Features availability: cloud vs on prem

[dougp]

Currently using Cognos Analytics 11.1.7IF9.

If I believe that Cognos in the Cloud is in my future, I know that there are some changes I should be making.  Converting all packages from CQM to DQM, for example.  What else do I need to do?

One thing I've been thinking about is whether JavaScript modules for Custom Controls and Page Modules will work the same way.  Do I need to make these into extensions?
What other items will I need to do differently on the cloud than I have been doing since 10.2.2 on prem?

[MFGF]

Currently using Cognos Analytics 11.1.7IF9.

If I believe that Cognos in the Cloud is in my future, I know that there are some changes I should be making.  Converting all packages from CQM to DQM, for example.  What else do I need to do?

One thing I've been thinking about is whether JavaScript modules for Custom Controls and Page Modules will work the same way.  Do I need to make these into extensions?
What other items will I need to do differently on the cloud than I have been doing since 10.2.2 on prem?

Hi Doug,

There are essentially four options you could choose for Cognos in the cloud:

1. The On-Demand SAAS Cloud offering. This has a limited set of data server connections, only uses IBM ID authentication, is DQM only, and doesn't allow FM packages or PowerCubes. I'm pretty sure you can't use Custom Controls, but extensions are supported.
2. The Dedicated SAAS Cloud offering. This is DQM only, although PowerCubes and FM packages can be used. Authentication can be via on-prem providers or cloud providers such as OpenID. I think you can use Custom Controls, although you don't have direct access to the underlying OS, so anything like this would probably need to be added via the Cloud Ops team. Extensions are supported. You don't have full Admin access within the UI - just a subset.
3. The IBM Cognos Analytics cartridge in Cloud Pak for Data. This is DQM only, and doesn't support PowerCubes, but FM packages can be used. Authentication is via the Cloud Pak for Data provider or via an LDAP provider. I'm not sure if custom controls can be used. Extensions are supported. You get full Admin access.
4. A "regular" install of Cognos Analytics in a cloud VM environment. This would be exactly as per an on-prem instance, but you'd need to set up a VPN tunnel back to any on-prem data sources and authentication providers.

I think there will soon be the option to automatically provision an instance of CA in AWS, too. I'm sketchy on the details, but I'm assuming it will be the same experience as CA within Cloud Pak for Data (ie it will be containerized rather than running in an OS on a VM).

Cheers!

MF.

[dougp]

Thanks, MFGF.  I think I'd be targeting option 2.

It sounds like Page Modules and Custom Controls can be done the same way I do today, but I would need to work with the Cloud Ops team any time I want to update a *.js file in my production or test environments.  Is that correct?  What's the process for that?  Is it similar to engaging IBM Support?  (create a support case, wait a few days, go round and round about what I really want to do because IBM doesn't believe my initial ask was correct, finally get something done weeks later)  Or is the Cloud Ops team more reasonable?

[MFGF]

Thanks, MFGF.  I think I'd be targeting option 2.

It sounds like Page Modules and Custom Controls can be done the same way I do today, but I would need to work with the Cloud Ops team any time I want to update a *.js file in my production or test environments.  Is that correct?  What's the process for that?  Is it similar to engaging IBM Support?  (create a support case, wait a few days, go round and round about what I really want to do because IBM doesn't believe my initial ask was correct, finally get something done weeks later)  Or is the Cloud Ops team more reasonable?

Hi Doug,

Before you pull the trigger, it's worth checking with IBM that custom controls are actually supported. If they are, then working with the Cloud Ops team is similar to logging a support call, but I think the experience is more streamlined.

I will send you what I have on the CA on Cloud Dedicated offering, albeit it's a few years old at this point, so things may well have changed.

Edit. I just found a comparison of capabilities for the different offerings. Frustratingly, it doesn't mention custom controls, though:

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/cognos-analytics/11.1.0?topic=started-cognos-analytics-offerings

Cheers!

MF.