Metrics Management supports importing data from and exporting data to an Microsoft Access, SQL Server, or Oracle database, or an Microsoft Excel file using Microsoft Active Data Objects (ADO). Advanced data connectivity also supports importing data from multi-dimensional databases using the Microsoft Object Linking and Embedding Database (OLE-DB) for Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) provider.

Using ADO, an OLE-DB link is set up between Metrics Management and your database server. Most common relational database management systems offer an OLE-DB provider. Metrics Management supports Access 2000, Excel, SQL Server 7.0, and Oracle 9i via the Microsoft Jet 4.0 OLE-DB provider. Test connections using any OLE-DB providers for other relational databases in your environment before setting up an import or export.

Advanced data connectivity supports importing data from Microsoft SQL Analysis Services using the Microsoft OLE‑DB for OLAP Services 8.0 provider. Test connections to any other multi-dimensional databases that claim support for the OLE-DB for OLAP standard in your environment before setting up an import or export.

The Metrics Management import process supports accessing relational databases across the OLE-DB link using the following methods:

The Metrics Management import and export processes support accessing relational databases across the OLE-DB link using the following methods:

The Metrics Management import process allows access to multi-dimensional databases by passing a Multi-Dimensional Expression (MDX) query across the OLE-DB link.

Advanced data connectivity provides access to data in your standard databases using standardized tools such as MDX, SQL, stored procedures, and views. Ask your IT staff for help when setting up these items during the initial phase of your Metrics Management implementation.

Setting up connections to relational databases enables communication across these links. A connection does not include queries, stored procedures, or views referenced in this guide.