Workspace Advanced and External Data File Option

[gosoccer]

Hi folks, :) :)

Everything is working great using the External Data Option in WKS Advanced but unfortunately, I'm unable to ENABLE
the "Allow the server to automatically load the file" Option. After I check this option, by Browse to get the File, coming
back this screen takeoff my Enable (NO CHECK).

We need to establish the Automatic load the file option to the report or workspace advanced can run off normal peak time of operation.

Thanks in advanced for your time. :)

[MFGF]

Hi folks, :) :)

Everything is working great using the External Data Option in WKS Advanced but unfortunately, I'm unable to ENABLE
the "Allow the server to automatically load the file" Option. After I check this option, by Browse to get the File, coming
back this screen takeoff my Enable (NO CHECK).

We need to establish the Automatic load the file option to the report or workspace advanced can run off normal peak time of operation.

Thanks in advanced for your time. :)

Are you using a UNC path name to the file when specifying?

MF.

[gosoccer]

I noticed the below document.

http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21696606

On the UNIX or Linux computer, mount the Windows share and define a symbolic link so that the file is accessible as /server_name/share/external_data_file.xls. To create a symbolic link type the following command:

ln -s [TARGET_DIRECTORY_OR_FILE] [SHORT_NAME]



So, I guess, that is the only it would know what file to use if it's an automatic upload without user involved.
Right?
Thanks

[MFGF]

I noticed the below document.

http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21696606

On the UNIX or Linux computer, mount the Windows share and define a symbolic link so that the file is accessible as /server_name/share/external_data_file.xls. To create a symbolic link type the following command:

ln -s [TARGET_DIRECTORY_OR_FILE] [SHORT_NAME]



So, I guess, that is the only it would know what file to use if it's an automatic upload without user involved.
Right?
Thanks

The file needs to be always available, and in a place where the Cognos server (rather than the user) has permanent access to it.

MF.

[gosoccer]

Ok, thank you.

[cognostain2]

Hello,

I wanted to check if this issue is resolved.
I am using external data file and I did give UNC path (also did check "allow the serve to automatically load the file") but I still get the pop up to mention the file path.

I am looking to schedule the report.

Appreciate your help!!

Thank you in advance.

[gosoccer]

Hi,
Unfortunately, our security guys did not allow for a text file to be saved as a part of the Cognos Server so the project totally moved out.

[cognostain2]

Thanks for your reply.

But is it possible to schedule?? Does anyone out there has successfully scheduled a report with external data source??

[gosoccer]

Hi,

I have done a lot of scheduling of Reports. If you schedule the report that is using an external file or database, as long as it doesn't ask for security credentials to access the database, you should be able to establish a schedule for the specific report to run at the certain time.

Have you tried it yet?

[cognostain2]

No I didn't try scheduling the report. Every time it's asking for the file path.

I want our admin team to perform below task but they want a proof of concept if it works or not.

On the UNIX or Linux computer, mount the Windows share and define a symbolic link so that the file is accessible as /server_name/share/external_data_file.xls. To create a symbolic link type the following command:

ln -s [TARGET_DIRECTORY_OR_FILE] [SHORT_NAME]

[gosoccer]

Yeap! that's where I got in trouble with our Admin Folks. I didn't go further but if security/Cognos Server Admins want a proof of concept and you have access to your Cognos Server, you should try it by Mounting the volume..

[cognostain2]

Thanks for your responses. They want me to make a process document . I was hoping if someone has done it , so that I can take it as reference.