How to Connect MOSS BDC to SQL Server Table

Overview

In this example we will connect the Products table from the popular Northwind database to the Business Data Catalog in Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS BDC).

Step 1 - Connect to the SQL Database

Choose the Connect Data Source link in the Data Source Schema window to open the Data Source Connection Dialog.
  • Connect to SQL Data Source
    Connect Data Source
  • MOSS BDC Design Studio Main Window
    Northwind Database Opened in Schema Window
 

Step 2 - Create Product Entity

Use the BDC Entity Wizard to Create the default default options for the Entity.

Start the Wizard

To Start the Wizard drag the Products table from the Schema window onto the design surface with the mouse.

Step through the Wizard

  • Name the Entity
    Name the Entity
  • Select Entity Primary Key
    Select Entity Primary Key
  • Select Entity Link Field
    Select Entity Link Field
  • Filter Entity Field
    Filter Entity Field
 

Products Entity created

  • Entity displayed in MOSS BDC Design Studio
    Entity displayed in MOSS BDC Design Studio
 

Step 3 - Generate BDC Xml

Under the Build menu select Build BDC Xml to generate the Xml document required to upload to your MOSS Server.
  • Generated BDC Xml
    Generated BDC Xml
 

Step 4 - Upload to your MOSS Server

Open a browser to your MOSS Central Administration Console and locate the Business Data Catalog application to upload the Xml Application definition.