Managing Data from External Systems
Liferay Objects provides low-code capabilities for modeling data structures and implementing business logic integrated with Liferay DXP. Using this framework, you can create user experiences with custom workflows, validations, notifications, and more.
By default, object definitions create tables in Liferay’s database for storing entry data. However, you can configure your object to function as a proxy, using it to store and retrieve data from an external data source, like Salesforce.
Rather than duplicating and syncing data between systems, the proxy storage type uses a single data source outside Liferay. This can help reduce data inconsistencies and conflicts between systems. Alternative approaches to this problem can involve costly and complex custom solutions. By using proxy objects, you can leverage Liferay’s low-code features to more easily provide consistent user experiences while streamlining touch points and simplifying data management.
In proxy objects, fields are mapped to existing columns in an external system’s database, so data operations directly create or update the asset in the external system. For example, when users create an object entry, Liferay performs a POST request to the external system API endpoints and adds the data to that system’s database.
Since this data does not persist in Liferay’s database, some limitations are placed on proxy objects. Users cannot
Add field validations
Add object relationships
Index its data through Liferay
Besides these limitations, proxy objects share the same platform integrations as standard objects. See Understanding Object Integrations for more information.
Interacting with Proxy Object Data in Liferay
Like standard object definitions, you can use proxy object data in Liferay DXP to create dynamic user experiences. Once defined, you can access and display proxy object data using Liferay’s page builder features, client extensions, and more.
Examples include creating display pages for object data, displaying data in collection displays, and mapping entry values to fragment elements.
Supported Connectors for Proxy Objects
Currently, Liferay includes a beta connector to Salesforce for proxy objects. With it, you can integrate your proxy object with custom Salesforce objects, using Salesforce as an external storage system.
To use this feature, enable the Proxy Object (LPS-135430) feature flag and see Using Objects with Salesforce for more information.