Part 1: The Control Software: SQL Server Integration Services
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
- ability 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.
Whilst the install is a fairly straightforward process, I recommend that you follow the Microsoft guide here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/install-sql-server-from-the-installation-wizard-setup Just ensure that when you reach the Feature Selection page that you check the boxes for Integration Services:
Though you can choose to not install the Scale Out Master options
Once you have installed SQL Server and SQL Server Integration Services using the SQL Server installer, you can now install SQL Server Data Tools which will also install a free instance of Microsoft Visual Studio
Install SSDT
Head on over to Microsoft to grab the latest version of SSDT: Download SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) - SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) | Microsoft Docs
And then simply run this installer
You should now be all set for automating Tableau Server.
As I explained at the beginning of this article, you are free to use whichever tools you prefer to work with.
My preference is SQL Server Developer Edition and SQL Server Integration Services; both being commercially free is a great help