Capabilities
Generate objects using data imported from Excel and XML
Information held in other other tools (such as Aris, Casewise,
Systems Architect and PlanningIT), can be used to automatically
create new objects in iServer. Using Excel Spreadsheets or XML data
source formats, existing information can be regenerated for use
Visio models or can simply appear as a 'entity or object' in an EA
catalog or list. By aligning imported data to Visio Shape Masters
(notations) new shapes are created which are ready for immediate
use. Data Exchange is provided with a simple wizard to walk users
through the import process, no complex coding or data configuration
necessary. Extensive options in the wizard can control the
information being imported so a definitive list of content such as
an application inventory can be maintained.
Synchronization with external data sources (Master data
management)
If a single tool is used as the master storage point for all
application artifacts, but the rest of the architecture is managed
in iServer, it is necessary and useful to reflect the application
artifacts within iServer - they need to be related to other aspects
of the architecture - but a simple one-off import is insufficient.
Firstly, because the other tool is the chosen storage point for
applications, and secondly because the imported copy would quickly
become out of date. Therefore iServer Data Exchange provides a
synchronization mechanism, where artifacts can be imported as
read-only, and periodically updated to reflect changes made in the
other tool.
Bulk re-use of imported objects
Rapidly and easily create new diagrams and deliverables by
re-using groups of imported objects using the shape explorer tool
and relate them to other aspects of the enterprise
architecture.
Import relationships and meta-data held in Excel/XML
New or existing enterprise architecture information held or
created in iServer can be enriched by importing meta-data and
relationships from an Excel spreadsheet or XML data source.
Examples of imported data include interfaces between applications,
process to system information, cost and throughput metrics for
processes, asset data or platform / system inventory data
Refresh bulk data, synchronization and scheduling
Schedule automatic bulk updates of imported objects and their
meta-data from the master data store in order to ensure consistency
and data alignment of your enterprise architecture content. Various
options are available to control the frequency, timing and requests
or notification of the update or refresh made.
Manage imported objects
List, sort and manage imported objects, restrict editing (if
synchronizing with a master data store), delete and purge options.
Also you can specify import settings that will determine how
updates and conflicts are handled.
