Introduction
When working with SSIS, developers often need to connect to APIs, cloud platforms, or specialized data sources. While generic connections (such as Microsoft’s HTTP or FTP connections) can get the job done, they typically involve complex configurations, custom scripts, and troubleshooting challenges related to authentication or pagination.
The ZappySys SSIS PowerPack provides a suite of specialized connectors (ZS connectors) that simplify these tasks. These connectors offer a friendly interface, require less manual configuration, and handle common challenges automatically, making ETL development faster, easier, and more reliable.
Prerequisites
- Download and install the ZappySys SSIS PowerPack.
Problem with Generic Connections
When using generic connections in SSIS, developers often encounter:
- Complex authentication setup (OAuth, API keys, tokens).
- Limited visibility into request/response details.
- Longer learning curves due to reliance on scripting or custom code.
Connectors
HTTP Connector
If you open the Connection Manager and create a new connection, you will notice both the ZS-HTTP connection and the Microsoft HTTP connection.
With the Microsoft HTTP connection, you can enter credentials and some proxy settings.
With the ZS-HTTP connection, you have additional options, including basic authentication, dynamic token, static token, JWT token, and more.
For example, under the Dynamic Token tab, you can specify the request needed to fetch a token.
You can also configure how the token should be retrieved and refreshed.
OAuth Connection
The ZS-OAuth connection supports both OAuth 1 and 2, with built-in options for popular services such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others.
If the service is not listed, you can use the Custom OAuth option and select the required grant type.
Additional tabs allow you to configure extra request data, callback URLs, timeouts, and more.
API Connector
The ZS-API connector includes ready-to-use templates for popular services like Google, Amazon, SharePoint, Mailchimp, and more. You can check the full list here.
SFTP Connection
The ZS-SFTP connection offers advanced functionality compared to Microsoft’s basic FTP connection. We have a detailed tutorial here comparing the two.
More Connections
Beyond HTTP, OAuth, API, and SFTP, the SSIS PowerPack includes connectors for PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Excel, Amazon services, and more. Each connection comes with multiple tabs for advanced configurations and error handling.
Conclusion
Generic SSIS connections often require complex configurations and manual work to handle authentication or error management. By contrast, ZappySys connectors simplify these processes with more straightforward setup, built-in pagination handling, and user-friendly interfaces. Leveraging connectors such as the ZS-HTTP connection, ZS-OAuth connection, ZS-API connector, and ZS-SFTP connection enables developers to shorten the learning curve and build reliable, scalable ETL solutions much faster.
Explore our SSIS PowerPack for more information and download and install it to start building smarter, faster, and more scalable solutions.
References
Contact us
If you encounter any issues or have specific questions, reach out to our support team via live chat or support ticket using our email support@zappysys.com.