Contained Database – A New Feature in SQL SERVER 2012 TIP #81

While working on a project, sometimes it happened that we need to shift the database from one server to another due to various reasons (sometimes, it is only money ).

We are aware that this easy step takes backup and restores another machine but the glitch is what about the users which have access to the database ?

Now, the next step for us is to create each individual user on new database server which is a very tedious job sometimes.

In SQL SERVER 2012, a new feature was introduced by Microsoft which is Contained Database. This feature allows us to move meta data as well with database backup.

Let me explain it in more detail what I mean to say here. A contained database is a feature which isolates database from other database and from SQL SERVER host for authentication which means now the authentication can be done on the database level.

For example, you want to move an in house Employee management system which has around 100 users which access this database so if the database in contained enabled, then in that case, we do not have to create new users on another sever.

Now let me explain here how to enable this feature.

Step 1

Enable this feature on server level by right clicking on server and from property TAB.

We can enable this feature by the following command as well.

EXEC sp_configure ‘show advanced’, 1
GO
RECONFIGURE
GO
EXEC sp_configure ‘contained database authentication’, 1
GO
RECONFIGURE
GO
GO

Step 2

Now right click and go to property TAB of database on which we have to enable Containment Type feature.

We have to enable this feature and set the value Partial.

We can enable this feature via SQL command:

ALTER DATABASE IndiandotnetDB SET CONTAINMENT = PARTIAL

Once we have enabled this feature above, we are good to go.

Now, when you create user on database, you can easily move this database with the META DATA which means user.

Warning: If you see the image below, you will find Replication, change data Capture,Change Tracking are not supported contained databases.

So, if you are using Replication, change data capture, change tracking please avoid enabling this feature and use the traditional way of creating user.

I hope this feature might help you somewhere.

Thanks!

Filed under: CodeProject, DENALI, SQL Server, SQL SERVER 2014, TIPS Tagged: Contained Database, META DATA, SQL server 2012, SQL SERVER Feature