This document discusses exposing SQL data through SharePoint's Business Connectivity Services (BCS). BCS allows SQL data that typically only has access through a LAN and SQL authentication to be exposed securely through SharePoint's web interface using various authentication options. The document outlines how BCS can be used to create list views, forms, and expose SQL data to tools like Excel and search for querying and analysis without needing direct database access. It also discusses some limitations and provides references for further information.
UiPath Solutions Management Preview - Northern CA Chapter - March 22.pdf
SQL Saturday Columbus 2014 Exposing SQL Data with SharePoint
1. Exposing SQL data with SharePoint
Business Connectivity Services
Scott Brickey, SharePoint Practice Manager
www.sds-consulting.com
2. About Us
SDS provides SharePoint solutions
Agile development and SharePoint experience create an
optimal solution for your unique SharePoint needs.
• Business Intelligence : Self service, team, and enterprise
• Collaboration, Content Management
• Intranets, Portals, and Public Websites
• Workflow + forms = application
Agile Practices for proven faster delivery, higher quality, & increased business value.
3. A Brief Forward
• Focus on the subject
– Feel free to ask questions
• Slides are available online
www.sbrickey.com/Tech/Calendar
www.sds-consulting.com
www.slideshare.net/Scott_Brickey/SQL-Saturday-Columbus-2014-
Exposing-SQL-data-with-SharePoint
9. Exposing SQL Data : The Need
• Often, data in SQL has no UI
– Control tables for custom apps
• Searching beyond the application’s ability
– LIKE vs FULLTEXT
– Based on a JOIN, or external data
• Data analysis
– What do you mean I need to “wait for the BI team”
10. Exposing SQL Data : The Problems
• Only accessible via LAN
– 1433 should not be exposed
• Authentication options are limited
– Windows or SQL only
• Limited tools / functionality
– JOINs? Good luck!
11. Exposing SQL Data : SP Solutions
• SharePoint is a WEB based platform
– Port 80/443
– Multiple authentication (identity) options
• Windows/Kerberos, LDAP
• Local database (SqlMembershipProvider)
• Claims Based Auth (SAML, OpenID, OAuth, Federation)
• Control the access to data
– How will user auth to SQL? (Kerb, stored creds, etc)
– What data / objects is exposed (Table, View, Sproc)
– Row/Record based security? Sure!
13. SharePoint : A Brief Overview
• Front-End : Web Applications
– “URLs”
• Back-End : Service Applications
– Business Connectivity Services
• Bring data from an external system into SharePoint
• Extensible for various backend systems
• Built-in support for SQL
– Secure Store
• Password vault
– Search
– Workflow
14. SharePoint : A Brief Overview
http://SharePoint
Service Applications
• Business Connectivity Services
• Secure Store
• Search
• Workflow
REST
15. Authentication Options
• Kerberos
– May require special configuration
• Impersonation / Stored Credentials
– SQL User
– Windows User
– Per person or group (first match)
• SharePoint BCS Service Account
16. Data Queries
• SELECT * List Views
• SELECT PK ID Enumerator
• SELECT 1 Display Form
• INSERT
• UPDATE
• DELETE
• Foreign Key Association
• BLOB / Stream Accessor Attachment
• Security Trimmer Row based permission
• Event Subscriber Workflow / Alert notification
Event Unsubscriber
17. Search Indexing
• Columns Crawled Properties
– On their own: Meaningless
• Crawled Properties Managed Properties
– Searchable: data included in search index
– Queryable: field can be filtered specifically
• Like adding “site:Microsoft.com” to Google search
– Retrievable: can be displayed in search results
– Refinable: can be included in Refinement Panel
20. Exposing via PowerPivot
• http://sharepoint/_api/web/lists/
getByTitle(‘listName')/items?param1¶m2
– select=columnA which fields are returned
– filter=Presenter eq ‘SBrickey’
– top=100 Returns only the first n items
– skip=10 Skips the first n items
– orderby Sort the data
27. MORE INFORMATION
• Strategic Data Systems
http://sds-consulting.com
Lunch and Learn sessions
• SharePoint Library
http://sdsSharePointLibrary.codeplex.com/
• Scott Brickey
http://www.sbrickey.com