A link is a reference in Metrics Management to an application, document, Metrics Management object, or a web site. This reference is the link destination. The link destination can use Metrics Management information, such as values from the current measure, location, or user. The link destination can be within Metrics Management, for example, to a map, or to external content, such as an application, file, or web site.

Adding a link to a Metrics Management object makes the link available to other users. For example, a link that opens an e-mail message to a measure’s owner supports a user discussing the performance of that measure with its owner. Adding a link to the database makes the link available in the toolbar. A database link is always accessible to users. A link placed on other objects is available to a user only when viewing that object.

A link has other properties that provide information to a user. A link’s description appears when a user moves the mouse pointer over the link. The application type property enables a link user to find an appropriate link quickly in Share. For example, use Email for a link that sends an e-mail message and Excel Spreadsheets for a link that opens a spreadsheet.

By default, Firefox does not permit access to local files. For example, Firefox does not allow opening a file located on a UNC path. Launching a link from the Web Client that points to a file on a UNC path requires configuring the security policy in Firefox. Instead, Actuate recommends making files available from a directory on the Metrics Management Web Client application. Consult with your web server administrator for assistance with copying files to the Metrics Management Web Client application.