Build Your Own Data Connector
Build your own data connector for any application with Zoho Analytics using a no-code connector builder. This capability facilitates partners and users to create industry specific solutions tailored to a wide range of sectors, including finance, CRM, banking, IT & help desk, healthcare, DSML platforms and more. It allows you to address the unique data needs of each industry and department effectively.
The custom connector development kit (framework) in Zoho Analytics is built to enable anyone to create robust integrations for data analysis without the need for coding. It helps you create your own data connector that connects a business app and Zoho Analytics, by defining appropriate triggers and actions.
This article covers the various elements in creating a custom connector.
What is a Custom Connector?
A custom connector is a tailored integration solution designed to connect specific applications or services that may not have out-of-the-box connectors available. These connectors are created to meet the unique needs of an organization, allowing for seamless communication and data exchange between different systems.
Custom connectors often rely on the APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) of the systems being integrated, allowing developers to define how data is sent and received.
Key Stages of Developing a Custom Connector in Zoho Analytics
The Connector Development Kit makes it easy for you to integrate any application with Zoho Analytics for analysis. Let's now understand the different phases in the connector development process.
Scope and Requirement Identification
Identify the application for which you intend to build an integration. Understand the workflow of the source application and go through the API documentation to get the required details. Identify key API endpoints, request parameters, and response formats that will be necessary for your integration.
Have an outline of how the integration process is going to be, such as the authentication methods to be used, determine the data sync types, and how to handle errors that occur.
Build Your Connector
This phase focuses on defining the schema, the back-end process that should be followed for authentication, authorization, and data retrieval, response handling, data mapping, and pagination. It also includes designing an intuitive layout, customizing the UI components, such as creating input fields, buttons.
Test and Refine
After developing the connector, the next step is to submit it for review. Our team of quality analysts will thoroughly test all functionalities to ensure everything works as expected. Any issues or areas for improvement will be highlighted during this process. Based on the feedback, you can refine and optimize the connector to meet performance and usability standards, to ensure it being fully functional before release.
Launch and Monetize
Once the connector is approved for release, you can list it on the Zoho Marketplace, making it publicly available for a broader audience to utilize.