Importing data from databases

Although tabular models support the import of data from a variety of sources, a relational database is still considered to be one of the primary methods of obtaining data. Unlike other sources (such as text files), where the structure may change from time to time, the data from a database is preferred because it conforms to a schema which is expected to remain constant. Furthermore, most operational systems store their data in a relational database format, and therefore, the database becomes a suitable source of data.

Tabular models may extract relational data through a generic connection on the machine, for example, Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC), which is a standard method of data access, or by a connection based on a native driver (specific driver) stored in the model.

Tip

An ODBC connection also stores a connection within the model. However, the actual connection to the database is managed by the ODBC connection on the machine (rather than the tabular...