title: Connecting to a remote web server and SQL database using Visual Studio
body: <p>I need to set up asp.net and SQL server database hosting with a 3rd party web hosting service. To simplify the deployment process, I'd like to be able to develop the web site within a Visual Studio environment in exactly the same way as VS allows local machine or domain web sites to be edited.
  I'd also like to be able to connect to the 3rd party SQL database directly - possibly using SQL server linked servers, or asp.net connection objects.</p>
  
  <p>Is it possible to do this? What services do 3rd party hosts need to provide in order to allow integration with Visual Studio and SQL Server?</p>