Xtraction FAQ: Behind the Screens
Xtraction offers multiple benefits to enterprises using multiple IT management tools. With Xtraction, data produced by those tools can be consolidated and transformed into customized dashboards and reports. A previous post offered an overview of Xtraction and how it can help your enterprise. This post expands on that overview with details about data source connection options and how Xtraction does what it does so well.
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To what IT management systems and tools does Xtraction connect?
A full list of available adapters can be viewed online. In addition, you can also create custom adapters for third-party applications not already supported, or for applications your enterprise has built.
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How does Xtraction connect to the application databases?
Xtraction uses a connection string and a read-only user ID to connect to application databases. This information is configured during Xtraction installation.
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Does Xtraction support custom and proprietary database fields?
Absolutely. These are easily addressed via the Xtraction Data Model Manager.
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What databases does Xtraction support?
Xtraction supports connections to Informix, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and Sybase databases.
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Does Xtraction impose much overhead on the application database?
No. The processing and data collection of Xtraction has been highly optimized to ensure overhead is kept to an absolute minimum. Xtraction offers high performance and sub-second response times, enabling the software to access large volumes of information without imposing any meaningful overhead on the database.
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Can I connect multiple systems to Xtraction?
Yes, data from disparate systems can be displayed into the same dashboard. You can also control who can access the data within the dashboards via security Data Policies.
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What data from connected underlying applications is displayed in the Xtraction interface?
Xtraction maps all fields and tables within a data source, and displays the fields with “real-world” labels within its interface. This makes for easier identification of exactly which fields you need to build the dashboard or report you want.
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Can I access connected underlying applications themselves within the context of the records after I have drilled down in Xtraction?
Yes. If an application allows it, you can invoke that application within the context of the records directly from Xtraction.
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Are there different levels of access within Xtraction? Can I restrict who can create and who can view dashboards?
Certainly. There are five levels of user access you can define within Xtraction—Administrator, Designer, Enterprise Designer, Private Designer, and Viewer. Each level has its own level of access and functionality, tailored for each user role.
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Can I customize the Xtraction interface?
Yes. Xtraction supports customization of colors and column display field settings and selection of time zones at a group level by an Administrator. Users can also invoke individual customization options.
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Is there an audit trail for updates made to folders and dashboards by Administrator-level users?
Yes. Xtraction logs every insertion, deletion, or other update of the dashboard database.
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How are users authenticated?
Users are authenticated against the internal Xtraction database, or, if present, against an Active Directory deployment within your environment.
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Can I restrict which dashboards viewers can see?
Yes, dashboards can be saved into secure folders that are only accessible by users and groups you specify.
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Can I restrict the data users can see within dashboards?
Yes, Data Policies allow for stringent control of which fields and tables are viewable by which user types.
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Can I restrict dashboard Designers to specific data sources?
Yes. Data Policies enables easy implementation of such controls.
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Once Xtraction is installed, what needs to be done to allow dashboards to be built?
Xtraction typically takes a few minutes to discover and acquire enough information about each data source to identify the most commonly used field types and build initial filters. Once this is done, users can be assigned access levels, then begin building dashboards immediately.
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Can I define custom filters easily?
Yes, via both drop-down menus and selection lists of the available fields. There is a wide range of filter arguments available. You can also build nested queries, and choose whether to keep filters private or share them with others.
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What do I need to run Xtraction?
Xtraction runs on the Microsoft Windows platform, is built with Microsoft .NET technology, and supports the Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) for Windows Server Web server. Xtraction can also be installed within a VMware virtual environment.
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How do I learn more?
For a more detailed look at Xtraction and its capabilities, as well as access to the Xtraction data sheet, an introductory video, and a white paper, please visit the Xtraction page. While there, you can also request a free trial, to experience the power and benefits of Xtraction in your own environment. And of course, you can also simply contact your Ivanti representative.