Create new database with values from an existing database

[Ragan Rhodes]

We have a Confluence database that contains valuable information, and I want to expand on it. My goal is to incorporate some data from an existing database while building on it, without adding views or data to the original database. However, I'm struggling to find a way to do this with the current database tools.

Specifically, one of my colleagues manages a database of integrated partner solutions. I need to maintain a separate database of competitors that includes both the partners we work with and vendors that are not our partners. It would be ideal to use her database of integrated partner solutions as a starting point and then add the additional data I require in my own view, without cluttering her database, which is focused solely on the partners we actively collaborate with.

There is some overlap between the entries, but not enough to justify combining the databases into one. Is there a way to create a new database that incorporates the entries she has, remaining dynamic as she adds new partners, while also allowing me to add my own data?

[Thiago P _Atlassian Support_]

Hey there @Ragan Rhodes ,

The easiest way of achieving your goal is to use a single Database with multiple Views .

In short:

• use the first view to see all entries
• add a Tag column and create two tags such as "partner" and "competitor"
• create a second view and use a Filter like [Tag field] [contains] [partner]
• create a third view and use a Filter like [Tag field] [contains] [competitor]

With this approach, you can avoid duplicate entries by adding multiple Tags to the same entry and use individual Views to manage those entries.

It is also possible to embed specific Views to a page that will only display the data that is relevant to you or your colleague.

Hope this helps!  =]

[Ragan Rhodes]

Thanks for responding Thiago, but this doesn't really address the puzzle I am facing. 

[Thiago P _Atlassian Support_]

Sorry to hear that Ragan.

Currently there is no native feature to keep two database contents in sync. Maybe using a third-party App this could be pulled off.

The available options for copying existing data is creating a new Copy / Duplicate of an existing DB or running an export / import process. This gives you a head start, but doesn't keep contents in sync as you want.

If you eventually find something that works, make sure to post it here as this info will also help others!  =]

[Mia Tamm _Simpleasyty_]

That’s a really interesting use case @Ragan Rhodes — I don’t believe Databases currently support a true “synced copy” where you can add your own data without modifying the original.

One workaround I’ve seen is surfacing the original entries via Page Properties and then pulling them into a separate table where you can enrich them with your own notes/columns independently. It’s not a perfect replica, but it provides a dynamic reference that stays updated as new entries are added upstream.

We’re currently working on an initiative that would allow this kind of workflow much more natively — our development team is already exploring it in a POC — so hopefully we’ll have something to share very soon.

Would you be open to me keeping you posted?

— Mia Tamm from Simpleasyty

[Ragan Rhodes]

Sure! That would be great!