Professional SQL Server™ 2005 Integration Services

2.1. Import and Export Wizard

The Import and Export Wizard is the easiest method to move data from sources like Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, and text files to nearly any destination. This wizard, which uses SSIS on the back-end, isn't much different from its SQL Server 2000 counterpart. The wizard is a fantastic way to create a shell of a SSIS package that you can later add to. Oftentimes as a SSIS developer, you'll want to relegate the grunt work and heavy lifting to the wizard and then do the more complex coding yourself.

2.1.1. Using the Import and Export Wizard

To get to the Import and Export Wizard, right-click on the database you want to import data from or export data to in SQL Server Management Studio and select Tasks Import Data (or Export Data based on what task you're performing). You can also open the wizard by right-clicking SSIS Packages in BIDS and selecting SSIS Import and Export Wizard. The last way to open the wizard is by typing dtswizard.exe at the command line or Run prompt. No matter whether you need to import or export the data, the first few screens will look very similar.

Once the wizard comes up, you'll see the typical Microsoft wizard welcome screen. Click Next to begin specifying the source connection. In this screen you'll specify where your data is coming from in the Source drop-down box. Once you select the source, the rest of the options on the dialog ...