Metadata import connectors

You define a data connector when you import data assets by using a connector and reading data from a source system, such as a database or file storage system. A connector is a reusable connection between a data source, such as a database, data file folder, or data file. After you create a data connection in Watson Knowledge Catalog and use it to share data to the metadata repository, it is stored and available for other users to use.

Data connector identity

The identity of a data connection can have the following components:

• Name of the data connection (required)
• Connection string

The connection string differs depending on the type of connection that you are using. The following table shows the connection string for each type of connector:

Table 1. Connection strings for each type of connector and bridge

Rules for creating and editing data connections

In Watson Knowledge Catalog, creating and editing data connections is tied to the import process and to the import area. You create or edit data connections while in the import wizard. Your ability to edit the data connection in a particular import area depends on whether you have shared an import from that area to the metadata repository.

When no import has been shared to the metadata repository from the import area that you are working in, you can select an existing data connection or create a new data connection. You can edit any of the properties of the data connection, even after running imports, as long as you do not share an import to the metadata repository.

After an import has been shared to the metadata repository from the import area that you are working in, you can change only the password of the data connection while working in that import area. However, you can select and edit the data connection if you create a new import area. If you change the identity of a data connection by editing the name or connection string of a data connection, a new data connection is created after your import area is shared to the metadata repository. If you create a data connection that has the same identity properties as an existing data connection, when the import is shared to the metadata repository your new data connection overwrites the existing data connection.

If you edit the description or password of a data connection or the user name, the changed information is saved in the staging area. Because the description, password, and user name are not part of the identity of the data connection, when you share the staged import to the metadata repository, the changes are merged into the existing data connection.

When you create or edit a data connection you must save the password if you want to be able to use Discovery and classify the imported data asset. By default, you can save the required password or security when you create or edit a data connection.

Supported connectors

The following connectors are supported for importing metadata by using Watson Knowledge Catalog.

Table 2. Supported connectors and metadata parameters

Learn more

• Setting up a connection to a Netezza data source

Parent topic: Metadata asset types