Build Data Flows from Discourse to SQL Server using SSIS

Using SQL Server as a backup for critical business data provides an essential safety net against loss. Backing up data to SQL Server enables business users to more easily connect that data with features like reporting, analytics, and more.

This example demonstrates how to use the CData SSIS Tasks for Discourse inside of a SQL Server SSIS workflow to transfer Discourse data into a Microsoft SQL Server database.

Add the Components

To get started, add a new Discourse source and SQL Server ADO.NET destination to a new data flow task.

Create a New Connection Manager

Follow the steps below to save Discourse connection properties in a connection manager.

1. In the Connection Manager window, right-click and then click New Connection. The Add SSIS Connection Manager dialog is displayed.
2. In the Connection Manager type menu, select API. The CData Discourse Connection Manager is displayed.
3. Configure connection properties.

   The Discourse API uses API Key authentication.

   Using API Key Authentication

   Discourse requires API Key and Username for authentication. API Keys are generated in the Discourse Admin panel under the API section. You can create user-specific API keys or all-users API keys. Once you have obtained the API Key, set it along with the Domain and Username in the ProfileSettings connection property.

   Example Connection string

   Profile=C:\profiles\Discourse.apip;ProfileSettings='Domain=forum.example.com;APIKey=your_api_key;Username=your_username;'AuthScheme=APIKey;
   

   👁 Configuring a connection (Salesforce is shown).
   

Configure the Discourse Source

Follow the steps below to specify the query to be used to extract Discourse data.

1. Double-click the Discourse source to open the source component editor.
2. In the Connection Manager menu, select the connection manager previously created.
3. Specify the query to use for the data extraction. For example:

   SELECT , FROM Backups WHERE = ''
   

   👁 The SQL query to retrieve records. (Salesforce is shown.)
   
4. Close the Discourse Source control and connect it to the ADO.NET Destination.

Configure the SQL Server Destination

Follow the steps below to specify the SQL server table to load the Discourse data into.

1. Open the ADO.NET Destination and add a New Connection. Enter your server and database information here.
2. In the Data access mode menu, select "table or view".
3. In the Table Or View menu, select the table or view to populate.
4. Configure any properties you wish to on the Mappings screen. 👁 The mappings from the SSIS source component to SQL Server. (Salesforce is shown.)
   

Run the Project

You can now run the project. After the SSIS Task has finished executing, your database will be populated with Discourse data.