Use the Repository Manager to share source and target metadata with other business intelligence (BI) and data modeling tools, such as Business Objects Designer. PowerCenter uses the Meta Integration® Model Bridge (MIMB) from Meta Integration Technology, Inc. to exchange metadata with other BI and data modeling tools. MIMB uses the specifications in powrmart.dtd to exchange metadata with PowerCenter.

Use metadata exchange to synchronize definitions between PowerCenter and third-party tools. For example, you might export some fact and dimension targets to Business Objects Designer and then add a column to each target using Business Objects Designer. You can then import those targets into a repository to update the target definitions with the changes you made in Business Objects Designer.

The Repository Manager uses a wizard to guide you through the export or import process. The wizard prompts you for different options, depending on the BI or data modeling tool. Use the Conflict Resolution Wizard to resolve conflicts between objects when you import metadata. The Conflict Resolution Wizard is similar to the Copy Wizard.

To exchange metadata, you export the metadata from the source tool and import the metadata into the target tool. PowerCenter can be the source or target tool. To exchange metadata between PowerCenter and another tool, use one of the follow methods:

To export metadata, select an object and click Repository > Export Metadata. To import metadata, select a folder and click Repository > Import Metadata.

You can export to and import from the following BI and data modeling tools: