IDT ODBC connection to EXcel

[former_member203955]

We have set up a DSN on the BO server to connect to a spreadsheet which is stored on the server , the connection uses Excel version 12 . This works and a universe can be created of this spreadsheet . When I create a data foundation using this connection I can see all the excel workbooks in the folder not just the one named in the DSN . What I am trying to find out is if I can use this connection with any of these workbooks in this folder or if each workbook needs its own DSN .

[amitrathi239]

I don't have much idea with excel source but in DSN you can select only the excel file not specific tab.

if you can see all workbooks in the Data Foundation then no need to create individual connection.

Why are you not using excel directly in webi report?

[amitrathi239]

Only drawback of using excel in webi is you can not create the prompts in webi. otherwise it much easy to use in webi.

No need to create extra Universe layer for excel data source for webi reporting.in both the cases you need to place the excel file at server but for universe you need to create DSN then Data Foundation,Business layer and then reporting.

[former_member185603]

you can store all excel files in shared location where the BO account has an access. That will be much easier.

[former_member203955]

I've tried it and as Amit says there is no need for an individual connection although I would still like to understand why when the DSN selects one named file . The reason for not using excel directly in the webi report is because the refreshing is less flexible in webi direct .