Crystal Xcelsius 4.5: Data Connectivity

Scheduled Dates (sort by: location | date)

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of how to create models that are linked to live data sources. By the end of the course, you will understand what methods for connectivity are available within Crystal Xcelsius and which connectivity method to use in specific situations. You will have the opportunity to practice creating different types of models through a series of workshops.

The business benefit of this course is that you will be able to create models that can act as dashboards, scorecards, and live reports for a full range of interactivity and maximum benefit.

Audience

People who wish to connect existing Xcelsius models to live data sources.

Skills Gained

• Understand the core concepts of connecting data from live data
• Describe the process involved in configuring Crystal Xcelsius to update a model using Excel 2003 XML maps
• Describe the process of configuring a Crystal Xcelsius model to replace a range of data with XML data
• Understand the correct structure for the source XML file
• Define what the XML Data Button is and Link a model to a live data source using the XML Data Button
• Define what Flash Variables are, and the process involved in updating a model using Flash Variables
• Link a model to a live data source using the SOAP Web Services Connector
• Use a Live Office-enabled Excel spreadsheet as a data source

Prerequisites

To be successful, you should have attended the following offerings:

• Crystal Xcelsius 4.5: Designing Interactive Presentations

While not required for this course, experience with these products or technologies will be helpful:

• Working knowledge of databases, XML, Flash, Live Office and Excel 2003 XML maps

Course Outline

Overview

• Define the overall process for creating interactive models using Crystal Xcelsius Designer
• Define the different methods available for connecting data from live data sources to your models
• Identify the components that can be linked to live data sources

Using XML and the Use Web Services Option

• Define how and why the Use Web Service option is used for connectivity
• Describe the process of configuring a Crystal Xcelsius model to replace a range of data with XML data
• Understand the correct structure for the source XML file

Using Excel 2003 XML Maps

• Define what Excel 2003 XML maps are, and describe the process involved in configuring Crystal Xcelsius to update a model using Excel 2003 XML maps
• Import an XML file into Excel 2003 and configure XML maps
• Leverage XML maps from the Excel 2003 file to connect a Crystal Xcelsius model to an XML file as a live data source

Using the XML Data Button

• Define what the XML Data
• Describe the process involved in configuring Crystal Xcelsius to update a model by using the XML Data Button to connect to a custom middle tier
• Link a model to a live data source using the XML Data Button

Using Flash Variables

• Define what Flash Variables are, and the process involved in updating a model using Flash Variables
• Understand how Flash Variables link to a model
• Pass data from one model to another on the same HTML page using FSCommand

Using the SOAP Web Services Connector

• Define what the SOAP Web Services Connector is
• Describe the process involved in updating a model using the SOAP Web Services Connector
• Link a model to a live data source using the SOAP Web Services Connector

Using the Live Office Connector

• Define the Live Office Connector
• Use a Live Office-enabled Excel spreadsheet as a data source

Crystal Xcelsius 4.5: Data Connectivity / PM280