What do I need to create a cube, analyze a cube, and build reports from a cube

[CashmereFarm]

I'm new to Cognos 8.3, but I've created cubes and reports from cubes in version 7.  (using Transformer, PowerPlay Analyzer and Reporter, including MDL.)

Could someone pls list for me the comparable names in Cognos 8.3 that I would need in order to create cubes and reports like I did in version 7.  With 8.3 being web-based, many of the names have changed.  I have finally gotten used to Report Studio and Query Studio, and now want to try and tackle cubes.

Thanks.

[JGirl]

The short version:
Modelling and building the cubes remains very similar to Cognos series 7.  Its done in Transformer, and its still all about dimensions, levels and measures.  That said, there are a few enhancements & alterations that have been made along the way.  The key ones are that you are able to use your c8 authentication provider instead of access manager, and instead of using Impromptu files to supply the cube data, you use your cognos 8 reports or package as datasources.

In Series 7, reports were built through Impromptu, with an Impromptu Catalog (built in Impromptu Administrator) supplying the metadata from your database.  In Cognos 8, reports are built in Report Studio, Query Studio, and Analysis Studio (if you are using multi-dimensional data), with a Cognos 8 Package (Built in Framework Manager if its a relational model or DMR model, or built in Transformer if its a cube).

Instead of creating IMR reports and saving them as IQD files for use in transformer, in C8 you supply data to the cube through Framework Manager directly, or through reports you have built in the Cognos 8 reporting studios.

Once you've built the cube, it gets published to the c8 portal as a 'package', to be used by the reporting studios to build reports.

As for the Cognos 8 reporting studios:
* Analysis studio is the closest comparable product to PowerPlay web, but its not the same (and it can only be used for Dimensional packages, ie. Cubes or DMR)
* Report Studio lets you use advanced layouts to build highly formatted reports from your cube (and can be used for Cubes, DMR or relational packages)
* Query Studio lets you build simple lists & charts (and can be used for Cubes, DMR or relational packages)

[NaviGator]

JGirl,

Thanks for the information.

[haripali]

r u saying :

Q1. In c8 ( ihave 8.1), cube is build in C8 transformer ?
so what is the source for cube???

[JGirl]

Thats exactly what i'm saying:

Modelling and building the cubes remains very similar to Cognos series 7.  Its done in Transformer .... and instead of using Impromptu files to supply the cube data, you use your cognos 8 reports or package as datasources.

[haripali]

hey jgirl r u saying ...

COGNOS8.1 TRANSFORMRER take reports & packages as data source to build model & cube. Then this cube is published as package through FRAMEWORK MANAGER to be used by ANALYSIS STUDIO  or REPORT STUDIO.

Is my understanding right. kindly guide me.
haripali@gmail.com

[haripali]

this is what i got ...

COGNOS8.1 TRANSFORMRER take reports & packages as data source to build model & cube. Then this cube is published as package through FRAMEWORK MANAGER to be used by ANALYSIS STUDIO  or REPORT STUDIO.

Is my understanding right.

Experts kindly guide me.
haripali@gmail.com

[MMcBride]

Even in Cognos 8.4 if you load the IQD Bridge you can continue to use your legacy IQD files. This bridge is basically an ini file that contains connection informations for the IQD's

In our environment we have gone from Powerplay Enterprise Server 7.2 to Cognos 8.2 then to 8.4 and our Cube developers can still work much the same way they have for years.

FM to build IQD, IQD to build Cube.

The only major difference we have with this setup is that we cannot use PowerPlay Client to "preview" Cubes with Namespace security applied (It isn't supported by Powerplay Client 8.4) You will need to view these Cubes in Analysis Studio.

I realise this may not be the 'recommended' way to develop in 8.4 but it means we do not have to redesign all of our legacy cubes in order to take advantage of the benifits of 8.4.

[kgl_m]

I realise this may not be the 'recommended' way to develop in 8.4 but it means we do not have to redesign all of our legacy cubes in order to take advantage of the benifits of 8.4.

Interesting. This is also the way it was done at my previous workplace. What is the "Recommended" way for someone building new cubes in 8.4?

[twlarsen]

The recommended way would be to use Cognos Reports as a datasource instead of installing the IQD Bridge and continue using IQD's.

Todd