Create an External Connection to Oracle

An External Connection connects CSM to an External Database. The steps below are specifically for an External Connection between CSM and an Oracle Database.

In order to create an Oracle connection, the Oracle client must be installed and configured.

To create an External Connection to an Oracle Server Database:

1. Open or create a Blueprint.
2. Select Managers>External Connections to open the External Connections Manager.
3. Click Create New.

   The External Connection Wizard opens.

4. On the Login options page:
   • Select the Use Trusted Agents check box if you use the Trusted Agents feature and you want to control how the system logs in to the external data source.
   • Select one of these options:
     • Any Trusted Agent Group: Select to allow any group to handle requests for this External Connection.
     • Trusted Agent Group: Select a specific group to handle requests for this External Connection.
   • Click Next.

   For more information, refer to Import External Data Using Trusted Agents.

5. On the Data Source page, select Oracle.
6. On the Select Net Service Name page, provide the full string containing the service name. For example:

    (DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS=(protocol_address_information))(CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=service_name)))

7. On the Login Options page:
   1. If the database requires login information, select the Login Required check box and either:
      • Windows Authentication: Uses the stored Windows credentials (user name and password) for authentication.

        Note: When Cherwell Services use this connection, the account under which the Cherwell Application Service is running is the account whose credentials are used to connect to the database.

      • User ID and Password: Provide a User ID and Password.

        Note: The account must have select rights for each table that is imported or linked to CSM. If CSM is allowed to update data in the database, this account must also have insert and update rights.

   2. Click Next.

8. On the Database Owner or Schema page:
   1. Click an option from the drop-down or provide a Database owner or schema. This field should be pre-populated.

      Note: Not all databases have this concept. If implemented, and CSM is able to read the available owners, they are listed in the drop-down. If not, provide the owner name. If unsure, provide the dbo default

   2. Click Next.

9. On the Pooling Options page:
   1. Select the Use default pooling options radio button.
   2. Select the Customize the pooling options radio button, and then provide the minimum and maximum pool size.

   3. Click Next.

10. On the Connection name page:
    1. Provide a Name for the database connection.
    2. (Optional) Provide a Description for the database connection.

    3. Click Next.

    The Connection String page opens, displaying the connection string that is used to connect to the database. Modify the connection string, if needed. Many examples of connection strings can be found at www.connectionstrings.com.

11. Click Test Connection to verify that the connection to the server/database.

    Text appears next to the button confirming the connection is successful.

12. Click Finish.

    There is now a connection to the External Oracle Database.

13. Publish the Blueprint (File>Publish Blueprint) to commit the changes, or save the Blueprint (File>Save Blueprint) to continue making other changes.