Datalink FAQ
The following are frequently asked questions about Datalink . See also the following troubleshooting resources on Apptio Community (links require TBM Connect credentials) :
For frequently asked questions specific to a data source, see the following:
Q. Does the agent need to run on the same machine as the source system?
A. No. The agent needs to be on a machine that is running on-premises, has network connectivity to your source system, and is connected to the internet.
Q. Are open inbound firewall ports required?
A. No. There is no inbound communication from Apptio to the agent and as a result, no inbound firewall changes are needed. The agent will not attempt to change any port settings you have configured on your network. Traffic is defaulted to outbound traffic only.
Q. What data communication security standards does the agent use to communicate with Apptio ?
A. All communication from the agent to Apptio is done using SSL 256-bit encryption and occurs via HTTPS, port 443.
Q. How is the agent maintained? How are security patches installed?
A. The agent downloads and installs all updates automatically on a regular cadence. This includes all security patches.
Q. How are credentials stored?
A. Credentials are encrypted with a customer-specific encryption key and stored as encrypted along with the agent. Credentials are decrypted with the customer-specific encryption key every time the connector runs.
Q. Can I run the agent on my personal machine?
A. Yes, as long as it meets the following criteria:
- Your machine is connected to the internet during scheduled times.
- Your machine is connected to the network hosting your source system.
Q. Does Datalink support Kerberos authentication?
A. Datalink does not currently support connections using Kerberos authentication.
Q. Does my data flow into Dell Cloud?
A. Data retrieved from your source systems are directly and securely uploaded into the Apptio Virtual Private Cloud hosted in AWS. Data does not flow into the Dell cloud.
The on-premises Datalink Agent automatically transmits the following metadata to Apptio through Boomi AtomSphere:
Online status : The Datalink application knows in near-real time if the agent goes offline.
Tracking information : The file name and directory of files processed, success and failure counts, and process run information.
Agent updates : The agent periodically checks for updates and applies them to the agent.
Logging information : Information about connection runs, including total run times, logging for each step of the run process, and run failure error messages.
Error details : Detailed error messages explaining the error that caused the failed run of a connection.
Q. What is the Apptio Uploader Service?
A. The Apptio Uploader Service (ULS) is a service for uploading data into Apptio . The ULS improves the existing Apptio API process by supporting larger file uploads.
Q. How long does my data live in the Uploader Service?
A. The data exists in the Apptio Uploader Service 24 hours from the time of upload.
Q. Where is Uploader Service hosted?
A. The Apptio Uploader Service leverages AWS technologies. All data transport is handled in-region and is compliant with data localization laws.
Q. Where is Datalink hosted?
A. Datalink leverages AWS technologies. All data transport is handled in-region and is compliant with data localization laws.
Q. Is an on-premises Datalink agent necessary to upload data from my SaaS applications to Apptio ?
A. No. Customers can use a default cloud agent that Apptio hosts in AWS.