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How to: Import a Data-tier Application (SQL Azure)

After exporting the object definitions and data from a SQL Azure or SQL Server database to a DAC export file (BACPAC), you can then use the DAC import operation to recreate the database and data on another SQL Azure server, or an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine. You can use the DAC export and import operations to copy databases between SQL Azure servers, or to migrate databases between the SQL Server Database Engine and SQL Azure.

Data-tier Application Import

The DAC export file is stored in the Blob service of the Windows Azure Storage Service. You must have a storage account to perform an import. For more information, see How to Create a Storage Account.

If you exported the DAC from an instance of the Database Engine, you must first use a tool such as the Windows Azure Management Tool (MMC) to load the export file to the Blob service.

A DAC import is an asynchronous operation. After starting the import, you can use the Import Export Request Status window to track the progress. For information, see How to: View DAC Export and Import Status (SQL Azure).

In addition to using the Import button in the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal, you can perform a DAC import by using the SQL Azure Labs Import Export example on Codeplex.

How to import a data-tier application to SQL Azure

  1. Log into the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal.

  2. Select the subscription and server in the navigation pane.

  3. On the ribbon, click Import. This will open the Import Database from Storage Account window.

  4. Verify that the Target Server box lists the server in which the database is to be created.

  5. In Login and Password, type the database credentials to be used for the import.

  6. In New Database Name type the name for the database created by the import. This name must be unique on the SQL Azure server and comply with the SQL Server rules for identifiers. For more information, see Identifiers.

  7. In Edition select the drop-down entry that specifies whether the database is a Web or Business database.

  8. In Maximum Size select the size from the drop-down list. The list only specifies the values supported by the Edition you have selected.

  9. In BACPAC URL type the address for the DAC export file in a Windows Azure Storage Service container. Alternatively, use the Browse storage button to select the storage container.

  10. In Access Key type the storage access key or shared access key required to save a file in the Blob service container. You can find the key in the summary report for the storage account in the Windows Azure Platform Management Portal.

  11. In Key Type, select the type that matches the key entered in Access Key, either a Storage Access Key or a Shared Access Key.

  12. Click OK to start the import, or Cancel to close the window without performing an import.

See Also

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