Create a SQL Azure Database

For this example, we will create the following SQL Azure database:

• SQL Azure Server Name: axioworks-demo-server1.database.windows.net
• Database Name: AxioWorksDemoDB1
• Authentication method: Microsoft Entra Only

And the following Entra ID App

• App registration name: axioworks-demo-app

Here is a short step-by-step guide to create a SQL Azure database:

1. Log in to the Azure Portal at https://portal.azure.com.
2. Click “Create a resource” and choose “SQL Database”.
3. Enter the database name and select or create a resource group.
4. Create a new SQL server or select an existing one.
5. Configure additional settings (e.g. compute tier, backup options).
6. Review and create the database.
7. Click “Create” to deploy the SQL Azure database.

IMPORTANT: since we are using Microsoft Entra Only authentication, we will complete the configuration using the Microsoft Entra Admin account shown here. Use your preferred authentication method.

Configure Firewall

1. Navigate to your SQL Server (not the database itself).
2. In the left menu, select “Networking”.
3. Under “Firewall rules”, click “+ Add your client IP”.
4. Confirm the IP address and click “Save”.

Your IP is now allowed to connect to the SQL Azure server.

IMPORTANT: you will need to add the IP address of the machine running SQList to configure the replication for this database.

Create the Azure AD App Registraion

Create the App Registration

1. Select “Microsoft Entra ID”;
2. Under “Manage”, click “App registrations”;
3. Click “New registration” and enter the following:
   Name: axioworks-demo-app
   Supported account types: choose as appropriate (usually “Accounts in this organisational directory only”)
   Leave the Redirect URI blank (can be added later if needed).
4. Click “Register”.

Once the application is created, take note of the “Application (client) ID” and “Directory (tenant) ID”, you will need them to create the connection in SQList.

Create a Client Secret

1. Go to “Certificates & secrets” under the app menu;
2. Under “Client secrets”, click “New client secret”;
3. Enter a description (e.g. AxioWorks SQList Client Secret) and choose an expiration period;
4. Click “Add”.

IMPORTANT: Copy the value of the secret immediately – it will not be shown again.

Connect to the New SQL Database in SSMS and Complete the Database Configuration

Connect to the Database Using SSMS and Microsoft Entra Admin

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. In the Connect to Server window:
   Server name: tcp:axioworks-demo-server1.database.windows.net;
   Authentication: Azure Active Directory – Universal with MFA;
   User name: use the email address of the Microsoft Entra Admin.

Click Connect and complete the MFA authentication prompt.

Run the Configuration T-SQL

Once connected, open a new query window on the AxioWorksDemoDB1 database and run the following T-SQL to create the Entra user and assign permissions:

CREATE USER [axioworks-demo-app] FROM EXTERNAL PROVIDER;
ALTER ROLE db_owner ADD MEMBER [axioworks-demo-app];

Create the Database Connection in SQList

To establish the database connection in SQList, create a new database connection, input the details gathered earlier, and save the configuration. At this stage, you can replicate your SharePoint list to the new SQL Azure database.