Zoho Analytics and Microsoft SQL Server Integration

Zoho Analytics provides robust integration capabilities with Microsoft SQL Server, allowing users to import data or connect live for advanced analysis and reporting. It also supports using the SQL Server query dialect for creating custom reports and data transformations.

Connecting SQL Server to Zoho Analytics

You can connect a local or cloud-hosted SQL Server database to Zoho Analytics using one of two primary methods:

Data Import: This method imports data from the SQL Server into Zoho Analytics and stores it there.
- Pros: Reports load quickly because data is stored locally within Zoho Analytics, and data from other sources can be blended in the same workspace.
- Cons: There may be a slight delay in reflecting real-time changes, as data synchronization is based on a set schedule (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly).
Live Connect: This mode maintains a live connection to your SQL Server database, fetching data on demand when reports are accessed.
- Pros: Reports always display real-time data, and the data is not stored on Zoho Analytics servers.
- Cons: Report loading time depends directly on the performance of the SQL Server database and network speed, and data blending with other sources is not possible in a live-connect workspace.

For local or on-premise SQL Server databases, a lightweight utility called the Zoho Databridge is required to securely bridge the local database and the Zoho Analytics server behind the firewall.

Using SQL in Zoho Analytics

Zoho Analytics is built around SQL, and you can leverage your SQL knowledge in several ways:

Query Tables: A powerful feature that lets you write SQL SELECT queries to combine, filter, and transform data from one or more tables within Zoho Analytics.
Multiple Dialects: Zoho Analytics’ Query Tables and CloudSQL API support various SQL dialects, including ANSI, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server dialects, making it easy for users familiar with SQL Server to get started.
CloudSQL API: For developers, the CloudSQL API allows executing SQL queries over HTTPS to interact with data stored in Zoho Analytics from external applications.