When SAS Accessing MS SQL server data, which one is more efficient , ODBC connection or SQL sever?

[Jade_SAS]

Hi All,

    When SAS Accessing MS SQL server data, which one is more efficient , ODBC connection or SQL sever native client connection? 

That is when you do "libname test  ODBC"  or "libname test SQLSVR" to access the dataset, which one is more efficient?

Also what's the advantage and disadvantage when using ODBC connection or SQL sever native client connection in SAS?

Thank you!

Jade

[LinusH]

What do you mean by native SQL Server connection? Regardless of what your client is called it's still ODBC or OLEDB. Regardless, it shouldn't really care unless you have any specific requirements.

[Jade_SAS]

To LinusH: Thank you for your reply! By speaking native SQL Server connection, I mean using SAS/access to MS SQL server directly.

[SASKiwi · Accepted solution]

Performance should be similar. The main constraint is network bandwidth to move data between the SQL Server and the SAS application server. We use ODBC and find performance is very good. The advantage of ODBC is it can be used with any ODBC-compliant database whereas the SQL Server ACCESS product can only be used with that database.

In theory SAS/ACCESS to SQL Server will be more customisable but I have yet to identify any major limitations with ODBC.

[Jade_SAS]

Thank you SASKiwi! Can I ask what makes you think SAS/ACCESS to SQL server will be more customisable?

[SASKiwi]

@JBailey's post lists some of these. However if you are just doing SQL queries then either product is fine. 

[LinusH]

Maybe this old knowledge but SAS/ACCESS to SQL Server was only available in UNIX/Linux environments. So of you are in Windows I don't think that you have ACCESS to SQL Server as an alternative...

[JBailey]

Hey,

Windows is a new platform for SAS/ACCESS Interface to Microsoft SQL Server.

This includes a DataDirect driver for MS SQL Server. Benefits are; 

1. Enhanced function push-down
2. Selected PROC push-down
3. Enhance Internationalization support
4. Simplified LIBNAME statement - no DSN required.

I am sure I am missing something. If you are interested, I will create a community article. Let me know if you are interested. 

[Jade_SAS]

Yes, I am interested. Please let us know if the article is ready!

Jade