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Hi Kevin,
We have done several integration using EIE 7 and CMDB 2.
The only method that really makes sense is to create a separate dataset (Cisco.Import.Ciscoworks) that you import to. Then reconcile that dataset with the primay data set (BMC.ASSET). There are several reasons for this.
1. If you import directly to BMC.ASSET, you may not know the the source of the data2. Any failed import will leave you with partial data and corrupt BMC.ASSET
3. With reconcile rules you can assure that precedents are handled - Is Ciscoworks always right on every value or are there times when existing data should remain?
4. Matching entries. If you use reconciliation rules, you can match data that was originally entered from other sources through much better query capabilities than directly within EIE.
As for extending the data model for a separate dataset. The only reason to extend the data model is if you need extra classes or attributes stored in your CMDB. Otherwise each dataset uses the same classes with just a different value in the DatasetID field. All the forms built on top of the CMDB allow you to filter based on dataset so you only see the data you desire, for example BMC.ASSET in your asset application. There is one slight except to this rule - We suggestadding these attributes to BMC_BaseElement for each dataset you plan to integrate via EIE -
ApplicationParentID (example - CiscoParentID, SMSParentID, etc) - to store the consistent ID/key of the computer system as it is stored in the vendor application
ApplicationChildID - to store the consistent ID/key of the component/software as it is stored in the vendor application
ApplicationReconcile - A field to hold the value EIE uses to determine if an update is needed (from the options tab where it asks you to specify a field)
The reason you need these values is so you know the source of the information and can reconcile to it once it has been merged. The reason for a separate set for each integration is because you may have multiple datasets updating a given BMC.ASSET entry, once you have reconciled and merged the data, this acts as breadcrumbs to go back and find it again. Also, if you ever decide to federate to a source and get additional information,this will provide the link to the exact instance in the vendor/3rd party application.
-Kelly DeaverDirector, ITSM PracticeXinify[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Original Message Subject: Re: Getting Ciscoworks data into CMDB 2.0From: Kevin Murray [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Tue, September 26, 2006 8:06 amTo: arslist@ARSLIST.ORGHi Jack,One further query pertaining to your Ciscowork/CMDB integration...Using EIE, did you populate the Production dataset (classes) directly orwere you ableto populate a staging dataset and run reconciliation between the Ciscodataset and ANO? If you used a stagingdataset,did you have to create custom form(s) or were you able to useexisting CMDB staging forms.Any insight appreciated.I have to do something similar with Ciscoworks over the coming months (amongother non-BMC discovery tools)Thanks in Advance,Kevin-Original Message-From: Action Request System discussion list(ARSList)[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Covert, JackSent: 22 September 2006 16:26To: arslist@ARSLIST.ORGSubject: Re: Getting Ciscoworks data into CMDB 2.0Hi Byron. I answered this in my other email but you have to find it.We kept our use of classes fairly basic and for the most part, out ofthe box (minus an attribute here and there). We further classified CI'sby using CTI's, which we populated from information in the tool. So forthe network hardware, I set the Category and Type to static values andthe item to a value I got from Cisco Works (router, hub, etc.).An important note might be that we only did relationships for the firstlevel of the network, once you get beyond that it's a cob-web withrelationships all over the place and it's value is limited. That's whatwe use tools like SMARTS and Cisco Works for.Hope this helps.Jack-Original Message-From: Action Request System discussion list(ARSList)[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dawe, ByronSent: Friday, September 22, 2006 6:28 AMTo: arslist@ARSLIST.ORGSubject: Re: Getting Ciscoworks data into CMDB 2.0Thanks Jack ,=20Just one more question, how much information do you pull from Ciscoworksand did that require adding to the existing (out of the box) classes inthe CMDB?In Ciscoworks there is plenty of data, but not alot of this data maps toattributes in each appropriate class in the CMDB, hence it seems torequire additional classes with extra attributes!Or did you just stick with the out of the box classes and just populatewhat you could appropriately??Thanks again,Byron.___UNSUBSCRIBE or access ARSlist Archives at http://www.wwrug.org___UNSUBSCRIBE or access ARSlist Archives at
