Like DTS, SSIS features a [[Wizard (software)|wizard]] that lets the user readily create a package which moves data from a single data source to a destination with no transformations. This tool is called the '''Import/Export Wizard'''. The Wizard is appropriate for use to quickly move data into or out of SQL Server from or to a variety of sources, including text files and other SQL Server instances.
Developers tasked with creating or maintaining SSIS packages utilize a visual development tool similarbased toon '''[[Microsoft Visual Studio''']] called the SQL Server Business Intelligence Studio. It allows users to edit '''SSIS packages''' using a drag-and-drop user interface. A scripting environment in which to write programming code is also available in the tool. The package holds a variety of elements that define the workflow for the package. Upon package execution, the tool provides color-coded, real-time monitoring.
'''Connections'''. A connection includes the information necessary to connect to a particular data source. Tasks can reference the connection by its name, allowing the details of the connection to be changed or configured at runtime.
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Various transforms exist in the product, including a sort, aggregation, and lookup. A derived column transform evaluates an expression to compute the value for a new column. A script transform is available which allows more complicated transforms to be written in [[VB.NET]] or [[C Sharp|C#]].
Unlike DTS, SSIS can have more than one transform in its operation. Transforms, data sources, and data destinations can have multiple inputs and outputs. Most have error outputs so that rows which would cause the transform to fail can be optionally redirected for further or alternate processing.
Any number of sources or destinations are supported in a data flow.
