¶ 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, and transforming data as necessary to fit specific formats.
- Implementing security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
- Logging activities and transactions for auditing and performance analysis, monitoring the use and performance of the database connection, and identifying potential 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.
For the type, you can choose either SDP or MSSQL.
- If you choose MSSQL: You will need to add only the name and the path of Reporting Services (SSRS) (note that application and user are disabled).
- If you choose SDP: You will need to add the name, the path of Reporting Services (SSRS), and the application and user options will be enabled, which will need to be filled in to add the data source.
¶ 4. Use Cases
Data source synchronization is especially useful in the following scenarios:
¶ 4.1. Creating a New Data Source
When an application in T6 requires a new data source in Reporting Services (SSRS), it can be created directly from the product, without the need to configure it manually on the Report Server. Synchronization creates the data source directly on the Report Server with the correct connection string already configured.
¶ 4.2. Environment Migration
When migrating a project between environments — for example, publishing a production project to a development environment — the database backup is the same, but the connection data changes. Synchronization allows you to quickly update all data sources, pointing them to the connection string of the new environment.
Example: A production project is published in a development environment. The database backup is identical, but the server connection string is different. By synchronizing the data sources, all reports are immediately redirected to the development database, without the need to manually edit each source.
¶ 5. Configuration Parameters
Before using the Data Source feature, two parameters must be correctly configured in Settings → Parameters:
- ReportServiceUrl: The URL of the Reporting Services (SSRS) server. Used primarily for authentication and navigation in the Report Server.
- ReportServiceApi: The API URL of Reporting Services (SSRS). Used to make API calls to the Report Server, such as listing and filtering data sources.
Both parameters must be correctly configured for the Data Source panel to work properly. Incorrect or missing URLs will result in errors when accessing or synchronizing data sources.
¶ 6. Considerations on Encrypted SDP Data Sources
Connection strings of the SDP (Sysphera Data Provider) type are stored in encrypted form and contain, in addition to the server data, an application code and a user code.
¶ 6.1. When Synchronization May Fail
If the application code or user code embedded in the encrypted SDP connection string does not match any existing application or user in the T6 system, synchronization cannot be completed automatically. This typically occurs when:
- The data source was originally created in a different application (for example, the original application code does not exist in the current system).
- A data source is moved or published from the scope of one application to another.
In this scenario, T6 will display a warning indicating that the application and user codes of the data source do not match the current system configuration.
¶ 7. Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a data source in T6?
The Data Source in T6 is a central point for collecting, storing, and accessing data necessary for analysis, reports, and applications. It facilitates the connection between the application and the database efficiently and securely, 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 the Data Source in T6, the user must be in a Global Group with the Manage Report Services Resources feature enabled.
Additionally, it is necessary to access the main menu of T6, go to Settings, select the Preview option, and enable the Preview Feature: Data Source Sync.
4. What is the difference between "Synchronized" and "Unsynchronized" status in Data Sources?
The difference lies in the compatibility of the connection strings:
Synchronized: The connection string of the Reporting Services (SSRS) data source is compatible with T6's.
Unsynchronized: The connection strings are different and need to be synchronized.
5. How to synchronize an unsynchronized data source?
To synchronize a data source in T6, use the synchronization button to update (replace) the connection string of the Reporting Services (SSRS) data source with T6's.
6. How to access the data source panel in T6?
To access the data source panel in T6, follow the steps below:
- Access the Explorer.
- In the ribbon, select the Integration tab.
- Click on Data Source.
A side panel will open displaying synchronized, unsynchronized data sources and 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 to add a new data source?
After accessing the Data Sources panel, click the Add button, located above the list of existing data sources, and fill in the requested information in the panel that will open:
Name.
Type.
Reporting Services Folder.
Application.
User.
9. What is the difference when creating an MSSQL vs SDP data source?
The difference lies in the required fields for each type:
MSSQL: Requires only the name and path of Reporting Services (SSRS).
SDP: In addition to the name and path, it also requires filling in the Application and User fields.
10. What is the connection string used for in Data Sources?
The connection string stores the information needed to connect to T6, allowing comparison between the connection strings of T6 and Reporting Services (SSRS) to determine whether synchronization is needed.