Before creating a database connection, decide whether to create the connection either a Universal Data Link (UDL) string or file. Both the UDL string and the file contain the information required to connect to a specific database. This information includes the database name, account, and password. A valid account is required to connect to the database.

The UDL string is stored in the Metrics Management database in which it is created. The UDL file is portable, meaning the file can be copied to another machine. The database administrator of an external database, for example an Oracle DBA, can provide a UDL file to a Metrics Management system specialist without sharing Oracle user IDs and passwords.