Connection configuration files enable deployment of reports and information objects to a production environment. You can use a connection configuration file to specify which data connections to use in the design environment. You can use the same data connections or specify different connections for use when BIRT iHub runs the report or information object in the production environment. By specifying both design-time and run-time connections, you do not have to change the report design or information object when deploying to a production environment. For more information about connection configuration files, see the documentation for the report or information object designer and Configuring BIRT iHub.