Using Database Utilities

Some SAS MDM batch jobs give you the option of using database utilities to improve software interactions with the database. For example, bulk load jobs can be set to use database utilities that might perform the operations more efficiently. Some of these job templates use calls to command-line applications that are specific to either Oracle or SQL Server. SAS MDM requires access to these applications.
Here are the database-specific applications:
  • Oracle
    • SQL*Plus
    • SQL Loader
  • SQL Server
    • sqlcmd
    • bcp
You are not typically required to use the database utilities. However, for bulk-loading operations, you might see large performance gains when loading your hub. See your database documentation for more information about the specific calls.
To use Oracle database utilities properly:
  1. Do one of the following:
    • On Windows, set the path to the Oracle bin directory in your system PATH variable.
    • On UNIX, set the system variable ORACLE_HOME. Then export $ORACLE_HOME to the PATH.
  2. Enter the database location description in the Oracle tnsnames.ora file. Here is a typical format:
    ORCL =
        (DESCRIPTION =
            (ADDRESS_LIST =
                      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST =
     your_server_name)(PORT = 1521))
        )
        (CONNECT_DATA =
          (SERVICE_NAME = orcl)
        )
     )
Last updated: April 19, 2017