Frequently Asked Questions

The information on this page pertains to D&B Direct 2.0. Questions related to D&B Direct 1.x are available here.

General Questions

What is the primary source of commercial data delivered via D&B Direct?

D&B is the main source of commercial data and analytics delivered via D&B Direct. D&B is the leading provider of commercial data and insights. We collect data from over 30,000 sources and put it through our rigorous DUNSRight^TM Quality Process to deliver the broadest, deepest and most globally complete business data & insight. D&B provides in-depth coverage of:

• More than 225 million businesses across the globe - all in 1 database
• Over 1000 industries
• Three million corporate family trees
• One billion trade experiences
• Companies public and private, from startup to enterprise-sized, in leading and emerging economies
• Verified, multi-sourced intelligence

What D&B data is available in D&B Direct?

You have access to D&B’s full suite of data and analytics from the single Direct API (for Direct v2.0 only):

• Risk
• Sales & Marketing
• Supply Management
• Compliance and Fraud
• Industry-specific data via the D&B Data Exchange

What other data can I access using the D&B Direct API?

You can access and integrate data from a variety of other sources, such as:

• Social media
• News feeds
• Your own customer data & contacts
• Our Data Exchange partners

Where can I get more information about D&B's business intelligence and data quality?

To learn more, please visit the D&B data quality page.

Product

How many versions of D&B Direct are available?

Two versions of D&B Direct exist: 1.x and 2.x. D&B Direct v2.0 was released in the summer of 2013. It is recommended for new customers to be on the v2.0 version.

Where can I find a complete list of data services and products available via D&B Direct?

You can find a complete list of D&B Direct offerings here.

How often are there new releases of the API?

We strive to make D&B Direct the best possible product by continually improving and innovating on the API. We expect to make small releases on a quarterly basis. Please note that all future releases will be on the 2.x version.

How will I be notified of new releases?

New releases of D&B Direct will be announced on our website.

I have D&B Direct v1.x, do I need to upgrade to D&B Direct v2.0?

If you are using v1.x, you can remain on that platform. We will continue to support the v.1x version. If you wish to migrate to the v2.x version, please contact your sales representative.

Can D&B write applications for customers?

D&B does not currently provide application development services, but we have made available a number of micro apps to get you up and running quickly and easily. Micro apps are sample pre-built source codes that can be easily customized to your needs. D&B Direct offers micro apps to address the most common customer needs for (1) Sales & Service, (2) Marketing, (3) Finance and (4) Operations. View the complete list of micro apps in our gallery here.

Where can I view sample code?

You can find sample code on the D&B Direct documentation page.

Are the micro apps on the D&B Direct website the only solutions that Direct offers?

The micro apps on the D&B Direct website are based on the most common customer needs and are not meant to be a complete representation of how you can use D&B Direct. Because it is a flexible and customizable API, there are an infinite number of ways to use D&B Direct. Talk with your sales representative to gain a better understanding of how D&B Direct can best solve your needs.

Support

I am having issues with D&B Direct, how can I get technical support?

Please contact our customer support at (866) 465-3829 or go to our customer support portal and someone will get in touch with you within 24 hours or less.

Is there sandbox access available to test out D&B Direct?

Yes. D&B Direct offers free sandbox access to test the Direct API. You can get further information and access by signing up here.

How do I get trial production access to D&B Direct API?

Once you have tested the sandbox and would like to test the production API, please contact your sales representative for further information.

Where can I view my D&B Direct usage?

You can view your usage by clicking on the Login link located on the top right corner of the D&B Direct website. This will take you to our Online Usage System site. Your login information to the site can be found on the confirmation email you received.

Technology

Which D&B Direct products and services are supported by the SOAP platform and the REST architecture?

All D&B Direct products and services are supported by both the SOAP and REST architecture.

What is the underlying technology for D&B Direct?

D&B Direct is based on Java and JBoss technology. Regardless of the underlying technology, you are free to select the technology you wish to use to access D&B Direct services. D&B Direct API is based on standards and can be consumed by any number of technologies.

Do all of the D&B Direct web services flow through the cloud?

Yes. D&B Direct services are hosted by D&B so, by definition, these would be cloud-based solutions.

Who hosts applications?

Customers host their own applications and call to D&B Direct from within those applications.

Security

What are the security features in place to guard data transmission through D&B Direct?

D&B Direct supports SSL protocol. Information that travels between the D&B Direct servers and the caller’s servers is encrypted.