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Setting up a generic SQL Server archive

Cortex can connect to any SQL Server database as an archive data source, providing relationship-aware browsing and search capabilities without requiring a pre-defined integration for a specific system.

Prerequisites​

  • A SQL Server database with the data you want to archive
  • A SQL login with read-only access to that database

Connection String​

When configuring a generic SQL Server data source in Cortex, use the following connection string format:

server=server-hostname,1433;uid=username;password=the-password;database=YourDatabase;MultipleActiveResultSets=true

The key fields are:

  • server — the hostname or IP address and port of your SQL Server instance
  • uid — the SQL Server username
  • password — the password for that user
  • database — the name of the database
  • MultipleActiveResultSets — must be set to true

How Generic SQL Server Archives Work​

Relationship Discovery​

Cortex automatically discovers relationships between tables in the database by analyzing foreign key constraints, primary key patterns, and common naming conventions. This allows you to navigate from one record to related records, similar to how dedicated archive types work.

Table Browsing​

All tables in the database are available for browsing. Cortex presents them organized by schema, making it easy to find the data you need.

Full-text and filtered search are available across all tables, with the same field-aware search controls used by other archive types.

Use Cases​

Generic SQL Server archives are useful for:

  • Custom applications — archive data from in-house or third-party applications that don't have a dedicated Cortex integration
  • Data migration projects — temporarily connect to a legacy database to browse and search its contents
  • Cross-system analysis — connect to auxiliary databases that support your main ITSM processes

What Cortex Can Do With a Generic SQL Server Archive​

  • Browse — navigate tables organized by schema with automatic relationship discovery
  • Search — full-text and filtered search across all tables
  • Record viewing — view individual records with their field values
  • Relationships — navigate related records via inferred foreign key relationships
  • Attachments — attachment discovery, listing, and download support (where the database includes attachment data)

Troubleshooting​

  • Verify the SQL Server is running and accessible from the Cortex server
  • Confirm the login credentials are correct
  • Check that the database user has db_datareader permissions on the database
  • See Troubleshooting for more help