> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blinkops.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Microsoft SQL Server

> Microsoft SQL Server is an open-source column-oriented DBMS for online analytical processing that allows users to generate analytical reports using SQL queries in real-time.

## Creating a Microsoft SQL Server connection

Use one of the following methods to make a connection:

* [Using an account](#using-an-account)
* [Using a data source name](#using-a-data-source-name)

## Using an account

To create the connection you need:

* Access to your Microsoft SQL Server service.
* Define which database you wish to connect to.

### Obtaining the credentials

Follow the [Go Microsoft SQL Server Documentation](https://github.com/denisenkom/go-mssqldb?tab=readme-ov-file#connection-parameters-and-dsn) to obtain your credentials.

### Creating your connection

1. In the Blink platform, navigate to the **Connections** page > **Add connection.** A New Connection dialog box opens displaying icons of external service providers available.

2. Select the **Microsoft SQL Server** icon. A dialog box with name of the connection and connection methods appears.

3. (Optional) Edit the name of the connection. At a later stage you cannot edit the name.

4. Select **Password & Username** as the method to make the connection.

5. Fill in the parameters:

   * *Username* of the user to use for authentication.
   * *Password* of the user to use for authentication.
   * The *Hostname* of the Microsoft SQL server, without a protocol. Can be an IP or a domain name, but must be accessible to your runner.
   * The *Port* number of the server to connect to.
   * Name of the *Database* you wish you operate on.

6. (Optional) Click **Test Connection** to test it.

7. Click **Create connection**. The new connection appears on the **Connections** page.

## Using a data source name

### Obtaining the credentials

An alternative type of authentication is a custom Data Source Name (DSN) for Blink.

View the [Go Microsoft SQL Server Documentation](https://github.com/denisenkom/go-mssqldb?tab=readme-ov-file#the-connection-string-can-be-specified-in-one-of-three-formats) on how to format the connection string.

### Creating your connection

1. In the Blink platform, navigate to the **Connections** page > **Add connection**. A New Connection dialog box opens displaying icons of external service providers available.
2. Select the **Microsoft SQL Server** icon. A dialog box with name of the connection and connection methods appears.
3. (Optional) Edit the name of the connection. At a later stage you cannot edit the name.
4. Select **DSN** as the method to create the connection.
5. Fill in the parameters:
   * The full *DSN* string to use for connection
6. (Optional) Click **Test Connection** to test it.
7. Click **Create connection**. The new connection appears on the **Connections** page.