Using DataPortal

The direct data transfer process should be quite simple and should NOT require any software development or pre-knowledge of the data. All that is required is access to a properly configured target Database System (more formally known as a "Relational Database Management System " or RDBMS - current Database Systems supported include SQL Server, Access, Oracle, DB2, MySQL, Interbase) and a Web browser (such as Netscape or MS Explorer) that is Java enabled with the Sun Java Plug-In, which, if not installed already, can be installed automatically as part of the transfer process. Some development would be required to perform new custom processing on data after it is retrieved via DataPortal.

To configure your target database, you must have sufficient privileges to update data. If the Web browser you are using is not on the same computer as the target database, you will need to have remote (network) access through whatever firewalls are between the two computers. For information on using specific Database systems, see: Database System Info .

Once a DataPortal URL is entered in an appropriately Java-enabled Web browser (see above), a user interface should start, as seen here:


You may use the interface to describe where you want your data to go. The data you retrieve will be the entire structure and contents of a sample Database currently hosted by the DataPortal server. Once you decide on a destination Database, you must make sure the selected Database system is properly configured to receive your data. For more information specific to each database, see Databse System Info .

To configure your DataPortal destination, you must enter the appropriate data into the fields of the DataPortal user interface.
DB Vendor Type:
The Database system type, current options are: Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, MS Access, Interbase
and MySQL
Destination Host:
The computer that your destinaton Database system is installed on (e.g. localhost is the standard
name for the computer you are running your browser on).
User Name, Password:
User name / password pair needed to access your destination Database system
Initial DB:
To create a new Database, you must first gain access to the Database system, which requires that some existing Database be used to make the initial connection. Unless this is also the Database specified as the Destination DB, no changes will be made to the Intial DB and it can even be empty.
Destination DB:
This is the target Database where the retrieved data will be inserted. In some cases (depending on the type of Database System used), you may create a new Database. Some Database systems will require that you must update an existing Database. In those cases, you may use your Database System to make a new, empty Database. This can be used (and reused) as the Destination DB. If an already existing Database is to be updated, no Initial DB need be specified.

Once you are satisfied with your Destination Database description, you may click on the "RETRIEVE" button. This will initiate the data transfer process. Data will be retrieved from the DataPortal server and will be put into the Database destination you specified. A new database will be created, as needed. The structure will be built (including tables, table columns, primary keys, and foreign keys) and the retrieved data will be used to populate the Database.

All existing tables in the destination database will be deleted before the database is populated with new tables and data. The lower area on the user interface is used for information (such as notes on using specific Database System types) and monitoring status. You can choose to view either info or progress by selecting the appropriate button. Selecting the clear button will clear progress messages but NOT info messages. As the data transfer process proceeds, you should see progress messages indicating the Database is created, tables are created and populated and the number of rows added is indicated. Finally a "FINISHED"message with success or failure status is displayed, indicating that the transfer has completed.


Connection Concepts
Phone: (301) 625-9319
EMail: dataPortal@con2inc.com