BOX220(PM281) Crystal Xcelsius: Data Connectivity

Course Description

This one-day instructor-led course is designed to provide you with an understanding of how to create models that are linked to live data sources. By the end of the course, you will understand what methods for connectivity are available within Crystal Xcelsius and which connectivity method to use in specific situations. You will have the opportunity to practice creating different types of models through a series of workshops.
The business benefit of this course is that you will be able to create models that can act as dashboards, scorecards, and live reports for a full range of interactivity and maximum benefit.

Course Audience

The target audience for this course is the technical user who will connect existing models to live data sources.

Course Topics

Lesson#1 - Overview

• Define the overall process for creating interactive models using Crystal Xcelsius Designer

• Define the different methods available for connecting data from live data sources to your models

• Identify the components that can be linked to live data sources

Lesson#2 – Using XML and the Use Web Services Option

• Define how and why the Use Web Service option is used for connectivity

• Describe the process of configuring a Crystal Xcelsius model to replace a range of data with XML data

• Understand the correct structure for the source XML file

Lesson#3 – Using Excel 2003 XML Maps

• Define what Excel 2003 XML maps are, and describe the process involved in configuring Crystal Xcelsius to update a model using Excel 2003 XML maps

• Import an XML file into Excel 2003 and configure XML maps

• Leverage XML maps from the Excel 2003 file to connect a Crystal Xcelsius model to an XML file as a live data source

Lesson#4 – Using the XML Data Button

• Define what the XML Data Button is

• Describe the process involved in configuring Crystal Xcelsius to update a model by using the XML Data Button to connect to a custom middle tier

• Link a model to a live data source using the XML Data Button

Lesson#5 – Using Flash Variables

• Define what Flash Variables are, and the process involved in updating a model using Flash Variables

• Understand how Flash Variables link to a model

• Pass data from one model to another on the same HTML page using FSCommand

Lesson#6 – Using the SOAP Web Services Connector

• Define what the SOAP Web Services Connector is

• Describe the process involved in updating a model using the SOAP Web Services Connector

• Link a model to a live data source using the SOAP Web Services Connector

Lesson#7 – Using the Live Office Connector

• Define the Live Office Connector

• Use a Live Office-enabled Excel spreadsheet as a data source


Prerequisite Education
To be successful, you should have attended the following offerings:
• Crystal Xcelsius 4.5: Designing Interactive Presentations

Prerequisite Knowledge/Experience
While not required for this course, experience with these products or technologies will be helpful:
• Working knowledge of databases, XML, Flash, Live Office and Excel 2003 XML maps

Delivery & Duration
This instructor-led offering is a one-day course.