Automated Deployment

[Swetha]

Hi All,

We are using Cognos 11.1 v .

We get requests from Dev team to deploy the xml copy or package in prod env.

1)We will place the .zip file in content manger and then export in admin console.
2) We will open the xml from the clipboard and then save the changes in Report Studio.

My question is,

Do we have any automated scripts to trigger the  xml scripts n package , once we have the request in place to deploy .

Kindly pls help me on this. Not looking at MotioCI option

Regards,
Swetha

[Eric.Pleiss]

Swetha,
3rd party tools are a great option for this type of task an automation.  While I'm not well versed in the features and functionality of the Motio product you mention, I can assure you that MetaManager from BSP Software can quickly and easily solve this for you, https://www.bspsoftware.com/products/metamanager/#mm-download. 

The solution is a simple drag and drop of the item and can be scheduled to run immediately, at a later time, or on a recurring basis.  You can include a single item, or many items from all over the content store at one time. 

I'm happy to set you up with a 30 day fully functional key to solve this. 

[Swetha]

Hi Eric,

We are a startup company and don't have enough funding and we are looking for any existing Java Scripts to implement this functionality.

And thanks a lot for the response.

Regards,
Swetha

[MFGF]

Hi Eric,

We are a startup company and don't have enough funding and we are looking for any existing Java Scripts to implement this functionality.

And thanks a lot for the response.

Regards,
Swetha

Hi,

This isn't something simple that can easily be done for free. You're either going to have to put in time and effort (and expertise) to build your own process to do this, or spend a little on a tool that does it already. In terms of the man hours you'll be paying for someone to develop this process, it may or may not work out more expensive than purchasing a solution?

Good luck!

MF.

[dougp]

Your requirement is unclear.  Let's see if I can clear up your two bullet points:

1.  To promote packages you use the deployment export/import process:
In Development go to Cognos Administration | Configuration | Content Administration
New Export
Choose objects and configure
Run
Copy the zip file from \\dev\<cognos_install>\deployment to \\production\<cognos_install>\deployment
In Production go to Cognos Administration | Configuration | Content Administration
New Import
Choose the zip file
Run

2.  To promote reports, you copy/paste:
In Development, open the report in the editor.
More | Copy report to clipboard
In Production, create a new report
More | Open report from clipboard
paste
OK
Save As (overwrite the existing report)

Is that correct?  Item 2 seems risky for a number of reasons.  (Breaking report views, shortcuts, and favorites is the first bunch I can think of, but I know there are more.)  Automating the steps can be done*, but it just makes the bad faster.

I recommend the deployment export/import process for promoting all of your content (packages, reports, dashboards, etc.).

*  If you do need to choose between in-house development and licensing a 3rd party tool kit...  I agree with MFGF.  I could develop such a process in probably a day, but it's a day I don't have.  Plus, that would be for what I know about MY environment (not yours) and I would be accepting certain risks that you may not be comfortable with.  So that probably turns into an absolute minimum of 3 days of conversations, development, testing, promotion, retesting, acceptance, etc.  At $185/hour (what I paid for contracted expert-level Cognos work in 2015), that's about $4500, plus whatever lost opportunity it costs your business to spin up and shut down a personal services contract.  Thinking about it that way makes the 3rd party tools seem cheap.