Geodatabase connections in ArcGIS Desktop A spatial database
connection creates a file on the client computer that contains
the connection information to an ArcSDE geodatabase. You create
the connection file under the Database Connections node in the
Catalog tree by providing specific connection information in the
Spatial Database Connection dialog box. If you use the data from
this connection as the source for a service, such as a
geoprocessing or geocoding service, you may need to place the
connection file in a shared location on your network. See the
topics Preparing resources for publishing as services and
Geoprocessing Considerations for ArcSDE data for more
information about sharing a connection file. Some of the
information you provide through the Spatial Database Connection
dialog box is mandatory; other information is optional,
depending on the requirements at your site. For instance, you
can choose to save or not save version and database user name
and password information as part of the connection