How to Easily Query Dynamics CRM Data in OpenOffice Base

Apache OpenOffice Base is a versatile, free database tool that makes connecting and managing data easy. With CData ODBC Driver for Dynamics CRM, you can seamlessly integrate and query live Dynamics CRM data, bringing real-time insights directly into OpenOffice.

This guide simplifies the setup, showing you how to connect Dynamics CRM to OpenOffice Base so you can easily generate reports, analyze trends, and make informed decisions right within your familiar workspace.

Getting Started

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Overview

Here is an overview of the steps:

1. CONFIGURE: Configure the DSN for Dynamics CRM data in the CData ODBC Driver for Dynamics CRM, using the required connection properties.
2. CONNECT: Set up the ODBC connection in OpenOffice Base using the configured DSN.
3. IMPORT: Once connected, review the available metadata and tables.
4. CREATE: Create a report based on the queried Dynamics CRM data data.

Configure the Dynamics CRM DSN Using the CData ODBC Driver for Dynamics CRM

To start, configure the DSN (Data Source Name) for Dynamics CRM data in your system using the CData ODBC Driver for Dynamics CRM. Download and install a 30-day free trial with all the features from here.

Once installed, launch the ODBC Data Source Administrator:

• On Windows: Search for ODBC Data Source Administrator in the Start menu and open the application.
• On Mac: Open Applications, go to Utilities, and select ODBC Manager.
• On Linux: Use the command line to launch ODBC Data Source Administrator or use unixODBC if installed.

👁 ODBC Data Source Administrator

Once launched, double-click on the CData Dynamics CRM data Source and enter the required values to establish a connection:

The connection string options meet the authentication and connection requirements of different Dynamics CRM instances. To connect to your instance, set the User and Password properties, under the Authentication section, to valid Dynamics CRM user credentials and set the Url to a valid Dynamics CRM server organization root. Additionally, set the CRMVersion property to 'CRM2011+' or 'CRMOnline'. IFD configurations are supported as well; set InternetFacingDeployment to true.

Additionally, you can provide the security token service (STS) or AD FS endpoint in the STSURL property. This value can be retrieved with the GetSTSUrl stored procedure. Office 365 users can connect to the default STS URL by simply setting CRMVersion.

👁 Configuring a DSN (Salesforce is shown)

Setup an ODBC Connection in OpenOffice Base

Once you've set up the DSN, it's time to connect to it in OpenOffice Base and start querying data:

• Launch OpenOffice Base and select Database from the home screen.
👁 Apache OpenOffice Base Homescreen

• In the Database Wizard, choose ODBC from the 'Connect to an existing database' option and click Next.
👁 Apache OpenOffice Base Database Wizard

• Click Browse to locate and select the DSN you created, then click OK.
👁 Apache OpenOffice Base DSN (Salesforce is shown)

• Enter the username associated with the DSN, click Test Connection to verify, and then click Next.
👁 Apache OpenOffice Base Database Wizard (Salesforce details are shown)

• Finally, click Finish to save the new database file to your desired directory. This will connect OpenOffice Base to your live Dynamics CRM data data, ready for querying and analysis.
👁 Apache OpenOffice Base Database Save File

Your connection is now established — ready to query and analyze data seamlessly within OpenOffice Base.

Review the Metadata and Tables

After the database file is created and the connection is established, the table list will automatically display all available Dynamics CRM data objects.

• Review the Dynamics CRM data Object List: In the left pane, click on Tables to view the Dynamics CRM data objects now available within OpenOffice Base.
• View Object Data: Click on any object to view its contents. The Dynamics CRM data data will display directly within OpenOffice Base, allowing you to review records and fields with ease.

👁 Apache OpenOffice Base Metadata (Salesforce data is shown)

That's it! You have now successfully established a connection to Dynamics CRM data in OpenOffice Base, with data readily available for analysis and reporting.

Create a Report

Now, let's generate a report based on your Dynamics CRM data data.

• Open your database and go to the Reports tab, then select Create Report Using Wizard.
👁 Apache OpenOffice Base Report Screen

• In the Report Wizard, choose the Dynamics CRM data table from the Table or Query section. Select the columns from Available Fields that you want to include in your report and move them to the Fields in Report section using the arrows.
👁 Apache OpenOffice Base Report Table Objects (Salesforce is shown)

• After configuring the fields, click Finish to generate your report.
👁 Publishing Apache OpenOffice Base Report (with Salesforce data)

• Analyze, adjust, save, and publish the report as needed.

Your report is now created, drawing live data directly from Dynamics CRM data, and ready for analysis.

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