Semantic Model Series: 1. Creating a new System Connection

In Oracle Analytics, establishing connections to your data sources is fundamental. There are two essential types of connections that serve distinct purposes but are both crucial for effective data analysis and semantic modeling:

• Regular Connections: These allow Oracle Analytics to connect to databases for retrieving and analyzing data through tools like Data Visualization.
• System Connections: These are specialized connections used exclusively for creating and managing semantic models and metadata repositories within the Semantic Modeler.

Understanding and correctly configuring both connection types ensures a smooth workflow when working with data and semantic models in Oracle Analytics.

Creating a Regular Connection

Regular Connections enable users to access and analyze data directly from the database. Although Oracle Analytics does not explicitly label this connection type as "regular," this term helps differentiate it from system connections.

For this example, we will use the Oracle Bootcamp database, which contains the following tables:

To create a Regular Connection:

1. Navigate to the Data section from the Navigator menu in Oracle Analytics.

2. Click the second tab to view existing connections. Initially, this list will be empty:

   

3. Click Create in the top-right corner and select Connection:

   

4. In the Create Connection dialog, choose the database type. For this example, select Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse:

   

5. Proceed to the next step to enter connection details:

   

6. Fill in the form with the following information:

   • Provide a meaningful Connection Name and Description.
   • Set Encryption Type to Mutual TLS.
   • Upload the Wallet file downloaded from your database console.
   • Enter your Username and Password.
   • Choose _high as the Service Name.
   • Leave Authentication set to Always use these credentials.

7. Click Save to create the connection.

This Regular Connection can now be used to retrieve data from the database, such as when building datasets. However, it is not suitable for creating or managing semantic models.

Creating a System Connection

System Connections are mandatory for working with semantic models in the Semantic Modeler. While the creation process is similar to that of a Regular Connection, a key difference is the explicit designation of the connection as a System Connection.

To create a System Connection:

1. Repeat the steps to create a new connection as described above.

2. In the final step of the Create Connection dialog, check the box labeled System Connection:

   

3. Save the connection.

Once created, your connections list will display both the Regular and System Connections:

Note: If you encounter issues connecting to the database from the Semantic Modeler, especially in earlier versions of Oracle Analytics, try using a connection name with 8 characters or fewer for better compatibility.

Summary

Both Regular and System Connections play vital roles in Oracle Analytics:

• Regular Connections facilitate data retrieval and analysis through tools like Data Visualization.
• System Connections enable the creation and maintenance of semantic models and metadata repositories within the Semantic Modeler.

In our labs, we will primarily work with the System Connection to build and manage semantic models effectively. Ensuring these connections are properly configured will provide a seamless experience throughout your Oracle Analytics projects.