Data source definitions are assigned to connections and their associated connected data assets based on endpoints. The endpoints identify a data source by a set of properties in the connection (or connected data asset) such as the hostname or IP address, the port number, and the database name or instance identifier. The method that you choose to create a data source definition depends on if the data source endpoints are already specified in connections.
The endpoints are not specified in connections yet
You have a data source that you know you want to use for a data source definition. After you create the data source definition, the data source definition is assigned to any connections on the platform that match the data source definition’s endpoints. For the procedure, see Creating a data source definition from the Data source definition list.
The endpoints are already specified in connections
If you are unsure if the data source endpoints are already specified in a connection, you can view the connections and associated endpoints on the platform. Then, you can either add the connection endpoints to an existing data source definition or you can create a new data source definition based on those endpoints. For the procedure, see Adding endpoints to a new or existing data source definition.
Prerequisite and requirements for data source definitions
This prerequisite and these requirements apply to data source definitions.
Prerequisite
You must have a Platform assets catalog to use data source definitions. To confirm that you have Platform assets catalog, from the navigation menu, go to Catalogs > View all catalogs. The Platform assets catalog is in the Catalogs list. If you do not have a Platform assets catalog, follow the steps at Creating the Platform assets catalog to create one.
Requirements
- The ability to create, edit, deactivate, or delete a data source definition requires specific roles and asset privacy settings. See Roles and asset privacy settings for data source definitions.
- Data source definitions must be unique. You cannot create two data source definitions that contain the same endpoint or set of endpoints.
- By default, data source definitions are private assets. After you create a data source definition, you can add other users to the asset or make the asset public. For information, see Controlling access to an asset in a catalog.
- Only certain data source types can be used for data source definitions. See Connectors that support data source definitions.
- As part of creating a data source definition, you select a protection solution. Certain protection solutions must be set up in advance. See Protection solutions for data source definitions.
Connection credentials
Because deep enforcement is performed based on the credentials that the user provides for the connection, ensure that the connection's credentials match the logged-in user of the platform. Therefore, it is advised to use personal credentials instead of shared credentials when you create a connection that will be associated with a data source definition. For information about personal and shared credentials, see Adding connections to data sources in a project.
Learn more
- Creating a data source definition from the Data source definition list
- Adding endpoints to a new or existing data source definition
Parent topic: Data protection with data source definitions