¶ 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 the data source through extension modules to access the data, including:
- SDP (Sysphera Data Provider);
- MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server).
It serves as a central point for the collection, storage, and access to data necessary for analysis, reporting, and applications. Within T6 Enterprise, the data source facilitates the connection between the application and the database efficiently and securely. It establishes the initial connection to the data source where the information to be viewed by a report is stored. Basically, the information it stores is the connection string (the SQL Server connection string that we already have in the application), which is how it will have information to connect to T6 Enterprise, making a comparison between the connection strings. If they do not match, synchronization can be performed.
¶ 1.1 Prerequisites
For the user to have access to the data source, we will need to access the main menu of T6, go to Settings, and select the Preview option, a side panel will open, locate Data Source Sync and enable the switch button. It is also necessary to the Report Service Management feature must be enabled. To enable the feature, an administrator user needs to follow these steps: go to the menu and select Access Control, then choose Group, select the group in which the feature will be enabled, click on Permissions in the ribbon. A panel will open on the side; select the Functionalities option, and under Administrator, click on 
to display the available features. Enable the Report Service Management feature and click on 
, and finally on 
. All administrator-profile users 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, identifying potential bottlenecks;
- Facilitating integration with other parts of the system or external services.
These features are crucial 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, through the explorer, select the Integration tab in the ribbon and click on Data Source. A panel will open displaying the data sources that have a connection with the available reporting services. The panel will show: Name, Path, Type (SDP or MSSQL), and Status (synchronized or unsynchronized).
- Synchronized: The data source connection string from Reporting Services (SSRS) matches 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 with the data source through the buttons:
, which will update (replace) the connection string of the Reporting Services (SSRS) data source with that of T6 Enterprise.
If you choose to add a new data source, click on 
, and a panel will open for adding the new data source. You will be asked to add the name, type, and path of Reporting Services (SSRS).
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.