Oracle Data Loader On Demand Guide > Overview of Oracle Data Loader On Demand >

Which Method Should You Use to Import Records?

You can import records using the Import operation, Oracle Data Loader On Demand, or Web services. The following information can help you choose the method that best suits your needs:

• Import Assistant. Use the Import Assistant if the following conditions apply:
  • You want to process records sequentially, where record 1 is processed before record 2, and so on.
  • You are a new user, or you want to use a user interface that guides you through the process.
  • You want to associate records using Predefined Fields in Oracle CRM On Demand, as opposed to associating records using External System ID.
  • You want detailed error messages, which is important if you are performing a small test before a large data load.
  • You do not have a map file and want to create a map file using the Mapping Wizard page of the Import Assistant.

    For information on the Import Assistant, see Oracle CRM On Demand Online Help.

• Oracle Data Loader On Demand. Use Oracle Data Loader On Demand if the following conditions apply:
  • You want to automate your data loads.
  • You can allow your data to be processed in any order.
  • You have files that are larger than the allowable limits in Oracle CRM On Demand Import. The limits for each record type can be found in Oracle CRM On Demand Online Help.
  • You want to schedule an Insert, Update, or Upsert operation.
  • Your data has no errors and does not require much validation.
• Web services. Use Web services if the following conditions apply:
  • You require operations that are not supported by the Import operation or Oracle Data Loader On Demand.
  • You require multiple actions for each record. For example, you read a record, merge it with another record, associate it with a third record, and then delete a few of its child records.
  • You require operations performed directly on child records. For such operations, see Web Services 2.0 API.

    For information on Web services, see Oracle Web Services On Demand Guide. This guide is available from Oracle Technology Network and from within Oracle CRM On Demand (see Downloading Oracle Web Services On Demand Guide).

Downloading Oracle Web Services On Demand Guide

To download Oracle Web Services On Demand Guide from Oracle CRM On Demand

1. Navigate to Admin and then to Web Services Administration.
2. Click Download Documentation, and choose Oracle Web Services On Demand Guide.

Differences Between Using the Import Operation of Oracle CRM On Demand and Oracle Data Loader On Demand

Table 2 compares and contrasts the differences between using the Import operation of Oracle CRM On Demand and Oracle Data Loader On Demand.