A report or information object developer can access a variety of data sources using predefined data drivers. To access other types of data, you can create a custom data driver, known as an open data access (ODA) driver.

An ODA driver supports both design-time and run-time functionality. The report or information object designer uses the driver to build a connection to the data source, retrieve parameter and data row definitions, and compile these definitions for use at run time. At run time, BIRT iHub loads the driver. Then, the driver creates the connection and data source instance and fetches the requested data.

Each ODA driver supports one type of connection and can support multiple instances of that connection type. Each driver can support multiple data sources. The driver must be installed on the system where you design the report or information object and on BIRT iHub.

For more information about installing ODA drivers on BIRT iHub, see Configuring BIRT iHub.