Configuring a DirectSQL Connection to the Square 9 Cloud

📝 Overview

To utilize a DirectSQL connection, you will need to follow the instructions in the link below to configure the local SQL Server to use an encrypted connection. Note that a .pfx-formatted SSL certificate is required. When using a SSL certificate, please be sure to utilize a certificate obtained from a valid Certificate Authority (CA).

The steps below should be performed by local IT.

clipboard Requirements

To configure a DirectSQL Connection, you will need:

Requirement

Microsoft SQL Server installed on a on-premise workstation or server

A SSL Certificate in a .PFX format

Internet Access for the SQL Server to allow the machine to connect to the Square 9 Cloud

An External IP Address

A Fully Qualified Domain Name with a DNS Entry that points to your SQL Server

⚙️ Configuring the Connection

  1. Configure SQL Server encryption

  2. Configure TCP/IP on the SQL Server.

  3. Ensure that the SQL Server port (usually 1433) is accessible over the internet, and that a DNS record points to the on-premises SQL Server.

    1. This should be opened on your firewall on an external IP Address, see the whitelist URLs below.

  4. Configure a SQL Server User with a strong password and appropriate permissions levels to accommodate the scope of query or queries being made.

Next, ensure that the SQL Server port is accessible over the internet, and that a DNS record points to the on-premises SQL Server.

Server=<sqlserverfqdn>;Database=<dbname>;UID=<user>;PWD=<password>;

🧪 Testing the Connection

If you have successfully configured the connection, you should be able to connect to your server via SQL Server Management Studio.

✅ Optional Whitelists

You can restrict access to the SQL server by whitelisting the following domains:

  • <subdomain>.mysquare9.com

  • capture-<subdomain>.mysquare9.com

📅 Certificate Expiration

All SSL Certificates have a set expiration date. The certificate will need to be renewed prior to expiration to maintain an uninterrupted connection.