Fields and options for defining attributes

Table 6 describes the field information and options for this page that are applicable to all of the data sources. For information about the specific field information for each of the data sources, refer to the chapter in this user's guide for each data source.

Table 6. Fields and options for defining attributes
Field names/options Description Acceptable values
Attribute name Name of the attribute as it is displayed in the Tivoli Enterprise Portal English string with the following characters:
  • A-Z
  • _
  • a-z
  • 0-9
Note:
The name must start with A-Z or a-z.

The attribute name has a limit of 63 characters and the attribute group name has a limit of 63 characters

Help text Help text for the attribute String
Display Attribute in the Tivoli Enterprise Portal Attribute is displayed in the Tivoli Enterprise Portal (see note in last row below) Not applicable
Key Attribute Attribute is a key in the table. Check whether this attribute helps to uniquely define the object that is being reported on. This option is not available for Perfmon attributes.
Attribute Information tab The contents of this tab depend on the type of data source to which this attribute belongs. See information in the chapter for the data source you want to monitor for more details.

If you use this tab, do not use the Derived Attribute Details tab.

Derived Attribute Details tab
  • Formula
  • Insert Attribute
Use the Derived Attribute Details tab only if you want a derived attribute, and not an attribute directly from the data source.

If you use this tab, do not use the Attribute Information tab.

In the Formula field, enter a formula to calculate the value of the attribute based on other attributes or constants. You can type the formula in the Formula field or click Edit to use the graphical formula editor. See Editing derived attributes.

Attribute type Describes how the attribute is displayed in the Tivoli Enterprise Portal. There are three types:
  • String
  • Numeric
  • Time stamp

Attribute types contains more information about the attribute types.

Table 7 contains descriptions of the numeric attribute type values.
Enumerations This can be a numeric or string value. Add your enumerations to the table using the procedure in Specifying an enumeration for an attribute.

The enumeration name is displayed in the Tivoli® Enterprise Portal when the corresponding Value is received in the attribute from the agent.

This attribute is used for a set of specific values with identified meanings (for example, 1=UP, 2=DOWN).
Note:
In cases where the attribute is used in calculations with other attributes, there are reasons not to display the base value in the Tivoli Enterprise Portal. For instance, a number that represents a byte count wraps so quickly that it is of little use.