Data Transformation Services (DTS)

Last Updated: August 18, 2011

Definition - What does Data Transformation Services (DTS) mean?

Data Transformation Services (DTS) is a group of utilities and objects used to automatically perform extract, transform and load operations to or from databases. DTS is widely used with Microsoft SQL Server databases.

DTS was a feature of Microsoft SQL Server from version 7.0 through SQL Server 2000. It was replaced by SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) in SQL Server 2005.

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Techopedia explains Data Transformation Services (DTS)

DTS consists of a set of utilities called DTS tools and objects called DTS packages, which automate extract, transform and load operations to or from databases.

DTS packages are the logical components within DTS, where every DTS object is a child component of packages. They are used when a user alters data using DTS. Packages also hold connection objects, allowing packages to read data from object linking and embedding database (OLE-DB) compliant data sources. Package functionalities are organized as steps and tasks.

DTS tools within SQL Server include:

DTS wizards
DTS designer
DTS programming interface

DTS transforms and loads data from heterogeneous sources like open database connectivity or text-only files into supported databases. It also automates data import or transformation on a scheduled basis, in addition to performing other functions such as executing external programs.

DTS provides version control and backups for packages when used along with version control systems.