Connect to ODBC data sources without a data source name (DSN)

You can connect to PI SQL Client ODBC without using a data source name (DSN). In this case, the connection information is saved, except for the password, for future connections to the data source.

1. In the Object Explorer pane under ODBC Data Sources, do one of the following:

   • Double-click PI SQL Client.

   • Right-click PI SQL Client and click Connect.

2. In the PI SQL Client ODBC Login window in the AF Server field, enter the name of the PI AF server to which you want to connect.

3. In the AF Database field, enter the name of the PI AF database to which you want to connect or select it from the drop-down list.

   Note: The drop-down list is only available if PI Web API Core Services and PI System Directory are installed.

4. In the Authentication area, provide credentials for a Windows user account or select Trusted Connection to use your Windows credentials to connect to PI AF server.

5. Optional: Click the Advanced tab to specify additional properties, such as Time Zone, Connection Timeout, or protocol order.

6. Optional: Click the Workarounds tab to specify additional initialization properties, such as Maximum String Size or Variant as String.

   For more information about setting configuration options, see the Data source name (DSN) configuration topic in the PI SQL Client ODBC Administrator Guide. The connection information is the same whether you use a DSN or not.

7. Click OK.

   A green arrow next to the server icon indicates that the connection is successful.