Adding a data connection to an analysis

When you want to access data from an external data source, there are different ways to add a data connection to your analysis. You can either reuse shared data connections or connection data sources from your library, or create a new data connection for your analysis.

About this task

Adding a shared connection from the library

If you have shared a predefined data connection in the library, you can add the connection to your analysis to access that data.

Procedure

On the authoring bar, click Files and data .
In the Files and data flyout, locate the connection of interest by searching for a suitable keyword or by browsing the Spotfire library.
When you have found the connection you want, click it to open and add it to your analysis.
In the summary view, you can see the data tables available in the data connection. You can select which tables to add, and you can often set options for how to add the data or change how the data is loaded. When you are satisfied with the summary, click OK.

Adding a new data connection to a shared data source in the library

If you have shared a connection data source in the library, you can add a new data connection based on the data source. When you create a new connection to a shared data source, you can select from all the data available in that database.

Procedure

On the authoring bar, click Files and data .
In the Files and data flyout, locate the connection data source of interest by searching for a suitable keyword or by browsing the Spotfire library.
Click the data source to select it.
If a login dialog opens, log in to the external data source with your credentials.
In the Select data or Views in Connection dialog, select the data that you want to include in your data connection.
To learn more about the various options, see Selecting data for your connection.
When you are happy with your data selection, click Continue or OK.
In the summary view, you can set options for how to add the data or change how the data is loaded in the analysis. When you are satisfied with the summary, click OK.

Create a new data connection and data source embedded in your analysis

If you do not have a shared data connection or connection data source for the data you want to access, you can create a new data connection in your analysis.

About this task

Note: The following is an example of how to create a new connection to a Microsoft SQL Server database. Connections to other types of data sources might include other steps. See the help topics for the corresponding connector for more information about specific types of external data sources.

Procedure

On the authoring bar, click Files and data .
Select Connect to > Microsoft SQL Server.
In the expanded flyout to the right, click New connection.
In the Connect to Microsoft SQL Server flyout, enter the required information for connecting to the external system. This typically includes the Server, Authentication method, Username and Password.
Click Connect.
Spotfire connects to the specified server, and the databases that are available on the server are listed in the Database drop-down list.
In the Database drop-down menu, select the database of interest, and then click Continue .
In the Select data or Views in Connection dialog, select the data that you want to include in your data connection.
To learn more about the various options, see Selecting data for your connection.
When you are happy with your data selection, click Continue or OK.
In the summary view, you can set options for how to add the data or change how the data is loaded in the analysis. When you are satisfied with the summary, click OK.