Web Connections

When the source data for a dataset is a web service, instead of the workspace embedding connection parameters, a new technology can be used.

What is a Web Connection?

Web connections are containers for a set of web service connection parameters. These parameters include the service, username, password (or authenticated connection), and others that vary according to the service type.

The two main advantages of web connections are:

• Connection parameters are no longer embedded in a workspace, meaning less of a security risk
  • For example, your parameters would not be exposed to anyone who downloaded the workspace
• Connection parameters can be reused among multiple workspaces
  • For example, two workspaces that use the same web service can use the same connection

Web connections can be published with a workspace from FME Desktop, but not added directly within FME Server.

Creating a Web Connection

Creating a web connection starts in FME Desktop using Tools > FME Options > Web Connections in Workbench.

When the workspace is published to FME Server a new dialog asks the author whether to also publish the web connection:

Notice how it must be re-authenticated for use on FME Server. By publishing and authenticating the web connection, the workspace that uses it can run to completion on Server as it would on Desktop.

Managing Web Connections

FME Server also has a section for managing web connections under Manage > Web Connections on the menubar. Currently this page allows administrators only to delete existing connections. The ability to create and edit connections is planned for FME2017

Using Web Connections

When a workspace is run, if it has a transformer or reader that references a web service (of the correct type) then the end-user is prompted and can select the web connection to use