This page is an overview of the Data Masker Client software. If you would like to have a list of all help topics, links to the tutorials and much more information please see the Data Masker software manual homepage.

The Data Masker Client Software

The actions in the Data Masker Client software which modify the data in the SQL Server instance are implemented as rules (called masking rules). Each rule is designed to perform one specific task and most masking operations will require multiple rules to achieve the desired result. It is up to you to build these rules to suit your requirements. The collection of masking rules, along with the connection information and schema structure is called a masking set. The Quick Start Guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to create and run masking sets.

The Data Masker presents its global functions (loading, saving, exiting etc.) as a column of buttons in the right hand side of the application window. The tabs on the top left are used to provide areas of major functionality where the current masking set can be built or modified. Along the bottom of the window are status line areas where Data Masker provides information about its current state.

The Global Functions

The Mask Logo Button

The Mask Logo button brings up an About form which provides information on the Data Masker version, support contact details and also permits entry of the license key which activates the software.

Create New Masking Set

The Create New Masking Set button configures the Data Masker client to build a new masking set. You will be prompted to save any work currently in progress before any action is taken.

New Rule Controller

Rule Controllers are rules which contain login information. Rule Controllers tell the masking set which SQL Server instance connection should be used to perform the masking operations. All other types of masking rule must have a parent Rule Controller and every masking set must contain at least one Rule Controller. The New Rule Controller button creates a new Rule Controller in the masking set.

Load Masking Set

The Load Masking Set button reads an existing masking sSet from a disk file and configures the Data Masker client software to use it. Once the set is loaded, the masking set can be modified and re-saved or executed.

Save Masking Set

Saves the masking set to a disk file.

Save Masking Set As

Saves the set to a disk file with a new name.

Run Masking Set

The Run Masking Set button begins the process of executing the defined masking rules. The Rule Controller will make a connection to the SQL Server (local or remote) and begin processing their dependent rules. You are always given a chance to cancel before the rules actually take effect.

Stop Masking Set

The Stop Masking Set button cancels the execution of a running set of masking rules.

Quick Start Guide

The Quick Start Guide button launches a help page which can guide you through the process of creating a masking set for your own databases.

Build Masking Rules

This tab supports the creation and maintenance of masking rules in the masking set. After the Create New Masking Set button has been activated to build the basic structure of the masking set, most of the remaining work is constructing the masking rules is performed using the tools on this tab. Please see the specific Build Masking Rules tab page for detailed information on this topic.

Rule Statistics

This tab provides the tools to monitor the progress of an executing masking set. Detailed statistics on each rule, and the masking set as a whole, are available. Please see the specific Rule Statistics tab help page for more information on this topic.

Misc. Setup

This tab provides a variety of tools and configuration options. Please see the specific Misc. Setup Tab help page for additional information on this topic.