Setting up an SQL Alias for database connections

Issue

In some network environments, it is impossible to use server names to connect to the database.  Since licensing is dependent on server name, simply addressing it by IP instead is not always an option, in that case creating an SQL alias allows the client to connect using the same server name.  It is similar to an entry in a Windows host file.

Solution

1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager.  If you do not have this program installed contact support.

2. Expand SQL Server Native Client 10.0 Configuration

3. Right-click "aliases" and select "New Alias"

4. Enter the "Alias Name" (this should be the server name and instance name, SERVER\CONEST for example)

5. "Port No." should be 1433 in most cases.

6. Set "Protocol" to TCP/IP

7. Set "Server" to the sever's IP address.