¶ 1. Overview
In the data source section, we can manage existing data sources, allowing us to retrieve, search, or query an external data source. T6 Enterprise uses data sources through extension modules to access data, including:
- SDP (Sysphera Data Provider);
- MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server).
It serves as a central point for collecting, storing, and accessing data required for analysis, reports, and applications. Within T6 Enterprise, the data source facilitates the connection between the application and the database in an efficient and secure way. It establishes the initial connection to the data source where the information displayed in a report is located. Basically, the information it stores is the connection string (the SQL Server connection string we already have in the application), which is how it gets the information needed to connect in T6 Enterprise. A comparison is made between the connection strings; if they do not match, synchronization can be performed.
¶ 1.1 Prerequisites
For the user to access the data source, we need to open the T6 main menu, go to Settings, and select Preview. A side panel will open; locate Data Source Sync and enable the switch button. It is also required that the global group feature Manage Reporting Services Resources is enabled. To enable the feature, an administrator user must follow these steps: from the menu, go to Access Control, select Group, choose the group where the feature will be enabled, click Permissions in the ribbon. A side panel will open; select Functionalities and, under Administrator, click 
to display the available features. Enable Manage Reporting Services Resources and click 
, and then 
. All users with an administrator profile added to the group will have access to the feature.
¶ 2. Features
The data source within T6 Enterprise offers several essential features, including:
- Establishing secure and efficient connections with databases or other data sources;
- Managing authentication and authorization to access data;
- Validating input data through connection strings to ensure integrity and compliance with business rules, transforming data as needed to fit specific formats.
- Enabling implementation of security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
- Logging activities and transactions for auditing and performance analysis; monitoring database connection usage and performance, identifying possible bottlenecks.
- Facilitating integration with other parts of the system or external services.
These are crucial features for the efficiency, security, and robustness of software systems, enabling effective and reliable data management.
¶ 3. Using the Data Source
To start using the data source, in the explorer select the Integration tab in the ribbon and click Data Source.
A panel will open showing the data sources that have a connection with available reporting services. In the panel, the following are displayed: Name, Path, Type (SDP or MSSQL), and Status (synchronized or unsynchronized).
-
Synchronized: The data source connection string from Reporting Services (SSRS) is compatible with the connection string of T6 Enterprise.
-
Unsynchronized: The data source connection string from Reporting Services (SSRS) is different from the connection string of T6 Enterprise. It is possible to download and synchronize the data source using the buttons:
, meaning it will update (replace) the data source connection string in Reporting Services (SSRS) with the one from T6 Enterprise.
If you choose to add a new data source, click 
. A panel will open to add the new data source. You will be asked to enter name, type, and Reporting Services (SSRS) path.
For type, you can choose SDP or MSSQL.
-
If you choose MSSQL: You only need to enter name and Reporting Services (SSRS) path (note that application and user are disabled).
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If you choose SDP: You need to enter name and Reporting Services (SSRS) path, and the application and user options will be enabled; these fields must be filled in to add the data source.
¶ 4. Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a data source in T6?
A Data Source in T6 is a central point for collecting, storing, and accessing data required for analysis, reports, and applications. It facilitates the connection between the application and the database in an efficient and secure way, mainly storing the connection string to establish connections.
2. What types of data sources are supported in T6?
T6 supports two main types of data sources:
SDP (Sysphera Data Provider);
MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server).
3. What are the prerequisites for using the data source in T6?
To use Data Source in T6, the user must be in a Global Group with the Manage Reporting Services Resources functionality enabled.
In addition, it is necessary to access the main menu in T6, open Settings, select Preview, and enable the Preview Feature: Data Source Sync.
4. What is the difference between "Synchronized" and "Unsynchronized" status in Data Sources?
The difference is in connection string compatibility:
Synchronized: The data source connection string in Reporting Services (SSRS) is compatible with the one in T6;
Unsynchronized: The connection strings are different and need synchronization.
5. How do I synchronize an unsynchronized data source?
To synchronize a data source in T6, use the synchronization button to update (replace) the data source connection string in Reporting Services (SSRS) with the one from T6.
6. How do I access the data source panel in T6?
To access the data source panel in T6, follow these steps:
- Open Explorer;
- In the ribbon, select the Integration tab;
- Click Data Source.
A side panel will open, showing synchronized and unsynchronized data sources, plus the option to add new data sources.
7. What information is displayed in the data source panel?
When opening the data source panel, the following are displayed:
Name;
Path;
Type (SDP or MSSQL);
Status (synchronized or unsynchronized);
Action buttons (Download and Synchronize).
8. How do I add a new data source?
After opening the Data Source panel, click the Add button located above the existing data source list and fill in the requested information in the panel that opens:
Name;
Type;
Reporting Services Folder;
Application;
User.
9. What is the difference when creating an MSSQL vs SDP data source?
The difference is in the required fields for each type:
MSSQL: Requires only name and Reporting Services (SSRS) path;
SDP: In addition to name and path, it also requires filling the Application and User fields.
10. What is the purpose of the connection string in Data Sources?
The connection string stores the information required to connect in T6, allowing comparison between T6 and Reporting Services (SSRS) connection strings to determine whether synchronization is needed.