Configuring ODBC

This topic describes how to use Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC) to set up and configure ODBC Data Sources with BigFix. Each ODBC Data Source is identified by an ODBC Data Source Name (DSN), like bes_bfenterprise used to access data in a variety of DBMS such as Microsoft SQL or IBM DB2 in an easier way. DSNs are stored locally on the computer used to reach the database. Each DSN is used to save authentication and setting information for a database connection. In this way users can connect with a database once and save the information for future use.

To access a database easier, a DSN can be used to save authentication and setting information for a database connection. In this way users can connect with a database once and save the information for future use. DSNs are stored locally on the computer used to reach the database. Each DSN is identified by a name, like bes_bfenterprise.

BigFix can use several DSNs to connect to the same database. Each DSN has different settings and each one can be used to connect to the database in different ways. For example, the primary distinction between the bes_bfenterprise and bes_EnterpriseServer DSNs is that bes_bfenterprise connects to the BigFix database using Windows NT authentication and bes_EnterpriseServer connects using SQL authentication.

On Windows systems you can view your DSNs by running Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC), which launches the ODBC Data Source Administrator tool. The first tab, User DSN, specifies DSNs that are available only to the currently logged in user. Most of the BigFix DSNs are found and created in the System DSN which contain DSNs that are available to anyone using the machine and by the System account of the machine itself. Only a user with Administrative privileges can make changes in the System DSN tab. If you create a new DSN it uses SQL Server as a Driver.