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sql-server-2012batch-processingsql-server-agentsql-job

What is the meaning of "SQL server agent service account" in SQL-job?


Could anyone please help me to understand this code under SQL-Server Job steps. One of the step having this process and I am not getting its process behavior with Type - "Operating System (CmdExe)" and Run-as - "SQL Server Agent Service Account".

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Also, What is the actual role of these Type & Run-as in option?


Solution

  • Run as defines the proxy account to be used to run this step. Proxy accounts defines a security context in which this job step runs. Each proxy corresponds to a security credential. For example, if you try to execute a copy command with CmdExec type, you must use a credential (e.g. Windows user account) that has rights to read the source file and rights to write in the destination folder.

    Job steps can be different types:

    • Executable programs and operating system commands.

    • Transact-SQL statements, including stored procedures and extended stored procedures.

    • PowerShell scripts.

    • Microsoft ActiveX scripts.

    • Replication tasks.

    • Analysis Services tasks.

    • Integration Services packages.

    Each type is executed differently. T-SQL scripts are sent to the database engine, executable programs (CmdExec) starts external programs (e.g. copy to copy files, or DTSRun to run a DTS package outside of SQL Server, as in your example), etc.