Database and Third-Party Integrations

The following databases can be accessed through the Integration Builder:

1. EdgeReady Database
2. External Database,
3. Salesforce Database
4. SAP Database
5. SnowFlakes Database  

The Data can be fetched from their respective platforms through the different lanes. While the EdgeReady Database is our own it can be accessed directly from the On-cloud lane. The others are 3rd party databases and are accessed from the plugin lane. All the data fetched are stored in the EdgeReady Drive. 

EdgeReady Database

For the EdgeReady Database, 5 actions can be performed in the Integration builder. These actions are done using variable mapping by inserting necessary input and output variables in the "where" and "to" spaces.

DB Operation	DB Operation on Canvas
Select Data:  It is a simple SQL statement block to select data from a database table with or without a where condition. The data can be sorted and stored in a variable(table) The user provides the following details: The data can be fetched by selecting the table and the required columns. The where condition can be specified by selecting the required columns from the drop down list.  The corresponding Inequality Operation is selected. The condition can be hard-coded in the oval box or an input variable can be added. The sort by field and order is specified (either ascending or descending). The resultant data is stored in the output variable that is dragged in the "to" oval box. Variable mapping is done by clicking the variable mapping icon (highlighted in the image).       Note For more information on input and output variables, refer Input, Output and Local Variables section.
Create Data:  It is a SQL statement block to create a new table with the required columns. The user provides the following details: In the Create drop down list the user selects the table from where the data is taken. The number of columns can be appended based on the data. More columns can be added by hovering the cursor over the oval block that reveals a + button.  The column value can be hard-coded or an input variable can be added in the oval box. Additionally, the user can add an Inequality operation or a function in the oval box if required. The user adds an output variable in the "to" oval box, where the new table is stored.	Adding a Mathematical Operation or a Function:
Update Data: It is a SQL statement block to update existing data within a table. The user provides the following details: Table name is selected. The column to be updated is selected in SET. The column value can be hard coded or an input variable is added. Additionally, the user can add an Inequality operation(=,>=,<=,>,<) or a function in the oval box to make modifications to the new data if required. More columns can be added by hovering the cursor over the block that reveals a + button. The Where condition is specified. It is hardcoded or an input variable can be added. An inequality operation or a function can be added as well.
Delete Data: It is a SQL statement block to delete existing data within a table. The user provides the following details: The user selects the existing table name from the Delete dropdown list.  The Where condition is specified. It is hardcoded or an input variable can be added. Additionally, the user can add an Inequality operation or a function in the oval box if required. More columns can be added by hovering the cursor over the block that reveals a + button.
Prepared Statements It is a feature used to execute same or similar SQL statements repeatedly with high efficiency. Uses: The queries can be written for all types of statements as a part of executing the BOS and gives the table data as output.  Writing queries offers more flexibility while joining multiple tables. The user provides the following details: A SQL query in the Prepared Statement oval box The required Parameters are added. An output variable is added in the "to" oval box. Click the Variable mapping icon to map the columns if required.	wip

Third Party Servers - (External Database, SAP, and Salesforce): 

The Edgeready platform supports the extraction of data from the following third party servers:

• External Database
• Salesforce Database
• SAP database
• Snowflakes Database

The configuration of plugins and adapters for the third party servers with the Edgeready platform is done in the Administration->Integrations tab. Once configured, the data can be accessed through the relevant plugin and adapter in the Integration builder for any logical operations.

For example: The user needs to fetch data from the SAP database, process it and store it in the local Edgeready database. In this scenario, the user inserts the plugin lane block (that holds the Plugin and adaptor information)within the On-cloud lane block, and within the plugin lane fits the required action block for data manipulation that is executed on the SAP data. The output can be stored in the Edgeready database by inserting the required blocks in the On-cloud lane.

External Database:

External database refers to any SQL database that the user can integrate with the Edgeready platform. Currently, the user can access the MySQL, Oracle and MSSQL databases.

• For external databases, the action blocks are added to the Plugin lane. It requests user credentials (selection of plugin name and adapter name) in the Plugin lane.
• When the plugin and adapter are selected by the user, the username is displayed in the first oval box and the user is prompted to enter the password in the second oval box.
• The external database consists of the Select, Create, Update, Delete, and Prepared actions blocks. The action and functionalities are the same as in the EdgeReady DB.
• Similar to EdgeReady DB, these actions are done using variable mapping by inserting necessary input and output variables in the "where" and "to" spaces provided.

Salesforce Database

The Salesforce database does not require a plugin but the salesforce system type is configured in the Administration->Integrations tab by adding a New Adapter. The adapter information is then selected by the user in the Integration builder to access the salesforce data and manipulate it with the action blocksthat are available for salesforce database

• The user selects the adapter  from the dropdown list and the username configured for the selection is generated in the first oval box. The user then enters the corresponding password in the second oval box.
• There are 4 actions that can be performed in the Integration Builder. The options are List, Create, Update, & Delete. 
• The action and functionalities for Create, Update & Delete are the same as in the EdgeReady DB.
• The List helps to retrieve a list of data items rather than a single file or folder. It is similar to a SELECT query.
• Like in the EdgeReady DB and external DB, these actions are done using variable mapping by inserting necessary input and output variables in the "where" and "to" spaces that are provided.

SAP

The SAP database requires a plugin and adapter to be configured in the Administration->Integrations tab. For servers like Edgeready, Salesforce, the data retrieval is query-related. Whereas, in the SAP server, data is fetched using Functions and not queries. 

The data is not retrieved in the form of tables. They are fetched in Key-value pairs that are in the form of transactions. 

The SAP action blocks are: 

BAPI/RFC Commit Rollback Start Transaction  Stop Transaction

There is a select plugin option for the SAP block. The plugin is mandatory for SAP blocks. All the SAP operations are carried out in the plugin lane. They are explained below.

SAP action blocks	SAP Operation on canvas
BAPI / RFC It is a standard application interface that enables the Edgeready server to access the SAP database. The user provides the following details: When the plugin and adapter are selected by the user, the username is displayed in the first oval box and the user is prompted to enter the password in the second oval box. Select Yes/No for Include Non-Remote FM Select the required function from the BAPI/RFC dropdown list.  Select the Input and Output parameters from the respective dropdown lists. Drag and drop the input and output variables in the oval boxes.
Commit Commit helps to fetch data and perform certain operations to it. It helps to conclude a database and start a new one.
Roll Back Rollback helps to restore values to previous values by negating recent changes. It undoes all changes and restores the database and updates.
Start/Stop Transaction:  A function call can be started or stopped using the Start/Stop Transaction Blocks.       Note Both Start and Stop transactions can be done after either commit or rollback operations. All SAP actions follow a logical destination path.

EXAMPLE: How does a typical SAP block function in real-time?

SnowFlakes Database

The Snowflakes is a Datawarehousing database that holds structured and semi-structured data. While accessing it from the Edgeready DB it does not require a plugin but the system type is configured in the Administration->Integrations tab by adding a New Adapter. While configuring the adapter, the databases that are available to the user in snowlflakes are listed and the user can choose any one. This database is available for selection in the Integration builder while working with the Snowflakes action blocks

• The data in Snowflakes database are organized into schemas which in turn are organized into tables.
• There are 4 actions that can be performed for snowflakes in the Integration Builder. The options are Select, Create, Update, & Delete. 
• The action and functionalities for Create, Update & Delete are the same as in the EdgeReady DB. 

FTP Block:

FTP helps transferring files from a particular source to a specified destination. This is done by specifying the URL path. 

Service Block & Sharepoint:

These are services provided to the 3rd party servers. They work both in on-cloud and Plugin lanes. 

Business Users:

Refers to the users of the App created in the platform. Refer to Users & Roles section for more information.