Web Connector virtual path mappings

Crystal Enterprise may require a third level of path mapping that establishes a virtual path between the Web Connector and the Web Component Server (WCS). Rather than passing entire files back and forth across the network, Crystal Enterprise increases overall efficiency and response time by duplicating its "web content" directory structure on both the web server and the WCS machines. For instance, when a user requests an HTML page that refers to ./logon.csp, the Web Connector does not send the logon.csp file across the network. Instead, the Web Connector instructs the WCS to evaluate its own local copy of the logon.csp file. The path to the logon.csp file on the web server may not match the absolute path to the corresponding logon.csp file on the WCS; therefore, the Web Connector uses a virtual path mapping in order to translate a path on the web server to an absolute path on the WCS.

The WCS must be able to locate its own local copy of each .csp file that it is asked to process. Thus, you must define a virtual path mapping for .csp files. If you want to make unmanaged Crystal reports available on your web site, you must also define a virtual path mapping for .rpt files.

Depending upon your web environment, you configure this virtual path mapping in the Web Connector or in your web server's configuration files. On Windows, this virtual path mapping is typically required only when the Web Connector and the Web Component Server are installed on separate machines.

Note:    

• The WCS also responds to .cwr and .cri requests, but it generates these files itself, so it does not have to find its own local copy first. In other words, the .cwr and .cri file types file types are handled by application mappings alone.
• If a firewall separates your web server from the WCS or from other Crystal Enterprise components, you will need to make additional changes to your configuration. For details, see Working with Firewalls.

To check the Web Connector virtual path mappings

• Type the following URL in your browser:

  http://webserver/crystal/enterprise/eportfolio/default.htm

  If you are successfully redirected to ePortfolio or its logon page, then the path mapping between the Web Connector and the WCS is configured to process .csp files properly.

  If the redirection is unsuccessful, you should check not only the virtual path mappings, but also the configuration of the virtual directory and of the application mappings on your web server.

Click the appropriate link to jump to that section:

• Configuring virtual path mappings on Windows
• Configuring virtual path mappings on UNIX