Overview
Sapphire Trend provides an in built process called the stExporter to facilitate ASCII based data export to other application file formats.
The stExporter does not directly support any specific application file formats and is driven by an export language. This export language allows users to define output specifications (i.e., the format for the desired output) for the required application file format making it very generic.
The Sapphire Collector invokes the stExporter when exports are required specifying the export definition that is to be run. Both regular and ad hoc exports can be scheduled for execution allowing for regular export of data for subsequent analysis or import into other applications.
Exporting within Sapphire Trend is based around three file types, each of which is now discussed in more detail.
The Export Format file defines the format of the output generated by the stExporter. Several commonly used Format files are provided with Sapphire Trend. Since the files are built up from an export language users are free to create their own Export Format files.
Tip: When placed in the Export Formats directory defined Format files will be automatically made available to users of appropriate Sapphire Clients
The Export Definition File (What)
The Export Definition file defines the data set that the users wishes to export. The main parameters are the list of items that are to be exported and the export start time and duration.
Export definition files are created from within stPro and are stored on the Sapphire Collector node in the Export Definitions directory.
Note: Even though the Export Definition files are ASCII based, it is not recommended that they are manually edited. All manipulation should be carried out through the appropriate Sapphire Clients.
The Export Schedule (When)
The Export Schedule file lists the Export Definition files that are to be run and the times when they should be executed. Exports can be run immediately, submitted to run at a specific data and time in the future or scheduled for regular execution (for example every day at 7:30am).