SQL Server Data-Tier Application Framework (September 2012) Available

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We are pleased to announce a new release of SQL Server Data-Tier Application Framework (DACFx)!

 

What’s new?

This September, 2012 release includes an update to SqlPackage.exe where the following scenarios have been enabled for packaging and deploying data via the command-line:

  • Extract DACPAC with data – Creates a database snapshot file (.dacpac) from a live SQL Server or Windows Azure SQL Database that contains data from user tables in addition to the database schema. These packages can be published to a new or existing SQL Server or Windows Azure SQL Database using the SqlPackage.exe Publish action. Data contained in package replaces the existing data in the target database.
  • Export BACPAC - Creates a logical backup file (.bacpac) of a live SQL Server or Windows Azure SQL Database containing the database schema and user data which can be used to migrate a database from on-premise SQL Server to Windows Azure SQL Database. Databases compatible with Azure can be exported and then later imported between supported versions of SQL Server.
  • Import BACPAC – Import a .bacpac file to create a new or populate an empty SQL Server or Windows Azure SQL Database.

Full SqlPackage.exe documentation on MSDN can be found here.

This release also addresses many issues that were reported by customers via Microsoft Connect or the SSDT Forum. Thanks again to our community in identifying and communicating these issues.

 

How can I get it?

You can obtain this new version of DACFx and its dependencies from our Microsoft Download Center page here. This version of DACFx supersedes all previously available versions.

This new version of DACFx supports in-place upgrade from previous versions, so it is not required to remove previous DACFx installations before upgrading to this new release. SQL Server 2012 client tools including SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), as well as Visual Studio 2012 RTM are fully compatible with this updated version of DACFx and will use this new version once it has been installed.

If you experience any issues or have any feedback, please let us know via the forum or Connect. We look forward to hearing from you!