Accessing CE's own database 2

[crystalvictim]

Hi,

we're usinge CR/CE8.5. CE manages report-information in its own (MS-SQL)database. We figured out that the user to access this DB is called 'SA' and we finally succeeded in establishing a connection. Our problem is, that the database-design seems quite cryptical and that not all the information that is supposed to be stored in it could be found.

We took a look at the sample-application 'csp query builder' which is available via ePortfolio: there, e.g. a table called 'CI_INFOOBJECTS' is mentioned but unfortunately, neither by accessing the database via Access nor via Crystal Reports, we were able to see this specific table.

Has anybody further information on this topic or perhaps tried something similar himself?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[MJRBIM]

I don't have a CSP, but I do have a Crystal Report called "APS Instance Status" that shows Instances and their Status (Success/Failed/Pending) based on a date parameter.

It runs against the APS_InfoObjects database.

Much of the "meaningful" data is stored in a BLOB field called Properties, and is impossible to read - but this one lets me find my failed instances.

Let me know if you are interested in it....

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
The database info is structured for rapid access BY CE, not externally ( at least not directly) - the querying of CI_INFOOBJECTS ( and the SI_ ones as well ) can be done in any csp/asp page and will provide information about all the objects and properties in the system..Look at the Web Developers section of Launchpad and especially the Query Language Reference..

 

[synapsevampire]

Much of the information is stored in a binary column, and you need to make calls to the API to pull advanced data from it.

There's a 3rd party company called APOS which has some products that might address your concerns, and MJRBIM has a report that does bascially the same thing as the View Instances by User/Status from the Crystal Enterprise Launchpad, unfortunately it can't supply advanced information, nor all instance information.

Apos:

http://www.apos.on.ca

-k

 

[crystalvictim]

Thanks to everybody for your replies. As always, it has been both quick and qualified and again I've learned something new ;-)

Summarizing the hints I got from you, there are 3 main statements:

The CE database has not been designed for using as a datasource for access, odbc or crystal reports (much data ist stored in a blob field).

Nevertheless, data can be accessed by using csp/asp pages.

There are certain 3rd party products which might be helpful.

So I think, I got all I the information I needed.
Thank you again for your time and sharing your knowledge.

 

[willyd61]

MJRBIM (MIS), can I get a copy of that report? I am very interested in using an event to fire if a report fails and run this report that you have.....

 

[MJRBIM]

e-mail me at mjrbim-at-interlog-dot-com....and I'll send you a copy.

See notes above about it's limitations.