Cognos Analytics Version 11 Questions Answered

Questions Log
PREVIEW COGNOS ANALYTICS
VERSION 11

Jim Youldassis
Business Analytics Portfolio Architect
IBM
Cognos Expert
Copyright 2015 Senturus, Inc. All Rights Reserved 2

Presentation Slide Deck for the Preview Cognos
Analytics Version 11 Webinar
Copyright 2015 Senturus, Inc. All Rights Reserved 3
www.senturus.com

These questions were asked during the Preview Cognos
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download the deck, or download this Q & A go to:
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version-11/
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4Copyright 2015 Senturus, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Menu
• Licensing & Upgrading
• Compatibility & Set up
• Tool Changes & Availability
• Display & Dashboard
• Framework Manager
• Reporting
• How Tos
Questions & Answers

Q: When will Cognos Analytics be available to customers?
A: We are targeting a release before the end of calendar year [2015].
Q: What licensing is required?
A: Licensing is the same as previous versions of Cognos. You just need
to upgrade to Cognos Analytics v11 to take advantage of this new
functionality. If you have moved to the new four license roles that were
released last summer, you will also get all this new functionality.
Q: Only about 50% of our users run reports. How does this affect
licensing for those users?
A: Licensing does not change.
Q: Is there any cost difference between earlier versions and this
version?
A: No, the license roles remain the same.
Licensing & Upgrading

Q: Does Cognos Analytics require a migration or upgrade from 10.2.2?
A: It is an upgrade as opposed to a migration.
Q: Do we need any tools to upgrade from 10.2.x to Cognos Analytics?
A: The process for upgrading will be very similar to what you have done
in upgrading from 10.2.0 to 10.2.1 or similar.
Q: How well does the new interface work with mobile devices?
A: The new portal, report viewing, and new dashboarding experience
will be available on the mobile device.
Q: How does the installation size of Cognos Analytics differ from other
versions?
A: The size is similar to previous versions.
Q: Will there be an online test version of Cognos Analytics, similar to
the test version for Cognos 10.2.2?
A: Yes, we will be opening this up to users in the coming week. Submit
interest here, at analyticszone.com: bit.ly/SenCogAn11.

Q: Since Query Studio/Analysis Studio still exists, is there any purpose to first
upgrade from 10.1 to 10.2, instead of going straight to Cognos Analytics 11?
A: No, there is nothing stopping you from moving from 10.1 to Cognos Analytics.
Q: Do we need to be on 10.2 to upgrade to 11?
A: You can upgrade from any version, but upgrading from 10.x is easier (vs. 8.x)
Q: Is this Cognos Analytics or Watson Analytics? Because I saw the Watson icon
when the report is refreshed.
A: This is Cognos Analytics. We have internal open sourced the assemble portion
of Watson Analytics. This is an early build and we have actually replaced those
spinners. Good Eyes!
Q: Will you be covering IBM's Business Analytics Online during the webinar?
A: Unfortunately, we are not covering the details of Cognos BI Cloud offering
(there is a promotion to Bridge to Cloud as well), but we are offering a
complimentary consultation for cloud. Let me know if you want to set up a call;
you can email me at kknowles@senturus.com or call me at 303-330-7321.

Q: Do we still need to have IIS with Cognos Analytics? We have gateways on separate
servers running IIS.
A: You are not required to have IIS, we will be shipping/installing WebSphere Liberty which
can handle the role of IIS.
Q: I’m really curious to know if Cognos Analytics 11 will support responsive web design?
A: Our new UI is responsive; however, we are not adjusting reports in a responsive
manner. This was a topic of much discussion.
Q: Is there a recommended level of memory and SAN required for Cognos Analytics 11 that
would be greater than existing Cognos 10.2.2 requirements?
A: The requirements for Cognos Analytics will be very similar to the requirements of
10.2.2.
Q: Is Internet Explorer compatible with Cognos Analytics?
A: Yes, this release is IE compatible. We will be supporting standards mode.
Q: Is this still only DB2?
A: We support (and have supported) a wide range of data sources. This is where some of
this stuff gets really interesting. The "personal data" is actually now stored in a very high
performance columnar Parquet file. As you may know, this type of technology comes from
the newer Hadoop world, and says a lot about where IBM is going.
Compatibility & Set Up

Q: What's the oldest version of DB2 that can be used as a reporting source?
A: 10.1.
Q: Is the information created in the new UI stored in the on-premise content
server or is it moved to the cloud?
A: Watson Analytics, the storage location for this is either on-premise or cloud,
dependingon where you install Cognos Analytics.
Q: Will I need to manually change My Folder to My Content when I begin using
Cognos Analytics?
A: My folder is automatically updated to My content when you upgrade to this
release.
Q: Is Firefox compatible with Cognos Analytics 11?
A: Yes.
Q: Will Cognos Analytics 11 support Edge browser?
A: Not with general availability.
Compatibility & Set Up

Q: Are there new in-memory features added to this version?
A: This is where the new parquet file storage of the personal data comes in. It is
extremely high performingdue to in-memory capability.
Q: Is Cognos Insight still available in Cognos Analytics 11?
A: Yes, Cognos Insight is still available.
Q: Can Cognos Analytics 11 use data from two packages in a same report?
A: Unfortunately, no, we are still limited as we were in previous versions.
Q: Is integrated includedin Cognos Analytics?
A: FM is still around, what we have is a Line of Business modeling experience.
Q: Is ABT Transformer still available with the new release?
A: Yes, ABT Transformer is still available in Cognos Analytics.
Q: Is Powerplay studio still available?
A: Yes, Powerplay is still available.
Tool Changes & Availability

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Q: Is Report Studio still available?
A: No, it is replaced by the new authoring experience.
Q: Is WS advanced and Report Studio being combined?
A: Yes, we show what it looks like in the webinar.
Q: Are the different studios in earlier versions integrated into one in Cognos Analytics 11?
A: This a new studio, but there are still traditional studios.
Q: If there is only one studio now versus Report Studio, CWA, etc, how am I able to
manage user functionality? For example, I want some some users to have CWA, but not
report studio.
A: There is more then a single studio; however, we offer the same capabilities in the back
end to control who has access to which capabilities.
Q: Is there a query view with Cognos Analytics 11?
A: Yes, there is a query view.
Q: Are there any differences with Dynamic Cubes in this new release?
A: No, Dynamic Cubes are relatively untouched and will continue to be supported.

Q: Is there a plan to release Cognos Analytics Planning (TM1) at the same time?
A: Cognos Planning analytics will be cloud only and, to the best of our knowledge, contains
Cognos, so there should be no need to tie it back to another instance of Cognos.
Q: How will portal tabs and prompt pages work?
A: Portal tabs will be available and will open a new window, prompt pages continue to
work as they always have.
Q: Are there any changes to Cognos Transformer?
A: No.
Q: So, to be clear, can I still create reports with prompt pages and JavaScript objects?
A: Yes
Q: Can report queries still be viewed?
A: Yes, you can still view this in the new Authoring experience.
Q: What does the Administrator Console look like and how does it work?
A: Administrator console is unchanged. This will be the focus of a future release.

Q: Did Cognos Analytics 11 add security providers, such as ADFS?
A: No.
Q: Are prompt pages going away?
A: Prompt pages will continue to be present.
Q: Are there any changes to ESRI maps in Cognos Analytics 11
A: This will continue as it always has.
Q: Is the data module modeling similar to the prior Framework Manager, which
is only for the Cognos Admin license?
A: This will be available to all users; it will be up to the organization who
receives this capability.
Q: Currently, FM is a desktop-based tool, will that change in Cognos Analytics
11?
A: FM will continue to be a desktop based tool.
Q: Is Data Module replacing Framework Manager?
A: No, FM is not being deprecated. It will be around for a long time.

Q: Is there a limit for Excel spreadsheets that can be uploaded?
A: We will allow limits to be set by the administrator as to the max file size and total
space each user can occupy on the disk.
Q: Am I limited to the type of templates I use with multi-tenant?
A: Templates are found in the folder structure and as a result you can place any template
in whichever tenant you wish.
Q: Is trigger-based schedule still available?
A: Yes, they are available.
Q: Can Dynamic or Power Cubes be mixed with flat files in creating new data models?
A: No, new data modules can only be created from uploaded files or database connections.
Q: Is the data on the parquet file encrypted?
A: This is up to your organization’s administrator to determine.
Q: How does Cognos Analytics 11 handle multiple subscriptions? We currently use a job
which appears to be no longer available.
A: Jobs are still available. We handle subscriptions as individual elements.
Capabilities

Q: Can an administrator set different reports/dashboard as home pages
for different group of users (not by users themselves)?
A: At this point no; however, it is something we want to look at moving
forward.
Q: Are there challenges with Parquet files multiple app servers?
A: No, you are able to specify and point all.
Q: Can I add widgets to a dashboard from a report as in Cognos 10.2?
A: No, it is something that we will look at in future releases.
Q: Can Dynamic or Power Cubes be used with flat files for new data
model?
A: No, only uploaded files and database connections can be used.
Q: Can I use TM1 as a data source?
A: Yes, TM1 as a data source can be used with versions 10.2.X and
higher.
Capabilities

Q: How can I achieve advance reporting like conditional formatting,
master detail relationships, variables, etc?
A: This will be achieved in the same way as with other version, just
in a different location.
Q: Will I be able to extend Cognos via HTML/JavaScript?
A: No, you will still be able to extend Cognos. However, due to the
nature of the new interactive experience you will be restricted to
non-interactive viewer for these types of extensions.
Q: What flat files types are accepted as local sources of data?
A: Flat files: CSV, XLS, XLSX.
Q: Will Cognos Analytics 11 have accessibility?
A: The general release will not be fully compliant, but we hope to
fix this in the near future.
Capabilities

Q: We have several portal tabs by subject matter available to our users when
they sign on to Cognos Connection. Will multiple tabs still be displayed for easy
selection?
A: Portal tabs will not be available, portal pages will still persist and be
available through their saved location.
Q: Is it possible to secure modeling so users can’t access this feature?
A: Yes, this is controlled by the administrator.
Q: Does Web Model have the capability to open the FM designed model?
A: No
Q: Will I be able to incorporate report/dashboard content in a mashup?
A: You will continue to be able to use Cognos Mashup with reports; however,
not with the new dashboarding tool.
Q: Is "copy report to clipboard" functionality available from report studio in
Cognos Analytics 11?
A: Yes.
Capabilities

Q: Can I create Report Studio reports using custom SQL and distribute it to the
users via email?
A: Yes.
Q: What's the support for low level security in the new data modelling?
A: If there is data level security in the database then we will respect that, but
we do not provide the ability to state that support through the module.
Q: In data module, can I add data sources from other packages?
A: You cannot use an existing FM package as part of these data modules.
Q: Am I limited to MHT files for distribution and will run only in IE?
A: For offline distribution, yes MHT is still the format.
Q: Is there a way to use D3 charts in Cognos Analytics 11?
A: No, we allow organizations to use RAVE to build out custom visualizations.
Capabilities

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Q: Can you define the default chart/graph that display first -
i.e.; priority of charts to execute?
A: In addition to the method Jim has demonstrated in the
webinar, you can choose to start from a chart and fill in slots.
Plus, you do not need to set compatibility mode.
Q: Can the dashboard be used offline/disconnected?
A: No, dashboards are required to be connected to the
internet. However, Active Reports are available offline.
Q: Do all of the queries/reports need to be created first
before being dropped on the dashboard? In the example you
showed, all the data in the .csv had to be authored from
somewhere.
A: Correct, you still need to prepare your data before
dropping it into dashboards.
Display & Dashboard

Q: Are these features available for customers who embed Cognos
dashboards in their apps?
A: Yes, this will be available to our partners.
Q: My company has different user groups, and each user group will
need a default home dashboard. What's the best way to set home for a
group of users? Are there limit to the number of dashboard?
A: No, there are limits on the number of dashboards, users can set a
report as their home page.
Q: My company has different user groups, and each user group will
need a default home dashboard. What's the best way to set home for a
group of users? Are there limit to the number of dashboard?
A: No, there are limits on the number of dashboards, users can set a
report as their home page.
Q: Are filters for charts available in the dashboard?
A: Filtering is applied to all charts from the same data source in a given
tab.
Display & Dashboard

Q: Is Data Module replacing Framework Manager?
A: No, FM is not being deprecated. It will be around for a long time.
Q: Is a FM package different from a Data Module?
A: Yes, FM packages and Data Modules are different entities. Similar
in their use, but different in terms of technology and creation. Data
modules is a simpler way to create models.
Q: Can I use FM to create reports and dashboards?
A: Dashboards can only use uploaded files and new data modules.
Q: Do the models created in the UI create a package accessible
within Framework Manager to modify later?
A: Data Modules are only available for use within the web-based
modeling and not for export and further refinement with FM.
Framework Manager

Q: Could we add a new data source/ table/file to an existing
FM model?
A: Yes, you can continue to use FM as it is today.
Q: You showed GoSales as an example. Was it the GoSales
exposed by Framework Manager or is it the connection to the
database itself?
A: In this case it was exposed via a FM package. Regardless,
you still need to create a model, whether it is with FM or the
new modeling experience.
Q: FM provides many complex joining and transformation
capabilities, if these are needed based on our data, can we
use the new capabilities?
A: The new data module tool is focused on a line of business
user, these are users that don't understand why/how to do
complex joins and other features.
Framework Manager

Q: If we use relational data source, can we still use FM?
A: Yes, you can still use FM.
Q: Will the new Data Modules be able to open existing
packages/models that were built using Framework Manager in
a previous version? Or will they have to be rebuilt?
A: At this time, you cannot use FM packages as part of the
new data modules. You can only use uploaded files, data
connections, and existing modules.
Q: So, do we really no longer need FM?
A: I wouldn't go that far. In the right hands FM is a very
powerful tool. This new modeling is targeted at helping line
of business users create models without having to have a deep
knowledge/skills.
Framework Manager

Q: In Cognos Analytics 11, how can I tell if the report will be
in Excel format? In Cognos 10.2.2, the sign of output version is
next to launch report?
A: The report will take the default action when selected.
There will not be an indication of exactly which format this
will take.
Q: Have Active Reports been redesigned to produce reports
similar to the displayed dashboard with the same
functionality?
A: Active Reports are still available. We have tried to make it
easier for you to create Active Reports with a new user
interface.
Q: If multiple users subscribe to the same report at different
times, would Cognos run the same report multiple times?
A: Yes, the reports will run when requested.
Reporting

Q: We schedule long-running reports so that they will be
presented to users very quickly when they are accessed
at any time. Is that type of offline scheduling of report
execution still available?
A: Yes, offline report scheduling is still available.
Subscriptions are meant for individual users, where as
schedules are designed for a wider distribution
Q: Can I edit queries of the report as it did in Report
Studio?
A: Yes, you are still able to view and edit the queries
the same way you’ve been doing it in Report Studio.
Reporting

Q: Can I subscribe to get a report as an email attachment?
A: Yes, you can choose system and/or email.
Q: How do I email to a group of users through a subscription?
A: Subscriptions are meant only for individuals. To send to multiple
users, use the scheduling feature.
Q: Could you remind me where can I access the Reports Studio or WKA I
made in the past?
A: You will find then in the team content area.
Q: How do I sort columns, by clicking the header?
A: Once you click on columns you will see all the options, one of which
is sort.
Q: When we upload the files where do they get saved?
A: Uploaded files are saved to disk into a parquet file.
How Tos

Q: How difficult is it to automate updating the flat file?
A: At this point you cannot automate the upload of a file.
Q: Could I add new columns to existing model, instead of
administrator?
A: If you have permissions to the modeling tool, then the module
could augment it. Or you could use the existing module as a starting
point to create something new.
Q: Can I save the output to a different destination other than
content store?
A: No.
Q: How do self-serve users manage size content or control limits on
how much can be uploaded and saved?
A: The administrator can limit the max file size and total size each
user can occupy.
How Tos

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