Introduction:
In this exploration of SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) 2019, we will delve into the latest features that elevate data integration projects to new heights. Whether you are a newcomer to SSIS or a seasoned user, grasping the tool’s cutting-edge capabilities is essential for maximizing its potential. SSIS 2019 introduces advancements in package management, toolbox extension, workload scaling, and Hadoop data handling, providing a comprehensive solution for robust data integration.
Understanding SSIS 816:
Before diving into SSIS 2019, it’s crucial to clarify that SSIS 816 refers to SQL Server Integration Services 2016, the predecessor that set the stage for subsequent innovations. Released in late 2016, SSIS 2016 enhanced performance, scalability, and ease of use, setting the foundation for the advancements in SSIS 2019.
Key Features of SSIS 2016:
- Project Deployment to Azure: Enabled direct deployment of SSIS projects to Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Data Warehouse, and Azure SQL Managed Instance, facilitating the transition of on-premises workloads to the cloud.
- Incremental Package Deployment: Streamlined the deployment process by re-deploying only modified packages.
- Data Tap: Introduced a versatile data tap task with over 70 built-in connectors for extracting data from various sources, including social media platforms, marketing tools, and productivity tools.
- Row Sampling Transformation: Facilitated the extraction of random data samples during data flow, aiding in testing and profiling.
- Azure Feature Pack: Added components for seamless integration with Azure services such as Data Lake Store, Blob Storage, and HDInsight.
SSIS 816: A Leap Forward in Capabilities
Now, let’s explore the key features and capabilities of SSIS 2019, building upon the strengths of its predecessor.
- Scalability and Performance:
- Enhanced scalability, supporting up to 64 cores for single-package execution, resulting in significantly improved performance.
- In-memory package execution option without writing logs to disk, optimizing performance.
- Scale-Out feature for distributing package execution across multiple machines, enhancing scalability.
- Advanced-Data Flow Capabilities:
- Introduction of new data flow components, including the OData Source and Destination, and the ODBC Flow Destination.
- Performance improvements for lookups, aggregations, and pivots.
- It has improved error handling with redirection and row-level error isolation.
- Support for new data types, including DATE, TIME, DATETIME2, and DATETIMEOFFSET.
- Deployment and Management Improvements:
- Project deployment enables the deployment of entire projects to the SSIS catalog, not just individual packages.
- Parameter support for passing values at runtime, enhancing configuration flexibility.
- Catalog improvements with views for monitoring execution and validations.
- Introduction of new T-SQL stored procedures to facilitate catalog management.
Benefits of Upgrading to SSIS 816:
Upgrading to SSIS 816, now known as SSIS 2019, unlocks several advantages that significantly enhance data integration environments.
- Enhanced Security Features:
- Introduction of Always Encrypted for securing sensitive data during transmission and storage.
- Implementation of role-based security to control access to packages and their elements.
- Modernized Development Experience:
- Integration with Visual Studio Code for a modernized development experience.
- The SSIS extension pack in Visual Studio Code provides IntelliSense, debugging, and deployment capabilities, streamlining the workflow.
- Expanded Connectivity:
- Introduction of new connectors, including SAP BW, Hadoop, and Spark, broadening data integration capabilities.
- OData connector for consuming data from any OData v3/v4 service.
- Web connector for extracting data from web pages via XPath queries.
- Improved Performance:
- Scale-Out feature for distributing package execution across multiple nodes.
- In-memory execution by loading packages into the Scale Out Master, reducing performance overhead.
- Extended Maintenance Support:
- Extended maintenance for 10 years, providing long-term support for data integration solutions.
- Regular updates and patches ensure maximum uptime and address any issues.
In summary, upgrading to SSIS 816, now SSIS 2019, delivers enhanced security, a streamlined development experience, expanded connectivity, improved performance, and long-term support. These benefits make the upgrade a valuable investment for any organization relying on data integration.
Changes and Enhancements in SSIS 816:
SSIS 2016 introduced pivotal changes to enhance performance, scalability, and ease of use.
- Performance and Scalability:
- Introduction of a scale-out feature for distributing packages across multiple servers, achieving high throughput.
- Performance enhancements in data flow, logging, and checkpoints.
- R Integration and Advanced Analytics:
- Inclusion of new data mining algorithms and integration with R scripts, enabling advanced analytics in ETL processes.
- Deployment Enhancements:
- Incremental package deployment, environment cloning, and project versioning for efficient updates.
- Connectivity to additional data sources, including SAP HANA, Hadoop, Azure SQL Data Warehouse, and OData.
- Other Improvements:
- Updated OLE DB provider for SQL Server, enhanced logging, and tighter integration with Power BI.
Getting Started With SSIS 816:
For those embarking on their journey with SSIS 816, follow these steps:
- Download and Install SSIS:
- Download SQL Server 2016, which includes SSIS. The free SQL Server Developer Edition includes SSIS. Install SQL Server 2016, selecting Integration Services as one of the features.
- Launch and Explore SSIS:
- After installing SQL Server 2016, launch SSIS from the Microsoft SQL Server program group. The SSIS catalog is a repository for projects, environments, parameters, and logging.
- Create a New SSIS Project:
- Right-click the SSIS catalog, select “New Folder,” then “Project.” Choose “Integration Services Project” as the project type, name your project, and click “OK.”
- Design an SSIS Package:
- Open SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), the SSIS development environment. Right-click the “Packages” folder, select “New SSIS Package,” and build your ETL data flow by adding data flow components.
- Configure and Execute the Package:
- Set properties, add scripts or expressions, and execute your package by clicking “Start” or pressing F5. Observe data flowing through the data flow components.
- Deploy and Schedule the Package:
- Deploy your SSIS project by right-clicking the project in the SSIS catalog and selecting “Deploy Project.” Schedule package execution using SQL Server Agent or another scheduling tool.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, SSIS 2019 stands as a robust data integration solution, building upon the foundation laid by SSIS 2016. With a focus on enhanced security, modernized development experience, expanded connectivity, improved performance, and long-term support, the benefits of upgrading to SSIS 2019 are evident. The changes and enhancements introduced in SSIS 2016 paved the way for a more sophisticated and efficient ETL system. To
