Step 1 - The Data Source

Here you will specify the pathway to the database for this Campaign.

Database

• Database Type
  Select one of the following database types from the drop down field:

  Microsoft Access
  Microsoft SQL
  Oracle
  Sybase
  AS400/DB2
  PostgresSQL
  FileMaker
  FoxPro
  Paradox
  Dbase
  Text File
  ODBC connection (for ODBC complient databases not listed above).

  Each of the above database types, except for Microsoft Access, require an ODBC connection using a Data Source Name (DSN) for that database type. For a text or CSV file you would specify the directory where the file resides in the DSN. When you select a text DSN, you will see the available files listed in the Table/Query field. For some databases like Dbase you will not see any Table/Query options as the file is one table, simply select the Email field. (Click here for information on using an ODBC connection and setting up a DSN).

• Database Source
  For Microsoft Access browse to the database file. For all other types, you will see a list of DSN from which you would choose the one corresponding to the selected database type. If the DSN requires a user id and password, enter those directly in the string that appears for that DSN. Click Select
  
• Table/Query Name
  Specify the table or query within that database.

  Refresh: If you change database references or update the database itself (i.e. add a new field) use the Refresh button to clear out any cached tables and fields. Note: The tables and fields are cached to improve navigation speed while editing your campaign.

• Email Field: Specify the field that contains the email address.
  
• Enable Advance Filter: Check this box if you want to use a more advanced filter than the default Basic Filter (see below).

Basic Database Filter

• Populate the fields from the drop down menus for basic filtration of you database. Make sure that the filtering makes logical sense, or it will not work properly.
  
• For Example: subscribe=1 would only send emails to records where the subscribe field of the database was equal to "1".
  
• To check the connection to the database, click the Preview button (near the datasource field), if you do not see the email data, double check your database, and that you selected the correct table and email fields.

Advanced Database Filter

Enter a "Where clause" to filter the database, for inclusion, or exclusion of certain records (Where is implied).

• For Example: unsubscribe=0 would send emails to all records where the unsubscribe field of the database was equal to "0".
  
• To check the connection to the database, click the Preview button, if you do not see the email data, double check your database, and that you selected the correct table and email fields.
  



• The total number of messages that will be deliverd appears at the top of the preview in the Message Count.

• You can select two other fields in the database preview in addition to the Email field. If you use the filter, it will be reflected in the preview. Click Refresh to update. Note: this is a handy method of viewing the tables in your database to make sure they are updating properly, without having to go to your database directly.

Next: Step 2-The Message

Main | Step 1-Data Source | Step 2-The Message | Step 3-Sending | Step 4-Response Handling | Step 5-Miscellaneous