Overview

The Data Sources API lets you streamline the Data Sources data import process. Instead of using the standard FTP file submission process to get data to Adobe data collection servers, use the Data Sources API to submit HTTP data blocks using a SOAP or REST interface. This is particularly useful for uploading historical data for use in SiteCatalyst reports. In addition to providing an automated mechanism for submitting data to SiteCatalyst, the Data Sources API also provides basic data validation immediately. Upon submission, the Data Sources API validates the basic data format and structure in the submitted block and returns an error if it encounters any problems. You can immediately correct the problem and resubmit the data block. Contrast this with an FTP data submission, where data validation doesn't occur until SiteCatalyst attempts to process the data. This difference in validation points results in a delay of at least 30 minutes before you know about a data formatting error. For detailed product information about Data Sources, see the Data Sources User Guide, which is available in the SiteCatalyst help system. Displays the flow of data using both the Data Sources API and traditional Data Sources upload (FTP). The general process for creating a Data Source with the Data Sources API is as follows:
  1. Call one of the Data Source setup methods (DataSource.SetupFull, DataSource.SetupTraffic, DataSource.SetupWebLog, DataSource.SetupGeneric) to create the type of data source you need.
  2. Call DataSource.GetIDs or DataSource.GetInfo to get the Data Source ID of the new Data Source.
  3. Call DataSource.BeginDataBlock and, if necessary, DataSource.AppendDataBlock to add data to the new data source and submit the data source to the Processing Queue. If necessary, call DataSource.ProcessIncompleteVisits to close out Web site visits that span data blocks for Full Processing Data Sources.
  4. Call DataSource.GetFileIDs or DataSource.GetFileInfo to get the File ID of the Data Source file in the Processing Queue.
  5. Call DataSource.GetFileStatus to monitor the status of the data source file. When data source processing completes, the data sent through the data source is available in SiteCatalyst.
  6. Call DataSource.Restart or DataSource.Deactivate to manage the data source as needed.

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