Data Service Macros

Data service macros are provided as an alternative to using virtual stored procedures. Data services macros provide a greater degree of flexibility when accessing data, allowing more control over the data set you are working with. These macros require expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and enable you to access and manipulate data using SQL SELECT statements. Data is stored in binary format in the database, and is generally inaccessible when accessed directly. The SELECT statement can use several data services macros that enable you to extract select binary data and render it in a temporary table in SQL.

To execute SQL statements through data services, a user must granted the Direct Data Access permission in the Administration module. This permission can be assigned through a security role, or can be assigned to a particular user or set of users. It is recommended that this access be granted using a group that belongs to a security role.