Using Metaverse Search

  • Article

Metaverse Search is used to locate, list, and configure the state of objects in the metaverse. You use Metaverse Search to view the lineage of objects in the metaverse to troubleshoot attribute precedence problems, disconnect an object, or view groups of objects for troubleshooting. In a large enterprise, the number of metaverse objects can run into the millions. Metaverse Search can be used to locate a single object or a subset of objects based on similar attribute values.

Searches are implemented by running search queries. Search queries are created by selecting an object type to scope by and building one or more search clauses. A search clause can consist of three parts: an attribute, an operator, and a value. Some search clauses may only use an attribute and an operator. For example, the following three-part search query returns all persons in the accounting department:

  • Scope by Object type = person

  • Attribute = department

  • Operator = Equals

  • Value = Accounting

The following two-part search query returns all persons that do not have a homePhone attribute:

  • Scope by Object type = person

  • Attribute = homePhone

  • Operator = Is not present

A metaverse search query can also consist of multiple clauses. The following search query returns all Assistant Managers in the Seattle-area offices:

  • Scope by Object type = person

First clause:

  • Attribute = title

  • Operator = Equals

  • Value = AsstMgr

Second clause:

  • Attribute = employeeID

  • Operator = Starts with

  • Value = SEA

Search queries persist after you close Synchronization Service Manager; however, the search results are not saved. If you create queries that you want to use on a regular basis, you can save or export the queries and import them as you need them. Queries are saved in XML format with a .qry file extension.

Displaying the properties of a metaverse object

When you have run your search query, you can click any object in the Search Results list to display the property page for that metaverse object. There are two tabs on the property page: Attributes and Connectors.

The following table lists the information that is displayed on the Attributes tab.

Column Description

Attribute name

Displays the metaverse attribute name.

Value

Displays the value of the attribute.

Contributing management agent

Displays by which management agent the value was last updated.

Type

Displays the attribute type. For more information about attribute types, see Using Metaverse Designer.

Last modified

Displays the date and time that the attribute was last modified.

The following tables list the information that is displayed on the Connectors tab.

Column Description

Distinguished name

Displays the value of the distinguished name (also known as DN) attribute for the object in each connected management agent.

Management agent

Displays all management agents that the object is linked to.

Join method

Displays by what process the object was linked to the management agent. Possible values are:

  • provisioning-rules

  • join-rules

  • projection-rules

  • import-flow-rules

  • export-flow-rules

  • de-provisioning-rules

  • connector-filter-rules

  • mv-deletion-rules

joiner-rule
Button Description

Properties

When a connector is selected in the list, this displays the properties of the linked object in the connector space of that management agent

Disconnect

When a connector is selected in the list, this disconnects the linked object in the connector space of that management agent from the metaverse. You may select whether to make the object a Disconnector (default) or an Explicit Disconnector.

For more information, see Work with Metaverse Search.