Connecting and Data Extraction from a Cloud MS SQL Server

Here are recommendations to securely connect and/or extract data from cloud SQL Server databases:

Option 1: Secured IP-to-IP

• From the computer to connect to the cloud MS SQL:

  • Find out your public (fixed) IP address. Ex.: https://whatismyipaddress.com/

  • Provide your public IP address to the cloud MS SQL provider.

• You’ll need from the cloud SQL Server provider:

  • A SQL user with reading rights from the desired SQL database.

  • The SQL’s URL or IP (including the SQL port) on the internet. Ex: 123.12.11.123,1433.

  • The SQL Provider must whitelist your public IP address.

  • The SQL instance should use an SSL certificate to encrypt communications.

• With the above done, connect to the cloud SQL with the following in the extraction tool:

  • Server Name: URL or IP. Ex.: 123.12.11.123,1433

  • Authentication: SQL Server Authentication. Enter username and password.

  • Database: Enter the database name. In SSMS, this parameter is behind the Options button.

Option 2: VPN

• Discuss VPN arrangements with your cloud MS SQL provider.