How to Create a Shared Data Source In Bold Reports Enterprise
Shared data sources in Bold Reports Enterprise provide a centralized, reusable database connection that can be used across multiple reports and datasets. This ensures consistency, simplifies maintenance, and enhances overall efficiency. This guide explains the purpose and benefits of shared data sources and provides step-by-step instructions for creating and using them within the platform.
Purpose of Shared Data Sources
Shared data sources store database connection details (e.g., server address, credentials) in a single, reusable configuration. This allows multiple reports and datasets to reference the same connection, offering the following advantages:
- Consistency: All reports use the same connection settings, reducing discrepancies.
- Simplified Maintenance: Update connection details once to apply changes across all linked reports.
- Efficiency: Eliminates repetitive configuration of identical data sources for each report.
- Security: Centralizes credential management, reducing the risk of exposure.
Shared data sources are ideal for organizations managing large reporting ecosystems and connecting to enterprise databases like SQL Server, MySQL, or Oracle.
Benefits of Using Shared Data Sources
- Centralized Management: Update a single data source to propagate changes to all associated reports and datasets.
- Reduced Errors: Standardized connections minimize misconfigurations.
- Streamlined Workflow: Developers and analysts can quickly select preconfigured data sources, speeding up report creation.
- Scalability: Simplifies connection management for large teams or complex reporting needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Navigate to Data Sources
- In the left-hand menu, go to the Reports section and click Data Sources.
- Click the Create Data Source button in the top-right corner to open the Data Sources management page.
2. Select the Data Source Type
- In the Create Data Source dialog, choose the appropriate data source type based on your database.
3. Configure the Data Source
- Enter the connection string and authentication details specific to your database.
Connection String: Enter the connection string specific to your database. For example:
Microsoft SQL Server: Server=myServerAddress;Database=myDataBase;User Id=myUsername;Password=myPassword;
MySQL: Server=myServerAddress;Database=myDataBase;Uid=myUsername;Pwd=myPassword;
Authentication Details:
- Select Windows Authentication for integrated security (if applicable to your database).
- Alternatively, provide a username and password for database-specific authentication.
4. Save the Data Source
- Review the configuration details to accuracy.
- Click Save to create the shared data source.
5. Verify the Data Source
- The newly created data source will appear in the Data Sources list and is now available for use across multiple reports.
6. Access Data Source Settings in Report Designer:
- Open the Report Designer application.
- Go to the Data section in the interface.
- Click Data Source to set up the data connection.
- In the Data Source settings, select Shared Data Source to use a preconfigured connection.
7. Configure and Save
- Choose the appropriate shared data source from the available list.
- Save the configuration to apply the selected data source to the report.
8. Configure Data Source Display Name in Report Designer
- In the Report Designer interface, the configured data source will be displayed as DataSource1 by default.
Conclusion
Creating a shared data source in Bold Reports Enterprise optimizes report management by centralizing database connections. By following these steps, you can ensure a consistent, secure, and efficient setup that supports reliable reporting across your organization.
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