Importing and Exporting Datasource Definitions

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A datasource catalog is loaded on startup. It is a collection of datasource definitions that the user can work against. How the catalog is stored and whether changes to the catalog are temporary or permanent, depends on the datasource storage method used. For an introduction, see Specifying a Datasource Catalog Storage Option.

Note: On individual computers, administrators can restrict the available DBMS platforms using registry settings. For details, see Locking Down Features Using the Registry.

Regardless of the storage method used, you can add datasources to the currently loaded catalog by importing datasource definitions from the following sources:

• Windows Registry - if you previously used the Windows Registry datasource catalog storage method but are now using one of the file-based methods
• File-based datasource catalog storage method files (.dsd file suffix)
• Network-shared datasource catalog storage method files (.etsds file suffix)

Similarly, you can export the currently loaded datasource catalog definitions to a file-based datasource catalog or network-shared datasource catalog storage method files.

The ability to export and import datasource definitions provides a number of practical advantages. For example:

• Simple sharing among users - if you have a large number of datasources to register, you can have one user walk through the process of registering each datasource and then export those definitions. Other users can then import the resulting datasource definition files.
• Sharing definitions among users employing different datasource storage methods - datasource definitions or entire catalogs created using the Windows Registry datasource catalog or File based datasource catalog methods can be exported for use by users employing any of the three methods.

To export one or more datasource definitions

1. On the Datasource menu, select Manage Datasources.

   The Manage Datasources dialog box opens.

2. Select a single datasource, multiple datasources, or a default or custom datasource group folder.

   Note: Datasource group folder information is not exported. Datasources are exported as individual files with no higher level grouping.

3. Click Export. An Export Data Sources Folder dialog opens.
4. Take one of the following actions:
   • To export datasource definitions to individual files that can be imported on a datasource-by-datasource basis, select Export Data Sources to Individual Data Source Files and use the associated control to locate and select a target folder.
   • To export datasource definitions to a single file for use by installations employing the Shared Datasource Managed catalog storage method, select Export Data Sources To a Shared Data Source Management File and use the associated control to locate and select a target folder and provide a file name. For information on how to designate a user as a shared datasource managed catalog storage method, see Datasource Options.
5. Click OK.

   Note: User ID and password credentials are not exported to the datasource definition file.

After export, other users can then import the datasource definitions.

To add one or more datasource definitions to a catalog

1 On the Datasource menu, click Manage Datasources.

The Manage Datasources dialog box opens.

2 Select the datasource group folder where the files or files are to be imported.

3 Click Import. An Import Data Sources dialog opens.

4 Take one of the following actions:

• If you previously used the Windows Registry catalog storage method but are currently using the Locally Managed or Shared Datasource Managed method, select Import Previously Registered IDERA Data Sources From Registry to load any datasources registered when you were using the Windows Registry catalog method.
• To import datasource definitions from individual datasource definition files (.dsd file suffix), select Import Previously Registered IDERA Data Sources From File(s), click Add, and use the Select datasource definitions to import dialog to locate and select the files to be added.
• To import datasource definitions from a single Shared Datasource Managed storage method file (.etsds file suffix) file, select Import Data Sources From a Shared Datasource Management File and use the associated control to locate and select the target file.

5 Click OK.

After importing a datasource definition file, you can either edit the datasource registration to provide security parameters or provide credentials when connecting to the datasource.