SailPoint IdentityIQ: Aggregating XML

From an answer to a client this morning on aggregating XML in SailPoint IdentityIQ. I hope this helps others out there:

Regarding your question this morning on aggregating XML… I have seen XML aggregated through the OOTB RuleBasedFileParser connector. That connector requires that a rule be written to run the parser and through that, you could parse and aggregate XML. I mentioned this to one of our Solution Architects after our meeting and he was aware of the RuleBasedFileParser type, but personally felt it was enough work such that you may as well write a custom connector using libraries Java has available to handle XML.

I think between him and me, I would say the following:

1. From an overall perspective, it’s technically possible using the RuleBasedFileParser connector to aggregate XML.
2. There may need to be a discussion about the XML in consideration itself to determine the level of complexity of XML coming in, in which case:
   1. The RuleBasedFileParser may be an adequate choice
   2. A custom connector for the XML may be in order.

One other approach could be:

1. Use a DelimitedFile connector.
2. Write a pre-iterate rule leveraging the Java XML classes available to (a) read the XML and (b) create a CSV from the XML for the DelimitedFile connector to consume.
3. Use the post-iterate rule to clean up.

As you can see, there is more than one way to skin the XML cat here. This is the case as with most things in SailPoint IdentityIQ, as I demonstrate in at least one blog post, can be “tricked” in various places into doing what it is you ultimately want it to do.

As with any of this, it’s very common to have to sit down on an engagement and triage between a number of approach options to decide on the best implementation approach. I hope this information helps you with that process.

From the Twin Cities, where we shrug off the second day of Spring with a second helping of Winter, Amigos…