Cloud Data Source: Overview and Guide to Integration Options
I am writing this blog to serve as a central index for information about all the integration options around Cloud Data Source (CDS). The CDS feature was introduced back in 1402, and it works like a custom database table or datasource where you can upload analytical data from external sources (whether new or update). When loaded, you can build your custom reporting around the CDS just like a normal SAP data source. Bringing external data from other systems can be joined with standard C4C data sources to create enhanced value-added reports for your business users and decision makers.
As a simple start, you can get great information from the Help Center in Cloud for Customer. See below:
In addition, some of our fellow SCN contributors and I have captured our experience and knowledge to share the ways you can upload data into a CDS. There are about 4 ways to upload data into a CDS – manual, using web service, using PI and also HCI.
1. At a basic level, you can load data manually directly from the CDS.
Cloud Data Source: Creation and Manual Upload
2. The CDS provides a SOAP-based web service. This blog shows the basics of using soapUI on how to call the web service.
Cloud Data Source: Data Integration using SOAP web service – Part 1
Cloud Data Source: Data Integration using SOAP web service – Part 2
3. Leveraging from #2, you can use PI to provide automated and a bit more sophisticated way to call the webservice. You can use PI for load balancing, load tracking, and periodic scheduling for the data load. Risbabh Dubey provided this excellent info below.
Cloud Data Source: Integration
Please do revisit this blog, as I will continue to update with new info and links around Cloud Data Source.
Thank you Tim Chang Very valuable information.
HI Tim,
In your above blog you talked about 4 ways to update CDS. There are about 4 ways to upload data into a CDS - manual, using web service, using PI and also HCI.
The fourth way through HCI is not mentioned. Is it possible to update CDS through HCI?
Please let us know if this is possible and how.
Reagrds
Ritesh Nasikkar
Hi Ritesh,
You can create an iflow in HCI and consume the webservice just like you would in PI in message mapping.
Regards
Harish
Thanks a lot , Tim.
HI. I'm very interested in part #3 ( Cloud Data Source: Integration) - but the links is broken. Can anyone provide the correct link? Or link to any kind of documentation that shows how to do periodic scheduling for the data load? We want to - periodically - upload csv files to C4C cloud data sources (using PI). Thx - Jesper
Hi,
Not sure if you are still looking for this blog:
Cloud Data Source - Integration
Thanks
Saurabh
Hi Saurabh,
thank you so much, I was still looking for this 🙂
Thanks - Jesper
Hi Tim,
Thank you for providing detailed information on the Cloud Data Source Integration. We are looking at using Cloud Data Sources for a specific scenario but we would prefer to use OData Services. Do you know if this is possible?
Kind Regards,
Antonio
Hello Antonio,
I have the same question : as SOAP-based web services are announced to be stopped in February 2020, I would need to know if this SOAP web service that loads Cloud Data Source will be replaced by an OData, or if we should continue to use it.
Did you get an answer to your question in the meantime?
Thank you
Kind regards,
Elodie
Hi Elodie,
No answer up till now.
Regards,
Antonio