CA Agile RelayState Plugins For Excel
Overview
Welcome to the ultimate guide for enhancing your Excel experience with CA Agile RelayState plugins! Discover the transformative power of seamless data integration between Excel and CA Agile, enabling efficient import and export functionality that empowers users to leverage Single Sign-On (SSO) for secure and streamlined connectivity. On this page, we delve into the intricacies of CA Agile RelayState, explore the vital connection plugins that bridge CA Agile to Excel, highlight common use cases to maximize productivity, and answer your most pressing FAQs. Join us as we navigate the world of CA Agile RelayState plugins to optimize your workflow and data management strategies.
CA Agile RelayState Overview
The RelayState within CA Agile Central is a critical component that ensures seamless Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication in accordance with the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) specification. This value, which is always a URL, indicates the specific location a user intends to access following successful authentication. CA Agile Central adheres to the SAML standard by facilitating the transmission of the RelayState value among all entities involved in the SSO authentication process.
As part of its functionality, the SAML SSO provider is responsible for setting the RelayState value. This is typically achieved by adding an extra URL parameter to the standard SSO connection URL. However, it is important to note that different SSO providers may utilize various parameter names to establish the RelayState value. CA Agile Central's implementation of SAML SSO authentication ensures that the RelayState is consistently passed and recognized, allowing users to reach their desired destination post-authentication.
CA Agile RelayState Plugins for Excel
Importing and Exporting Data
The CA Agile Excel plugin facilitates the import and export of data to and from Excel, streamlining data management tasks for users.
Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration
For authentication, the CA Agile Excel plugin utilizes Single Sign-On (SSO). Users must select the SSO option and use an updated URL specific to the CA Agile plugin, details of which can be found in the plugin's documentation.
Plugin Versions and Compatibility
The RelayState plugin for Excel 2.4.4 is considered old and obsolete. This version has known compatibility issues with certain SSO protocols, including problems with OKTA authentication. Therefore, users are advised to utilize the latest version of the plugin, CA Agile RelayState for Excel 365, to ensure full functionality and support.
Accessing the Latest Plugin
Users seeking the latest features and compatibility should use the CA Agile RelayState plugin for Excel 365. The guide for the latest plugin is available at CA Agile Excel 365 plugin documentation.
Common Use Cases
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Use case 1: Set the SSO handshake RelayState parameter to streamline the login process for users accessing CA Agile Central via ExcelC
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Use case 2: Automatically direct users to a specific CA Agile Central page after successful SSO login when using the Excel Add-inC
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Use case 3: Customize the landing page for different teams within an organization using CA Agile Central through Excel based on the RelayState parameterC
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I experiencing connection issues with the CA Agile RelayState Excel plugin?
Connection issues may arise due to the plugin being outdated or an incorrect RelayState URL configuration. Version 2.4.4 is considered obsolete and has known issues with OKTA authentication. The correct SSO URL format is required for a successful connection, and the transition from Ping to Okta for Rally's authentication has caused issues for some users.
How do I resolve the 'relaystate was not set' error when connecting to CA Agile Central from Excel?
To resolve this error, ensure you are using the correct SSO URL, which should be your subscription's SSO URL concatenated with specific parameters. If you are using the outdated plugin version 2.4.4, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest plugin called Excel 365, which handles authorization upon logging into the SSO provider and does not require a URL for SSO.
What should I do if I am unable to connect to CA Agile Central using the CA Agile RelayState Excel plugin?
If you are unable to connect, first check if you are using the correct and updated SSO URL. If the issue persists, consider upgrading to the latest plugin, Excel 365, which does not require a URL for SSO and is designed to handle authorization upon the initial login with the SSO provider. You can also open a support case to resolve connection issues.
Do I need to reconfigure anything after Rally's migration from Ping to Okta?
Yes, a backend configuration on Rally's part is needed to integrate correctly with Okta. Additionally, you may need to update your SSO URL to reflect the changes and ensure it includes the necessary parameters for the Excel plugin to function properly.
Where can I find the installation guide for the new Excel 365 plugin?
The installation guide for the Excel 365 plugin is available on the Broadcom technical documentation site. This guide provides the necessary steps to install and configure the new plugin correctly.
Conclusion
As agile development teams continue to evolve and integrate various tools, it's clear that staying connected is crucial for tracking and managing work efficiently. Plugins like Excel 365 are essential for those using CA Agile Central, offering seamless integration with SSO providers, eliminating the need for a URL, and providing a modern solution to connection issues. The Rally for Excel add-in, currently in beta, further enhances this integration by allowing users to leverage Excel's powerful data management features. However, if you're looking for an even more streamlined approach to importing your agile data directly into a spreadsheet, consider using Sourcetable. Sign up for Sourcetable to get started and experience the ease of managing your agile data without the need for a plugin.
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