diff --git a/docker-compose/.env.template b/docker-compose/.env.template
index 6706fd1..0a74a89 100644
--- a/docker-compose/.env.template
+++ b/docker-compose/.env.template
@@ -49,8 +49,10 @@ Ai__Ollama__ChatModel=llama2
 Ai__Ollama__EmbeddingModel=embedding-model
 Ai__Ollama__TimeoutSeconds=30
 
-# Database (shared) - maps to Database:Host etc. used by apps
-Database__Host=sqlserver
+# Database (shared) - maps to Database:Host etc. used by apps.
+# Deployed (staging/prod) uses the LAN DNS name (resolves to the MSSQL VM 10.0.0.240);
+# for local dev leave it unset to use the docker-compose 'sqlserver' service default.
+Database__Host=mssql.easysoft.ro
 Database__Port=1433
 Database__Name=MyAiDb
 Database__User=sa