Deploying a database with your product
The situation
Your software application incorporates a Microsoft SQL Server or MSDE database. When your customers run the product installation, you want to install the database schema and data along with the product.
Key challenges
- Seamlessly incorporating database deployment with installation of your product.
How we can solve it
- Use SQL Packager to package your database as a .NET executable.
You can select the compression option to make the package smaller. - Include the SQL Packager™ .NET executable and associated DLL files as language-independent support files in your installer.
- Set up a custom action to launch the database installation executable, using SQL Packager's command line interface, and place it in the appropriate place in the installation execution sequence.
To learn more, take a look at our worked example.
Benefits of our solution
- SQL Packager enables you to install the database as part of the standard installation procedure.
- Compressing the package reduces storage, transfer, and upload times.
- You can create a C# project, instead of a .NET executable, so that you can customize the package.
Case studies
- Exia combines SQL Packager with InstallShield for easy installation and set up of web application
- SQL Data Compare™ and SQL Packager help iCOMCept ensure customer's database accuracy
- SQL Bundle Pro helps building company customize installation and upgrades of key SQL databases
Online help
- SQL Packager: Worked example