title: Can't CREATE EXTERNAL DATA SOURCE in SQL
body: <p>I'm trying to create an external data source to access Azure Blob Storage. However, I'm having issues with creating the actual data source.</p>
  
  <p>I've followed the instructions located here:
  <a href="https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/import-export/examples-of-bulk-access-to-data-in-azure-blob-storage" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Examples of bulk access to data in azure blob storage</a> and 
  <a href="https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/t-sql/statements/create-external-data-source-transact-sql" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Create external data source - transact sql</a>. I'm using SQL Server 2016 on a VM accessing via SSMS on a client machine using Windows Authentication with no issues. Instructions say creating this external data source works for SQL Server 2016 and Azure Blob Storage.</p>
  
  <p>I have created the Master Key:</p>
  
  <pre><code>CREATE MASTER KEY ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = &lt;password&gt;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>and, the database scoped credential</p>
  
  <pre><code>CREATE DATABASE SCOPED CREDENTIAL UploadCountries  
  WITH IDENTITY = 'SHARED ACCESS SIGNATURE',
  SECRET = &lt;key&gt;;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I have verified both of these exist in the database by querying sys.symmetric_keys and sys.database_scoped_credentials.</p>
  
  <p>However, when I try executing the following code it says 'Incorrect syntax near 'EXTERNAL'</p>
  
  <pre><code>CREATE EXTERNAL DATA SOURCE BlobCountries
  WITH  (
      TYPE = BLOB_STORAGE,
      LOCATION = 'https://&lt;somewhere&gt;.table.core.windows.net/&lt;somewhere&gt;', 
      CREDENTIAL = UploadCountries  
  );
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Your thoughts and help are appreciated!</p>
  
  <p>Steve.</p>