Make Oracle database authentication connections using a Net Service Name

Summary

Instructions provided describe the steps to make Oracle database authentication connections using the Oracle Instant Client and a Net Service Name. See How To: Configure the Oracle Instant Client to make Database Authentication and Operating System Authentication connections using ArcGIS Desktop for more information.

Procedure

1. Download the (32-bit) Oracle Instant Client from the My Esri, and unzip it to a location on the local ArcGIS Desktop machine. Change the name of the folder if desired.

EXAMPLE:

C:\OracleInstantClient_32

2. Add the Oracle Instant Client path to the beginning of the existing PATH (operating system) Environment Variable.

EXAMPLE:

PATH=C:\OracleInstantClient_32;...

3. Create a file called 'TNSNAMES.ORA' inside the Oracle Instant Client directory, and add an entry in the file specifying a desired Net Service Name, the Host machine name (with the local domain), and the Service Name.

EXAMPLE:

ORCL =
  (DESCRIPTION =
    (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = ORASRVR.<yourDOMAINNAME>)(PORT = 1521))
    (CONNECT_DATA =
      (SERVER = DEDICATED)
      (SERVICE_NAME = ORCL)
    )
  )

4. Create an Environment Variable on the Windows operating system called 'TNS_ADMIN' that references the location of the Oracle Instant Client directory.

5. Launch ArcCatalog and make a connection using the Net Service Name and selecting the Database Authentication option from the drop-down, and specify a username and password.