Set up a connector to archive SQL data

Use the SQL DataParser from 17a-4 LLC to import and archive data from a SQL database to user mailboxes in your Microsoft 365 organization. The DataParser includes a SQL connector that you configure to capture items from a third-party data source and import those items to Microsoft 365. The SQL DataParser connector converts SQL data to an email message format and then imports those items to user mailboxes in Microsoft 365.

After you store SQL data in user mailboxes, you can apply Microsoft Purview features such as Litigation Hold, eDiscovery, retention policies and retention labels, and communication compliance. By using a SQL connector to import and archive data in Microsoft 365, your organization can stay compliant with government and regulatory policies.

Overview of archiving SQL data

The following overview explains the process of using a data connector to archive SQL data in Microsoft 365.

1. Your organization works with 17a-4 to set up and configure the SQL DataParser.

2. The DataParser regularly collects SQL items and converts the content of a message to an email message format.

3. You create the SQL DataParser connector in the Microsoft Purview portal. The connector connects to DataParser and transfers the messages to a secure Azure Storage location in the Microsoft cloud.

4. The connector creates a subfolder in the Inbox folder named SQL DataParser in the user mailboxes and imports the SQL items to that folder. The connector determines which mailbox to import items to by using the value of the Email property. Every SQL item contains this property, which is populated with the email address of every participant.

Before you set up a connector

• Create a DataParser account for Microsoft connectors. To create an account, contact 17a-4 LLC. You need to sign in to this account when you create the connector in Step 1.

• Assign the Data Connector Admin role to the user who creates the SQL DataParser connector in Step 1 (and completes it in Step 3). This role is required to add connectors on the Data connectors page in the Microsoft Purview portal. Multiple role groups have this role by default. For a list of these role groups, see Roles in Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Microsoft Purview compliance. Alternatively, an admin in your organization can create a custom role group, assign the Data Connector Admin role, and add the appropriate users as members. For instructions, see:

  • Permissions in the Microsoft Purview portal
  • Roles and role groups in Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Microsoft Purview compliance

• This 17a-4 data connector is available in GCC environments in the Microsoft 365 US Government cloud. Third-party applications and services might involve storing, transmitting, and processing your organization's customer data on third-party systems that are outside of the Microsoft 365 infrastructure. Therefore, these systems aren't covered by the Microsoft Purview and data protection commitments. Microsoft makes no representation that use of this product to connect to third-party applications implies that those third-party applications are FEDRAMP compliant.

Step 1: Set up a SQL DataParser connector

Create a 17a-4 connector for SQL data in the Microsoft Purview portal.

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Purview portal.
2. Select Settings > Data connectors.
3. Select My connectors, then select Add connector.
4. From the list, choose SQL DataParser.
5. On the Terms of service page, select Accept.
6. Enter a unique name that identifies the connector and then select Next.
7. Sign in to your 17a-4 account and complete the steps in the SQL DataParser connection workflow.

Step 2: Configure the SQL DataParser connector

Work with 17a-4 Support to configure the SQL DataParser connector.

Step 3: Map users

The SQL DataParser connector automatically maps users to their Microsoft 365 email addresses before importing data to Microsoft 365.

Step 4: Monitor the SQL DataParser connector

After you create a SQL DataParser connector, you can view the connector status in the Microsoft Purview portal.

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Purview portal.
2. Select Settings > Data connectors.
3. Select My connectors, then select the SQL DataParser connector that you created to display the flyout page, which contains the properties and information about the connector.
4. Under Connector status with source, select the Download log link to open or save the status log for the connector. This log contains information about the data that's been imported to the Microsoft cloud. For more information, see View admin logs for data connectors.

Limits

Importing attachments or items is supported up to 10 MB.