A Connection Profile saves the information VDM needs to connect to a database or supported data source. This article explains what profiles contain, when to use them, and what to consider when setting them up.
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What Is a Connection Profile?
A Connection Profile stores the connection configuration for a data source, including the connection string and any required authentication information. You can reuse the saved profile when working with Views, reports, and dashboards.
What a Profile Contains
| Information | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Identifies the database provider or connection method, such as SQL Client, Oracle, or ODBC. |
| Server or Data Source | Identifies the server, host, database, or data source to connect to. |
| Authentication | Provides the credentials or authentication configuration required by the data source. |
| Schema and Other Options | Controls provider-specific configuration, such as whether queries include the table owner or schema name. |
The fields you need depend on the connection type. Obtain the correct values from your database administrator.
Create a Connection Profile
Open the Database tab on the VDM ribbon and select New to start the Connection Wizard.
The wizard guides you through selecting a connection type, entering the connection details, testing the connection, and naming the profile.
For the full procedure, see How to Create a Database Connection Profile in VDM.
Why Use Connection Profiles?
- Reuse connection details: Connect without entering the same configuration each time.
- Organize data sources: Use clear profile names to distinguish databases and environments.
- Support reporting: Use saved connections for Views, reports, and visualizations.
- Support MDS Views: Use multiple profiles when configuring Multi-Data Source reporting. See Setting Up Multiple Data Sources (MDS) in VDM.
Supported Data Sources and Connection Types
VDM supports the following data sources and connection options. Feature availability and configuration requirements vary by platform.
- Datasent
- InterProse ACE
- InterSystems Caché
- InterSystems DeepSee
- InterSystems IRIS
- InterSystems IRIS BI
- InterSystems IRIS for Health
- MySQL
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft OLE DB for ODBC
- Oracle
- RevQ SaaS
- Rocket U2
- Select Platform
- Snowflake
- Standard ODBC
- SQL Client
- Web Reports
ODBC connectivity can also provide access to additional compatible data sources when the appropriate driver and configuration are available.
ODBC and Driver Requirements
Before creating a profile that uses Microsoft OLE DB for ODBC or Standard ODBC:
- Install the appropriate ODBC driver on the computer that will use the connection.
- Configure the required DSN (Data Source Name) using the Windows ODBC Data Sources utility.
- Confirm the server, database, and authentication details with your database administrator.
- Test the connection in the VDM Connection Wizard before saving the profile.
Use your database vendor’s driver documentation or contact your database administrator for help with driver installation and DSN configuration.
Profiles Are Specific to the Computer
Connection Profiles can only be used on the computer where they were created. They are secured using machine-specific information, so copying a saved profile to another computer does not provide a usable connection there.
Create and test the profile on each computer where it will be used. When moving to a new workstation or setting up an automation computer, recreate the required profiles on that computer using the approved connection details.
Verify the Connection
- Confirm that the selected connection type matches your data source.
- Check that any required client or ODBC driver is installed and configured.
- Use Test Connection to check the connection details.
- Give the saved profile a name that clearly identifies its data source and environment.
If the connection fails, review the server or data source name, database, authentication details, and driver configuration. Ask your database administrator to confirm that the account has the access required for your reports.
Need Help?
Contact support@bridgeworksllc.com for assistance. Include your VDM version, connection type, and the error message. Do not include passwords or other secret credentials.
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