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CloudLink enables secure, high-performance connections between your data platforms and Elementum. This guide helps you understand the fundamentals and choose the right setup approach for your organization.

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Supported Data Platforms

Snowflake

Full-featured integration with Snowflake Data Cloud including Cortex AI support
CloudLink is Elementum’s secure data integration solution that provides:

Secure Access

Direct, encrypted connections to your data with IP whitelisting and role-based access control

In-Place Data

Your data stays in your platform. No data is copied or moved to external systems.

Easy Management

Simple configuration through Elementum’s interface with automated monitoring

Scalable Architecture

Supports everything from small teams to enterprise-scale deployments

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Critical: Understanding the Platform Schema Field

Do NOT enter your data schema/dataset here. The Schema field in the CloudLink setup form is for Elementum’s internal platform operations.You must create a new, empty schema (e.g., ELEMENTUM_PLATFORM) and enter that. Your actual data tables are selected separately after the connection is established.If you enter your data schema here, it will be hidden from workflow building and you won’t be able to access your data.

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Why This Matters

What You EnterWhat Happens
❌ Your data schema (e.g., PUBLIC, SALES)Your data becomes inaccessible in Elementum
✅ Empty platform schema (e.g., ELEMENTUM_PLATFORM)Elementum stores operational data here, your data remains accessible

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Prerequisites

Before setting up CloudLink, ensure you have:
1

Platform Requirements

Snowflake:
  • ACCOUNTADMIN role access for setup
  • Tables/views with unique identifiers (primary key)
  • Network policy permissions (for IP whitelisting)
2

Elementum Access

Admin Privileges

Required: Elementum account with admin privilegesNeeded to configure CloudLink connections

Domain Whitelisting

Included: Your organization domain automatically whitelistedFormat: [your-org].elementum.io
3

Network Configuration

Required: Whitelist Elementum IP addresses in your data platform
RegionIP Addresses
US East44.210.166.136, 44.209.114.114, 52.72.254.246
Europe3.124.57.142, 3.126.230.195, 3.76.143.79
Important: Add these IPs to your platform’s network policy/firewall before attempting connection.

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Get Started

Snowflake Setup Guide

Best for: Organizations using Snowflake Data CloudFeatures:
  • ✅ RSA key-pair authentication
  • ✅ Change tracking for real-time sync
  • ✅ Cortex AI/ML integration
  • ✅ Native App support (License Patrol)
Time to complete: 15-30 minutes

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Security and Compliance

CloudLink is designed with security as a priority:

Network Security

IP Whitelisting: Only authorized Elementum IPs can access your dataEncrypted Connections: All data transfer uses TLS encryptionVPC Support: Compatible with private network configurations

Access Control

Role-Based Access: Dedicated service account with minimal permissionsData Isolation: Each organization has separate access controlsAudit Trail: Complete logging of all data access and modifications
Need specific compliance features? Contact your Elementum representative to discuss SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance requirements.

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Performance Considerations

Optimize your CloudLink setup for the best performance:

Real-Time Updates

Use change tracking for immediate synchronization
  • Best for transactional data
  • Minimal latency
  • Enable Snowflake Change Tracking

Scheduled Updates

Use scheduled sync for batch processing
  • Best for analytical data
  • Resource efficient
  • Configurable intervals (minutes to days)

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Automatic Table Performance Validation

When connecting tables through CloudLink Explorer, Elementum automatically validates query performance to ensure your workflows run efficiently. Since Elementum executes queries directly against your data platform, slow underlying tables will impact the overall solution performance.
How it works: During table connection, Elementum runs a test query to measure response time. If the query takes longer than optimal, you’ll receive a performance warning before completing the connection.
Performance Warning Levels:
Warning LevelQuery TimeRecommendation
✅ OptimalUnder 3 secondsProceed with connection
⚠️ Moderate3-5 secondsReview table optimization before proceeding
❌ SlowOver 5 secondsStrongly consider optimization before connecting
If you receive a performance warning:
  1. Review table structure - Large tables without proper indexing or partitioning can cause slow queries
  2. Consider materialized views - Pre-compute complex joins or aggregations
  3. Check warehouse sizing - Ensure adequate compute resources are allocated
  4. Optimize query patterns - Add clustering keys or reduce unnecessary columns
Why this matters: Slow table queries cascade through your entire solution—affecting workflow execution times, user experience when loading records, and automation reliability. Addressing performance at the connection stage prevents issues later.
You can acknowledge the warning and proceed if the performance is acceptable for your use case, but we recommend optimizing tables that show moderate or slow performance for the best experience.

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Common Issues and Solutions

Symptoms: Unable to establish CloudLink connectionCommon Causes:
  • IP addresses not whitelisted
  • Service account credentials incorrect
  • Role/permissions insufficient
  • Network firewall blocking connection
Solutions:
  1. Verify IP whitelist configuration in your platform
  2. Test service account login directly in your platform
  3. Review role permissions against setup guide requirements
Symptoms: Connected successfully but tables are not visibleCommon Causes:
  • Most likely: You entered your data schema in the Platform Schema field
  • Permissions not granted on specific tables
  • Tables in a different database/catalog
Solutions:
  1. Check the Schema field - it should be an empty schema for Elementum operations, NOT your data schema
  2. Verify GRANT statements include all required tables
  3. Confirm database/catalog access is granted
Symptoms: Slow data synchronization, query timeouts, or performance warnings during table connectionCommon Causes:
  • Compute resources undersized
  • Large tables without optimization
  • Network connectivity issues
  • Missing clustering keys or indexes
  • Complex views with expensive joins
Solutions:
  1. Increase warehouse/cluster size
  2. Implement partitioning or clustering for large datasets
  3. Check network policies and routing
  4. Create materialized views for complex query patterns
  5. Review and optimize underlying table structures
Performance Warnings During Connection:If you receive a performance warning when connecting a table:
  • Moderate Warning (3-5 seconds): Table is usable but may cause slower workflows. Consider optimization.
  • Proceed with caution if performance is acceptable for your use case
  • Optimize first for tables used in time-sensitive automations or high-traffic workflows

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Next Steps

Snowflake Setup Guide

Complete Snowflake setup guide

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After Setup

Once your CloudLink connection is established:
1

Configure Data Access

Select which tables and fields to expose in Elementum
2

Set Up Apps

Create apps that use your connected data
3

Build Automations

Create workflows that act on your data

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Getting Help

Technical Support

Get help with technical issues and troubleshooting

Data Best Practices

Optimize your data models for Elementum