Managing schemas

Key dimensions and required fields

Each schema can include one or more key dimensions, which combine to form a unique object in the schema. Each schema can also define one or more required fields, which must be mapped to a worksheet column when defining a Publish Data step in a workbook. For more information about using the Publish Data step, see Publishing data to a schema.

Schema options

Each schema includes a Yes/No setting for the following options:

• Requires Account ID: Determines whether each row in the schema must include an account ID. When set to Yes, any Publish Data step that publishes to the schema includes an Account ID table, which enables you to map collected data in the worksheet to your account structure. For more information about account structures, see Working with account structures.
  
• Passthrough: Determines whether the measures in the schema include pricing information provided by the data source. When set to Yes, each measure published to the schema must include a rate or cost (in addition to a quantity value).

Default schemas

Cloud Cruiser includes the following schemas, each tailored for a particular use:

Creating a new schema

If one of the default schemas does not suit your needs, create a new schema.

To create a schema

1. Open the Data > Setup > Schema Management page.
2. In the list of schemas, right-click and select New Schema.
   The Add New Schema dialog box opens.
3. Enter a Name for the schema, provide Comments that describe the purpose of the schema, and then click OK.
   The new schema opens, with one empty field.
4. Define the first field in your schema:
   • Name: The name of the field.
   • Description: (Optional) A description of the field.
   • Type: Either dimension or measure. Dimensions are fields that contain qualitative or categorical information. They provide context around the value of a measure, answering questions like "What type?" and "When?" Measures are numeric fields containing quantitative information. They are the "how much?" information.
   • Units: (Optional, and for measures only) The units of measurement, such as Count, GB, or Minutes.
   • Measurement: (For measures only) The method used to measure the incoming data, either Allocated or Metered. Allocated measures are defined by how long it is made available to be used, such as VM-hours. Metered measures are defined by the amount used, such as bytes of data transferred. 
   • Key: (Optional, and for dimensions only) Select the checkbox to indicate that the field should be used to define a unique row of data in the schema. You can make multiple fields key fields.
   • Required: (Optional) Select the checkbox to make the field required when publishing data to the schema from a workbook.
5. If you want to add another field, click New Field.
6. If you want each row in the schema to include an account ID with published data, set the Requires Account ID field to Yes. For more information, see Schema options.
7. If you want the measures in the schema to include pricing information provided by the data source, set the Passthrough field to Yes. For more information, see Schema options.
8. Click Save.
   You can now publish data to the schema.