The SQL Server Configuration Tool is created along with the Data Masker client software when the product is installed. Visually, the SQL Server Configuration Tool consists of three tabs - each devoted to a specific function.

The Installation Actions Tab

The Data Masker SQL Server Configuration Tool
Installation Actions Tab

Install Binaries

The Data Masker software requires a binary file to be installed on the SQL Server instance and for extended stored procedures to be created which can access this DLL. This button will activate a series of panels (called a Wizard) which will walk you through the process of installing and configuring the server side DLL. This particular action cannot be run remotely - the Data Masker Server Configuration Tool must be copied to the same machine as the SQL Server instance prior to performing this option.

The DLL will be installed in the Binn directory of the instance being configured. In most cases the appropriate directory will be automatically detected. If the auto-detection fails the Binn directory must set manually. The server side installation also creates the extended stored procedures - this process requires access to the sa account since it is the only one which can own extended stored procedures.

The Data Sets which provide replacement data for Substitution Rules are also installed at this time. The Data Sets will be installed in a subdirectory of the specified Binn directory named Data Masker DataSets.

Configure Login

The Data Masker client software will connect to the SQL Server instance and call the extended stored procedures to execute the masking rules. A standard SQL Server Login is used to make the connection and interact with the DLL to perform the required masking operations. The sa account owns the extended stored procedures and automatically has access to them. Other logins will need to be granted access before it is possible for them to be used by the Data Masker client software to mask the data to which they have access.

The Configure Login button automates the process of configuring an SQL Server Login so that it is granted the required permissions and access rights which permit access to the Data Masker functionality.

Install Sample Tables

A sample database is supplied with the Data Masker software for the purposes of learning and practice. This button will install and populate the sample tables in a database of your choice. And ER diagram for the DM_TEST is available and more information on activities to try can be found in the Quick Start Guide guide.

The Diagnostic Actions Tab

The Data Masker SQL Server Configuration Tool
Diagnostic Actions Tab

Test Server

This button can be used to test a server configuration or to find out the version of the server side Data Masker DLL. It will connect via the sa account and will prompt for the password as part of its operation.

Test Login

It is quite possible for the DLL to properly configured in an SQL Server instance and for a specific Login to be unable to connect. This button can be used to test a login to see if it has been appropriately configured for access to the Data Masker extended stored procedures (and DLL) owned by the sa account.

The UnInstall Actions Tab

The Data Masker SQL Server Configuration Tool
Uninstall Actions Tab

UnInstall Binaries

The Data Masker software requires a binary file to be installed on the SQL Server instance and for extended stored procedures to be created which can access this DLL. This button can be used to remove a previously installed Data Masker server side configuration and will activate a series of panels (called a Wizard) which will walk you through the process of removing the server side Data Masker components. This particular action cannot be run remotely - the Data Masker Server Configuration Tool must be copied to the same machine as the SQL Server instance prior to performing this option.

The UnInstallation procedure involves the removal of the DLL and installed data sets and also the dropping of the Data Masker extended stored procedures in the SA account which access the DLL.

De-Configure Login

The De-Configure Login button automates the process of removing permissions and access rights from a previously configured SQL Server Login so that it longer has access to the Data Masker functionality.

Drop Sample Tables

A sample database is supplied with the Data Masker software for the purposes of learning and practice. This button will drop previously installed sample tables from an SQL Server database.