# Add a Data Source

You now need to create a data source for your report. A data source contains the database connection properties, authentication method, and some other instructions.

To create a data source:

1. In the Report Builder, right-click on **Data Sources** in the left pane and then click **Add Data Source**.
2. In the **Data Source Properties** dialog, type a name for the data source and then select the **Use a shared connection or report model** option. The other option ("Use a connection embedded in my report") allows you to specify the connection string manually, but since Parallels RAS Reporting already has the shared connection source defined, we'll use the first option instead.
3. Click the **Browse** button. The **Select Data Sources** dialog opens:
4. Double-click the **RASReportingDS** folder and select the **dsReporting** object. Click **Open**.
5. The **dsReporting** object should now appear in the list in the **Data Source Properties** dialog.
6. Click the **Test Connection** button. If the connection is successful, you should see a confirmation message.
7. Click **OK** to close the **Data Source Properties** dialog.