Introduction
In today’s data-driven business environment, having access to accurate, up-to-date information across systems can make a tangible difference to how organisations operate. If your organisation uses Microsoft SharePoint to manage lists, libraries or documents, but also relies on line-of-business (LOB) systems and SQL databases for reporting, CRM, ERP or analytics, keeping everything aligned can quickly become complex.
This is where AxioWorks SQList fits naturally, providing a reliable way to integrate SharePoint data with SQL-based systems without introducing fragile custom code or operational overhead.
What is SQList?
SQList is a purpose-built tool that bridges SharePoint and SQL Server by exporting SharePoint lists and libraries into fully synchronised SQL Server tables. Once configured, it keeps those tables continuously up to date, ensuring that SQL-based systems always reflect the latest SharePoint data.
The value lies in converting SharePoint’s collaborative, list-oriented data into a relational, query-friendly SQL format. This approach underpins many of the practical advantages of bringing SharePoint list data into SQL Server, particularly when integration and reporting requirements grow beyond what SharePoint alone can comfortably support.
Why integrate SharePoint with LOB systems?
Many organisations use SharePoint lists to support workflows, document tracking and operational records. However, core business processes—such as invoicing, customer management, inventory, HR or operations—typically live in external SQL-based LOB systems.
Integrating these datasets allows organisations to:
- Combine SharePoint data with LOB data to create unified, end-to-end views;
- Run cross-system queries and reports that include both operational context and transactional detail;
- Ensure analytics and business intelligence always draw on current data;
- Eliminate manual exports and error-prone data handling;
- Maintain predictable performance as data volumes increase.
Traditional integration approaches—custom code, external lists or complex web services—often introduce maintenance and security challenges. In contrast, SQList supports a simpler and more robust model that aligns well with integrating SharePoint lists with line-of-business systems using SQL as the integration layer.
How SQList works — simple setup, continuous synchronisation
SQList follows a deliberately straightforward architecture:
- It runs as a Windows Service, with a management interface (SQList Manager) used for configuration and monitoring.
- Connections use standard SharePoint web services (HTTP/HTTPS) and standard SQL Server connectivity—no modifications to SharePoint or SQL Server are required.
- Selected lists and libraries are exported into SQL tables, with support for lookup columns, relationships and attachments where applicable.
- The service polls SharePoint for changes and applies updates to SQL tables on a continuous cycle, providing near real-time synchronisation.
- Parallel processing options allow larger environments to scale replication efficiently.
- Because standard ports and protocols are used, deployment rarely requires complex firewall or network changes.
This design aligns closely with the security and deployment considerations described in why SQList is a secure choice for SharePoint–SQL replication.
Benefits of using SQList for LOB integration
By exporting SharePoint data into SQL Server and keeping it synchronised, SQList enables several practical benefits:
- Near real-time data access. Updates in SharePoint are reflected quickly in SQL, ensuring LOB systems operate on current information.
- Unlimited querying and reporting. SQL tables avoid SharePoint thresholds and API constraints, supporting large datasets and complex joins.
- Seamless analytics. Once in SQL, SharePoint data can feed BI tools such as Power BI, reporting services and custom applications.
- Reduced operational complexity. No custom APIs or scripts are required; synchronisation runs automatically once configured.
- Scalable and predictable. SQL Server scales more predictably for analytical workloads than SharePoint lists alone.
- Transparent licensing. A perpetual licence model avoids unexpected subscription costs.
Use cases — when SQList adds most value
SQList is particularly effective in scenarios such as:
- Feeding SharePoint list data into ERP or CRM systems to support joined business processes;
- Building dashboards and reports that span SharePoint and LOB data, including financial and operational metrics;
- Running cross-site or cross-system analytics without manual exports;
- Providing BI teams with SQL-based access to SharePoint data;
- Supporting data modernisation initiatives where SharePoint data needs to coexist with relational systems.
These patterns mirror the real-world scenarios described in practical on-premises integration use cases for SMEs.
How to get started with SQList
Getting started is straightforward. SQList can be installed on any machine that can reach both SharePoint and SQL Server; they do not need to run on the same host.
- Configure SharePoint and SQL Server connections in SQList Manager.
- Select the lists and libraries to synchronise.
- Start the SQList Service, which automatically creates tables and begins synchronisation.
- Optionally tune synchronisation cycles or parallelism for larger environments.
- Connect LOB systems, BI tools or custom applications directly to the SQL tables.
Why SQList beats custom integration or manual exports
Some organisations attempt to build custom integration tools or rely on manual exports. Others try to stretch SharePoint beyond its intended use as a relational platform. These approaches often struggle with performance, complexity and maintainability.
SQList provides a supported, production-ready alternative. It leverages standard SharePoint and SQL capabilities, avoids bespoke development, and delivers the scalability and performance of a SQL-centric architecture without sacrificing SharePoint’s collaborative strengths.
Take the next step
If your organisation relies on SharePoint alongside SQL-based systems for reporting, analytics or operations, SQList provides a practical way to bring those worlds together.
Visit the SQList page on our website for documentation, deployment details and to start a free trial.
