This section details the basic setup needed to be considered for most Tabcmd automation
Automation is achievable with most tools providing the tool is able to execute batch (*.bat) files over the command line.
For server operations, I favour Microsoft's ETL tool SQL Server Integration Services, due to:
- its ease of use
- abilitiy to add and use logic in determining when actions need to be undertaken
- its rich features enabling further look-up and logic controls that can be written in an array of programming languages
And, being part of SQL Server and Visual Studio, it is perpetually free.
Where do I get SSIS and What will it cost me?
First off, SSIS is a perpetually free tool, which can either be included as part of the Free Microsoft Visual Studio or Microsoft SQL Server.
We don't use SQL Server, can we still get SSIS?
Yes, but you will need to procure a copy of Microsoft SQL Server in order to get the tool.
But, you do not need to consider migrating to your data platform away from your current vendor. I tend to suggest installing a copy of the perpetually free Microsoft SQL Server Developer Edition.
Read the installation guidance here: Get SQL Server and ensure you follow the notes for SQL Server Developer Edition
The Developer Edition can be installed to a server, although it is severely limited on the amount of accessible cores and memory as it is by design, for development and test purposes; although the limitations still provide more than enough compute power for ETL packages.