I want to build an alert that queries a Custom Property string, I want to type the value in the alert, not select from a drop down list.

This is an interesting one. I tried same and I could not do it. Now, this can be "by design", because the Custom Property is based on drop-down values, however, I do agree that filter "contains" does suggests that we should be able to manually enter value. Hmm... maybe someone from Product Team can chip in to comment on this

On the other hand - why would you use two different parameters in one custom property. Just split them into [SITE] and [TYPE] - this will give you much more flexibility in the future. For example you may have a lot of devices on Pluto with different connections - MPLS, Leased Line, VPN - you name them. When it comes down to reporting and filtering - how do you easily know how many devices you have on Pluto? Or how many MPLS devices you have across all you r infrastructure and all sites? You will need a math and all these complications and extra filtering as above

So, I strongly recommenced you to split them into two

Alex

Totally understand - but I'm building it the way a client wants it. I preferred a different method and spoke at length about it, much like the way you're saying, but they're not interested.

Totally understand - but I'm building it the way a client wants it. I preferred a different method and spoke at length about it, much like the way you're saying, but they're not interested.

Then you need to understand what is the reason for them not wanting to do this. Maybe they have something in mind and you can help them to do it even better then they envision it. At the end of the day, for them, it is an output that matters, not implementation. However, for you implementation is also important and more flexible it is - better for you

Below is a Custom SQL for you to do what you want. From your trigger condition step select "I want to report on Custom SQL Alert (Advances)" and paste the below into your condition field:

WHERE Nodes.Site LIKE '%(VPN)%' OR Nodes.Caption LIKE '%(MPLS)%' OR Nodes.Caption LIKE '%(SAT)%'

When I do ShowSQL and put in my values, the only button is "close" on the SQL dialogue box, which doesn't save the entries I made. I must be missing something.

Picture for reference:

Screenshot please

Pay no attention to the fields listed (Network/Server/Storage)

What are you trying to do? Are you trying to take SQL statement approach now? If so - you need to switch "I want to alert on" drop down to Custom SQL. Once you will do this - you will then see place to enter SQL code and submit button. Screenshot above just show you SWQL version of what you have configured as triggers condition by using builder

Looking at all the options, thanks for the info and I'll let you know how I make out. Cheers