About creating XML files
You can create views in OpsCenter Analytics by creating and importing the XML files that describe the views.
By using the XML API, you can import IT asset data and their relationships that you maintain through in-house or third-party systems (for example, Peregrine AssetCenter). The XML import capability enables you to import arbitrary groupings of primary servers, clients, policies, and file systems. For example, you can import the groupings that are defined around business units by using the XML import capability.
Note:
You can export and import view structures using the XML file. However, the attributes that are collected by data collectors like Network Name, OS etc. are not exported or imported. Only user-defined attributes like location, isTagged etc. can be exported or imported using an XML file.
You can create user-defined attributes from the OpsCenter GUI (Settings > Configuration > Object Type).
The following examples illustrate the practical use of OpsCenter Analytics XML import functionality.
Example 1: You can use a spreadsheet to define Host A as the marketing host and Host B as the sales host. By importing the XML using the View Builder GUI or the view_exportimport utility, you can import the data in the spreadsheet, create a view using the imported data, and chargeback the services based on business units.
Example 2: You can build a view of a chart of accounts that shows server ownership by company department for chargeback purposes. With large enterprises, the chart of accounts can easily exceed a thousand. Entering this data into OpsCenter Analytics is cumbersome and error prone. By importing the XML using the View Builder GUI or the view_exportimport utility, you can import this data from your local system. While importing the data into OpsCenter Analytics, you can continue with the maintenance of data in the local system.
Importing data using XML is the best example of OpsCenter Analytics's open architecture that enables integration with other systems. See the following sections to know how you can create views in an XML file.