Configuring Transformations for Nonrelational Input Sources

If the data source you configured for your Input Source doesn’t already contain data in the relational database result set format, you must configure WorkSpace Data Federation to transform the data into that format.

WorkSpace Data Federation is able to convert data from XML and from several delimited file formats into result set format. Delimited formats that separate values with commas (CSV, or comma-separated values), vertical pipes (|), or tabs are supported. (Data that’s already in result set format doesn’t need to be transformed. This includes data from database operations, from virtual database operations, and from some data services.)

Follow these steps to set up a transformation.

Double-click an Input Source element. The Input Source Properties dialog apears.
Click the Transform tab in the dialog. The tab displays information about the current transform setting.
To change the setting, click Define. The Transform Type wizard appears.
Select the type of transform you want.
- No transform
  When the input source is already in result set format and needs no transforming.
- From Delimited File to Result Set
  When your data is a file in pipe- (|), tab-, or comma-separated value (CSV) format.
- From XML to Result Set
  When your data is in XML format.
If you chose No transform click Finish to close the wizard. Otherwise, click Next to continue. The Transform Definition Parameter Values page appears.
If your input source takes parameters, enter values for them. The values you enter here are not saved as part of the view model; they’re used only to get sample data from your input source to use in the remainder of the wizard. These are literal values, not expressions. There is no need to place quotation marks around string values, for example.
When you’re done entering parameter values, or if your input source takes no parameters, click Next.

Next

Configure the transformation for the input type—either delimited file or XML—that you selected.