2000, SQL Server 7 with at least Service Pack 1, SQL Server Express and MSDE. If you run a newer release, tell us which one and we will confirm it.

Can Rapidi write into SQL Server, or only read from it?

Both. The SQL Server connection transfers data to and from the database, so a SQL Server table can be the source of a transfer or its target.

What has to be installed on our side?

RapidiConnector, a small service you download from MyRapidi, and the SQL Server client on the same machine. RapidiConnector opens a connection out to the Rapidi service and keeps it open, so the database server does not have to accept connections from the internet.

How does the connection sign in?

With a SQL Server user ID and password, or with Windows authentication. Windows authentication uses the Windows account RapidiConnector runs under, and the user ID and password fields are then ignored.

Is the connection to SQL Server encrypted?

It can be. Ticking Use SSL on the connection sets Encrypt=yes in the connection string, so the traffic between RapidiConnector and SQL Server is encrypted.

What happens when we add a column to a table?

Run Read Design on the connection again. Read Design fetches the tables and fields from the database, and it needs repeating whenever the layout of the tables you transfer changes.

What does the SQL Server connector cost?

Nothing on its own. Rapidi is priced per subscription plan rather than per connector, so adding SQL Server does not change the licence.

Is your SQL Server ready to connect?

Tell us the version, where the server runs and what it has to talk to, and we will tell you plainly what the setup involves.

Find out if this fits your setup

Tell us which systems you run and we will tell you plainly whether Rapidi is the right tool.

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Get the Salesforce and Business Central solution sheet

How the integration is built, what the RapidiConnector secures, the pre-configured templates, and the eight transfers most customers start with.