Question

I have 10+ SQL Server databases, from where I would use one table from each database to display information using the application that I am creating. For instance, DB1, DB2….DB10. NewDB (Account, Country, Costcenter….etc.).

I have started with creating a new database which would contain all the information from all those 10+ databases. However, I am confused in many cases.

1. First of all what process should I follow? Shall I create a table (in new database) with the same structure as the actual data source and insert data from actual data source to new database?

2. Should I be doing this on the DBMS? If so, is it some scripting? (hint expected since very new to this)

I am creating a report generation application which has 10+ data sources. I need some hint which way should I proceed?

Thanks for advice/help in advance.

Answer 1

If the tables are on the same server instance you could simply create a view that links together the tables like this

CREATE VIEW [dbo].[MULTITABLELINK]
AS
SELECT     ID, 'Database1' AS dbSource , Account, Country
FROM       [database1].dbo.AccountTable
UNION
SELECT     ID, 'Database2' AS dbSource , Account, Country
FROM       [database2].dbo.AccountTable

but in your case (different SqlServer Instances) you probably need to create a Linked Server that allows to see the different instances inside the one working for you

For example:

      EXEC master.dbo.sp_addlinkedserver 
@server = N'TheFirstLinkedServerName', 
@srvproduct=N'SQLSERVER', 
@provider=N'SQLNCLI', 
@datasrc=N'TheRemoteServerName', 
@catalog=N'TheCatalogToUse'

      EXEC master.dbo.sp_addlinkedsrvlogin 
@rmtsrvname=N'TheLinkedServerName',
@useself=N'False',   -- True if your users are on the same windomain
@locallogin='TheLocalDomainAndUserName',
@rmtuser='TheAllowedUserOnTheRemoteInstance',
@rmtpassword='ThePassowordOfTheRemoteUser'