🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• Backend: Major reconfiguration and allocation of hardware resources based on Microsoft's architectural recommendations.

Modeler​

• Versioning of Models:
  • Changes to published Models can now be fully tracked.
  • Models can now be published with versioning. It is also possible to revert to and restore previous versions. Please note that Models must be published to be accessible to end users.
• Copy and Paste:
  • Entire Models or individual parts of them can now be transferred using copy-and-paste functionality.

Source System Connections​

• New available source system: Snowflake can be connected.
• Salesforce: The username/password flow now is enabled without requiring a client ID and secret.
• ODBC Query Handler: The ODBC Handlers for table and SQL statements support aggregate functions in selections.

Unicon - Power BI​

• Compatibility: the Unicon is now compatible with the latest Microsoft Power BI version (November 2024).

🐛 Solved Issues​

Modeler​

• The issue of concurrent saving when launching a Model with multiple parameters or adjusting multiple parameters in parallel has been resolved.

🚧 Known Issues​

Excel AddIn​

• Parameter of type Date and Time cannot yet be processed. Using DateTime works as a workaround.

Unicon​

• Limitation caused by Power BI: First execution of a Model in Power BI fails as no metadata is availabe to determine the column set. This is solved by simply executing the query once again.

Source System Connections​

• SharePointOnline List Handler: Values of special column types, such as multi choice or link columns, cannot be parsed.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

Due to backend resource re-allocation and the architecture updates, the following changes are required:

• Admin Consent: The App Registration has changed, so you need to grant consent for its use again.
• All agents must be re-created in the portal as well as re-installed in the corresponding networks.
• Users experiencing issues with launching the Modeler should also clear their browser cache.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• This is a minor release that includes updates to the backend and maintenance activities with respect to some third-party packages. No significant new features have been implemented.

🐛 Solved Issues​

Modeler​

• Bug fixes related to the transformation operation and the data lineage functionalities.

🚧 Known Issues​

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Union of identical nodes might result in "Duplicate Key" error message.
• Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message 'cancelled by user'.

Excel AddIn​

• Parameter of type Date and Time cannot yet be processed. This will be resolved in one of the upcoming releases. In the meantime, using DateTime should work as a workaround.

Unicon​

• Limitation caused by Power BI: First execution of a Model in Power BI fails as no metadata is availabe to determine the column set. This is solved by simply executing the query once again.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

All components are upgraded automatically and no action from the user side is necessary.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• Enabling the new authentication method 'Shared OAuth2 Code Flow'

Source System Connections​

• Introducing new Query Handlers for the Source System 'Workday'.

🐛 Solved Issues​

Front-End Applications​

• Universal Connector (Power BI): Querying Virtual Datasets form private Workspaces now possible without limitations.

🚧 Known Issues​

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Union of identical nodes might result in "Duplicate Key" error message.
• Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message 'cancelled by user'.

Excel AddIn​

• Parameter of type Date and Time cannot yet be processed. This will be resolved in one of the upcoming releases. In the meantime, using DateTime should work as a workaround.

Unicon​

• Limitation caused by Power BI: First execution of a Model in Power BI fails as no metadata is availabe to determine the column set. This is solved by simply executing the query once again.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

With the upgrade to .NET 8.0.8 it is recommended to download the newest Agent version. All other components will be upgraded automatically, requiring no action from the user.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• Introduction of the new Workspace concept for Virtual Datasets. This feature allows users to organize their Virtual Datasets into distinct Workspaces, enhancing data management and collaboration capabilities. Three types of Workspaces are available:
  • Public Workspace: This Workspace is accessible to all members, promoting transparency and shared knowledge across the organization. It is denoted as 'MyCompany'.
  • Shared Workspaces: Restrict access to specific teams, ensuring that only authorized team members can view and work on the datasets within these Workspaces.
  • Private Workspaces: Ideal for individual use, these Workspaces are accessible only to the user, providing a secure and personal data environment.
• Enhanced security with Encryption: We have significantly improved security by implementing comprehensive encryption. Now, all communication and data transfers are encrypted from Source Systems to VDP and from VDP to Front-End Applications. This robust encryption minimizes the risk of hacking, making VDP more secure.

Modeler​

• Transformation:
  • Type transformations to the new data types 'Time' and 'Date' are available.
  • Type transformations of 'null'-values are possible now.

Source System Connections​

• Salesforce:
  • Introducing aggregation: Rows can be aggregated by columns, providing more powerful data analysis and reporting capabilities.
  • The API version can be optionally entered by the VDP Admin.
  • Enabling the new authentication method OAuth2 Password Flow.
• JSON Handler: The option to automatically detect data types is available.

Front-End Applications​

• Unicon (Power BI): DISTINCT can be used in statements now.

🐛 Solved Issues​

Modeler​

• Formulas: Improved error messaging for incorrect decimal delimiters when entering decimal numbers.
• Transformation: Allow only data types 'Integer' and 'Decimal' as value columns in Pivot transformation.

Source System Connections​

• Salesforce: The issue within the Technical Handler showing error 'An invalid request URI was provided' is solved.
• SAP BW: Bug fix with respect to keyfigure value column containing special characters.

🚧 Known Issues​

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Union of identical nodes might result in "Duplicate Key" error message.
• Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message 'cancelled by user'.

Excel AddIn​

• Parameter of type Date and Time cannot yet be processed. This will be resolved in one of the upcoming releases. In the meantime, using DateTime should work as a workaround.

Unicon​

• Limitation caused by Power BI: First execution of a Model in Power BI fails as no metadata is availabe to determine the column set. This is solved by simply executing the query once again.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

The new Workspace concept requires the following manual actions from the admin-user:

• The Agent needs replacement. Please remove all old Agents and install new ones through VDP Portal.
• Users that should be able to edit Virtual Datasets in the Workspace 'MyCompany' require the assignment of the role 'VDP Enterprise Creator' in the Enterprise Application 'VDP Global SignIn' (Azure Portal). Note that all previously created Virtual Datasets are assigned to the Workspace 'MyCompany'. In addition, the user may have to sign out and sign in again after assigning the 'VDP Enterprise Creator' role (in some cases, this has to be done a second time in the Modeler).
• To extract user rights from groups, the EntraID App Registration requires the extended group scope. Therefore, this additional scope must be manually consented to in the Azure Portal for VDP.

All other components will be upgraded automatically, requiring no action from the user.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• Introducing new data types: Date and Time. This enhancement cause some breaking changes in the following components:
  • Virtual Datasets:
    • Depending on the source system, we now retrieve columns of type Date and type Time whenever feasible. This alteration in column data types has the potential to disrupt existing Models.
    • New Formulas have been introduced in the Modeler to accommodate these new data types.
    • Adjustments to Parameter configurations may be needed for both Functions and Models.
  • Agent: A new Agent must be installed.
• Introducing IS INITIAL and IS NULL for managing empty versus null values within Parameters: Enhances clarity on how VDP handles these distinctions, particularly valuable for string handling.

Modeler​

• Introducing new Transformation feature Pivot: Users now have the option of defining columns for pivoting.

🐛 Solved Issues​

Modeler​

• Bugfix type conversion: Type conversions of a column used in greater than (>) or less than (<) operations within a formula now work as expected.
• Bugfix filtering: Filtering a range now works for both inclusion and exclusion.

🚧 Known Issues​

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Union of identical nodes might result in "Duplicate Key" error message.
• Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message "cancelled by user".

Excel AddIn​

• Columns of type Date and Time cannot yet be processed. This will be resolved in one of the upcoming releases. In the meantime, using the "Datetime" type should work as a workaround.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

The Agent needs replacement. Please remove all old Agents and install new ones through the Portal. All other components will be upgraded automatically, requiring no action from the user.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• Introducing new internal License Management (Breaking Change): Admins can now assign purchased licenses directly in the Portal. Note that existing assignments require reassignments by the Admins.

Modeler​

• Formula: TRIM() added.

Source System Connections​

• SAP BW Handler optimized (Breaking Change: New Agent required).
• Introducing new Query Handler for SAP B1 User Queries.

🚧 Known Issues​

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Parameter of type date is visible but not enabled yet.
• Union of identical nodes might result in "Duplicate Key" error message.
• Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message "cancelled by user".

ODBC Handler​

• Columns of type TIME cannot be processed.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

All other components are upgraded automatically and no action from the user side is necessary. However, in order to be able to use the latest SAP BW Query Handler without inconvenience, the latest Agent version must be installed. Admins must also reassign the user licenses via the new License Management in the Portal.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Modeler​

• New cloning functionality: All nodes other than Parameter and Result can be cloned (right click node). To clone multiple nodes simultaneously select the nodes to be cloned using ctrl.
• Formula: Users can now decide whether to create a new column or overwrite an existing column.

Source System Connections​

• SAP Business One: A new Query Handler for Source Systems of type SAP Business One is available in beta version for initial exploration.
• SAP BW: The optional Technical Parameter KEYFIGURE_CAPTION was added for SAP BW Functions, which is a breaking change for all SAP BW queries. With this parameter users can now decide how the Key Figure Value column should be named for the respective Function. If no value is added for this parameter, the default value "Key Figure Value" will be used (former "Keyfigure - hardcoded").

Agent​

• New internal logging capabilities to improve debugging and investigation options in the event of issues.

🐛 Solved Issues​

Agent​

• The Windows Service now attempts to restart if it is terminated unexpectedly.

🚧 Known Issues​

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Parameter of type date is visible but not enabled yet.
• Union of identical nodes might result in "Duplicate Key" error message.
• Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message "cancelled by user".

ODBC Handler​

• Columns of type TIME cannot be processed.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

All other components are upgraded automatically and no action from the user side is necessary. However, to enable the new logging capabilities for the Agent, the new version has to be installed.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• Sandbox: Huge performance enhancements to make executions of Virtual Datasets even faster.

Modeler​

• Transformation: Searching columns in "Select columns", "Remove columns" and "Unpivot columns" enabled.
• Aggregation: Searching columns enabled.
• Platform Request: Searching Models or Functions enabled.
• Leading or trailing spaces in columns of type string are now displayed in the preview.

🐛 Solved Issues​

Modeler​

• Transformation: Type conversions of null values possible. Null values are now displayed as <null>.
• Stabilization of deleting nodes in a model.
• Using Models, in particular nested Models, as Platform Requests within other Models solved.

🚧 Known Issues​

Docs​

• The term "Virtual Dataset" is not used consistently within the documentation. This will be corrected in on of the next releases.

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Parameter of type date is visible but not enabled yet.
• Union of identical nodes might result in 'Duplicate Key' error message.
• Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message "cancelled by user".

ODBC Handler​

• Columns of type TIME cannot be processed.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

All other components are upgraded automatically, and no action from the user side is necessary.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Core​

• Introduction of the term "Virtual Dataset" to summarize Functions, Models, Code-Files and Value Lists. In the Modeler the input table is now referred to as physical dataset.
• Improving stability of the Agent (Breaking Change): Some changes within the Agent were made to improve the stability with respect to restarts, reconnections and general communication.
• Preparatory changes for introducing new data types (Breaking Change): In case a constant date is used in a formula, e.g. for filtering, this will not work anymore and has to be rebuild.

Modeler​

• Introducing the simple syntax in beta version to be able to copy parameter configurations into the text editor.

🐛 Solved Issues​

Modeler​

• Problems with nested operations solved
• Transformation:
  • Utilizing auto-correct for column renaming along with the selection or removal of columns has been rectified.
  • Changing the description of a node and the title is now working correctly.
• Union: Problems causing errors while changing column order are solved.
• Using the control key "del" (German: "entf") while renaming, e.g. columns in an editor, does delete the text but not the node itself anymore.

🚧 Known Issues​

Docs​

• The term "Virtual Dataset" is not used consistently within the documentation. This will be corrected in on of the next releases.

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Parameter of type date is visible but not enabled yet.
• Union of identical nodes might result in 'Duplicate Key' error message.
• New: Meta data preview potentially not loading for large models. It ends with an infinite load and the error message "cancelled by user".
• New: Using Models as Platform Request within other Models, in particular in case of nested Models, might cause errors.

ODBC Handler​

• Columns of type TIME cannot be processed.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

The stabilization of the Agent requires a new one. Please remove all old Agents and install new ones via the Portal. All other components are upgraded automatically, and no action from the user side is necessary.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.

🚀 New Features and Enhancements​

Portal and Core Platform​

• Workspaces (breaking change): The Workspace Public is renamed to MyCompany, to make clear that all functions are only available in the company specific tenant and not available in other tenants. This change is breaking for all Platform Requests executed via the Universal Connector (beta). Here Users have to adjust the connection configuration in the respective client tool to use the database MyCompany instead of Public.

🚧 Known Issues​

Modeler​

• Concurrent save issue when launching a Model with multiple Parameters or adjusting multiple Parameters in parallel.
• Parameter of type date is visible but not enabled yet.
• Union of identical nodes might result in 'Duplicate Key' error message.

ODBC Handler​

• Column type time cannot be processed.

🙌 How to Upgrade​

All components are upgraded automatically. No action from the user side is necessary.

🗣️ Feedback​

If you have questions, want to share feedback or have any new ideas please do not hesitate to contact us via contact@virtualdataplatform.com.