Edit Dimensions and Others Greyed Out in Planning Analytics Architect

edit dimensions
edit dimensions
September 20, 2019
The problem - Edit Dimensions and Others are Grey

We get this question from time to time , "Why is edit dimensions and others greyed out in Planning Analytics Architect?" The answer is typically a simple one, your security has not been set correctly, or based on your role you do not have access to certain things like edit dimensions.  If you are supposed to have access the fix is an easy one.  Below I will explain the fix and a number of other things that are important when changing someones security.

How do I Get Access to Edit Dimensions?

Maybe you are a new employee and one of your job duties it upkeep on your dimension structure in Planning Analytics.  You have been granted access through your active directory set up.  Next, you log in and all you can basically do is open a cube or dimension. Uh oh, don't see any process or chores and you might not even see any PA/TM1 servers available. This is a result of your initial log into to Planning Analytics Architect for the first time. Now that you have logged in, your PA/TM1 administrator can provide you with the proper security.  

Here is the really important information. You will need to ensure that your company has the proper licensing for you to be added as an admin to the system.  As you can see below there are a number of different security options within PA/TM1.  Basically, there are 3 types of users in PA/TM1,  Admins, Users and Explorers. Please see this great blog from Heather that details the different types of users and answers to 13 Common PA/TM1 License Questions.

To understand the differences in the below user types please check out this link to IBM explaining the differences. 

edit dimensions
Why is it important to understand your license mix?

 IBM routinely audits customers. It is on each customer to ensure they are in compliance. It is easy to just add someone to the admin group who needs that type of access. However, you will not be given a message saying you do not have a license, like Microsoft or other software. You can see how this could get out of control and then, BOOM, IBM sends the notice that you are being audited. Here is another great blog by Heather that spells out everything you need to know before you are audited. (What To Know Before You're Audited). This blog also contains great information on the ILMT tool, which the majority of Planning Analytics clients will need to make sure is installed for their system. One exception is Planning Analytics Express. Do yourself a favor and read this blog! It may save you lots of money in the long run!

What if our PA/TM1 Admin is No Longer with the Company?

Recently we had a client in this exact situation mentioned above. They were new, logged in and were unable to edit dimensions. Their admin was not available and they needed access to edit dimensions, update process and rebuild cubes, ASAP.  How do you get around this situation?  

Going to preface this with a disclaimer.  Make sure you are following your company policies on access and security. The below solution is an easy solution but you want to make sure you stay in compliance with company regulations.  

In short, you need to change the security mode on the TM1s.cfg file to 1. This sets the security to the default and allows you to log in as admin to the model. Below are the steps to accomplish.

Steps to Accomplish
  • Stop PA/TM1 services on model
  • Open TM1s.cfg file in question with notepad or something like it.
  • Change IntegratedSecurityMode=1 (remember the current setting), see sample file below, yours may not look exactly like this.
  • Save
  • Start PA/TM1 services on model
  • Go back to Architect and log into the model using admin for the user name and no password (this is standard for PA/TM1)
  • If that doesn't work use admin for the username and apple for the password.
  • You should be able to right click on Model/TM1 server name and go to security.
  • Find your active directory login and click the appropriate admin or user group.
  • Save and exit out.
  • Next, stop PA/TM1 services on model
  • Go back to TM1s.cfg file and set your security to original level.
  • Save
  • Finally, Start PA/TM1 services on model
  • Log back into Architect model. You should be all set.
  • edit dimensions
    Success!

    Now that you have access you can edit dimensions, build cubes, run processes, etc. Again, make sure that your licensing supports your level of security.  If you have any questions regarding licensing levels, access or anything else, please contact us services@lodestarsolutions.com

    Data and AI Forum

    Lastly, IBM Data and AI Forum is coming up soon!  It is a great conference to network and learn all sorts of awesome things about Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.  See this blog for everything you need to know.  Hope to see you down there!  ​IBM Data and AI Forum​​​

    Don’t Upgrade IBM TM1! Move to the Cloud!

    Reduced Support Costs
    Upgrade IBM TM1
    April 4, 2019

    Are you an IBM Cognos Planning Analytics also referred to as Cognos TM1 client?  Did you know that TM1 version 10.2.2 is no longer supported after September 2019. (See Lifecycle of TM1 https://www-01.ibm.com/software/support/lifecycleapp/PLCDetail.wss?synkey=W204762F30868K79-K079999J59975R93-U084379N88437X84) Therefore, your choices are to:

  • Upgrade which is time consuming and may require technical consultants
  • Go unsupported and risk Microsoft sending you an update that breaks connection like to Excl
  • Move to IBM’s SaaS version of Planning Analytics in the cloud
  • For many clients Lodestar Solutions is now saying, ”Don’t Upgrade IBM TM1! Move to the Cloud!”

    LODESTAR SOLUTIONS NOW RECOMMENDS IBM’s ANALYTIC CLOUD /SAAS OFFERINGS

    If you have worked with Lodestar Solutions over the years you heard us caution clients against the cloud, because we didn’t think the cloud was a viable, and cost-effective solution for our on-premise TM1 and Cognos BI clients.  Well things change and IBM now has a SaaS offering that should be explored by on-premise clients. 

    WHAT’S CHANGED IN IBM CLOUD OFFERING

    Wondering why Lodestar Solutions has changed their mind?  IBM has drastically changed their SaaS cloud offering for Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1) and Cognos Analytics (BI).  They changed:

  • The contract terms for the clients.
  • The contracts themselves are available all externally here:
    http://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/sla/sd
  • The most important changes were done at the Cloud Service Agreement here:
    https://www.ibm.com/support/customer/csol/contractexplorer/cloud/csa/us-en/9
  • And the General Terms for Cloud Services here:
    http://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/sla/tou-gen-terms
  • Their pricing models.
  • The software itself.  Now TM1 and BI clouds can play nice together.
  • CLIENT SITUATION

    A long time TM1 client called Lodestar about a month ago asking about IBM’s cloud offering.  They had a new Director of IT and he wants SaaS.  This client had a small deployment of TM1 but knew they needed to upgrade to the latest version, or they would not be supported by IBM come September 2019.  The IT director did not want to pay to have consultants upgrade the system.  Meanwhile the finance team desperately wanted the new functionality of Cognos Planning Analytics including the powerful dashboarding capabilities of Workspace.  For this client to get Workspace functionality they would need to invest in more licensing but did not have the budget for IBM licensing.

    THE SOLUTION

    Lodestar Solutions, with the help of the IBM representative, was able to structure a purchase of the IBM Cloud offering for Planning Analytics so that the cost to the client was slightly higher than the renewal.  But the benefits for the client by moving to IBM’s cloud were huge! 

  • They did not have to upgrade their on-premise TM1 because IBM handles updates, back-ups.. in the cloud (SaaS) for Planning Analytics.
  • They now have the rights to use Cognos Planning Analytics Workspace to create dashboard on TM1 data.
  • No Audits by IBM to worry about because IBM monitors the cloud and if you set up more users than you have rights to, you are billed for the overage at a higher rate. https://lodestarsolutions.com/what-to-know-before-ibm-audits-your-ibm-cognos-analytics-and-planning-analytics-licenses/
  • No Processor Value Unit (PVU) compliance issues. (What is a PVU https://lodestarsolutions.com/how-to-calculate-your-ibm-pvu-rating/)
  • No ILMT to install to monitor your usage. (More information on ILMT https://lodestarsolutions.com/cognos-virtual-environment-needs-ilmt-tool/)
  • A lower annual cost increase than they had experience with on-premise support renewal because they negotiated a multi-year subscription
  • RECOMMENDATIONS

    A couple secrets to getting the best deal on moving to IBM’s SaaS offering

  • Time the purchase so you have time to test before support expires on your on-premise version
  • Consider signing at least a two-year deal which is billed annually to get the best rate
  • Consider using IBM Global financing for the purchase.  They sometimes have promotions for qualified clients at a 0% interest rate.  Who doesn’t love free money? https://www.ibm.com/financing
  • Contact Lodestar Solutions to help you determine if IBM SaaS offerings for Cognos Analytic BI and Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1) is a good fit for you.  Sales@lodestarsolutions.com
  • So, are you ready to have your system upgraded?  Ready to use the amazing functionality of workspace? Let Lodestar Solutions help in in the process.  From negotiating a great subscription to training you on the new functionality, we have you covered.  Save time and money.  Don’t Upgrade IBM TM1! Move to the Cloud!  Don’t wait until your renewal to discuss your options, contact us today 813-415-2910.

    Is the IBM ILMT tool SOX Compliant when used with Cognos?

    2/11/19
    IBM ILMT tool SOX

    Recently, a client asked, “ Is the ILMT tool SOX compliant (Sarbanes Oxley) when used with IBM Cognos?” 

    So, I went to consult my top advisor, Google.  For the first time in years my top advisor let me down. Such a simple question, and nothing.  This caused me to do what I do best, ask my network and share the results.

    Lodestar Solutions is on a mission to educate clients on the rules around the IBM License Metric Tool (ILMT).  This is the tool IBM mandates clients to use when they want to opt for the IBM Virtualization Capacity licensing as documented in the Passport Advantage Agreement related section. https://www.ibm.com/software/passportadvantage/ibmlicensemetrictool.html 

    Basically, the ILMT tool monitors whether you are allocating resources correctly based on your IBM licensing when you virtualize your environment.  The main license metric for IBM Virtualization Capacity is Processor Value Unit (PVU) and the ILMT’s main purpose is to measure the high-water mark of PVUs by applicable product within the managed environment. The high-water mark is measured on a quarterly basis and represents the required PVU license requirement customers will need to have license entitlements for the used IBM Virtualization Capacity. 

    ILMT is not optional to install when it comes to IBM Virtualization Capacity and related high-water mark PVU counting. It is mandatory (few exceptions apply). https://www.ibm.com/software/passportadvantage/subcapfaqtcs.html

    Before I get into the details of if the ILMT tool is SOX (Sarbanes Oxley) compliant when used with IBM Cognos, lets cover the basics. Here are some blogs you may want to check out if you are unfamiliar with the ILMT tool and not sure if you need it installed or are unfamiliar with SOX.

    ILMT
    SOX

    definition of SOX Compliance. In 2002, the United States Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) to protect shareholders and the general public from accounting errors and fraudulent practices in enterprises, and to improve the accuracy of corporate disclosures.

    Why Ask if the IBM ILMT is SOX Compliant when used with Cognos?

    If you have financial or accounting data in IBM Cognos Analytics (BI) or Cognos Planning Analytics (Tm1) and you are a publicly traded company, you should care because any company or individual who administers the systems related to or relevant to financial and accounting data are regulated under SOX. 

    For more information check out this blog on, “What does your IT Team need to know about the Sarbanes Oxley Act?”

    https://www.securis.com/clients/data-destruction-it-recycling-healthcare/what-does-your-it-team-need-to-know-about-the-sarbanes-oxley-act/

    Is IBM’s ILMT tool Sox Complaint?

    After bouncing around IBM for a while I was introduced to the ILMT Senior Offering Manager and he was kind enough to provide the following email to our client. (Provided February 2019)

    I am the Offering Manager of ILMT and I have been helping Lodestar Solutions to provide you an official statement about ILMT in relationship of SOX Compliance and assurance that ILMT is not accessing personal data or financial information.

    The ILMT tool’s main purpose is to: 
    - Identify IBM products that are deployed on a computer server (either virtual or physical) 
    - Gather the Virtualization Capacity (virtual processor cores) that is available to the Physical and/or Virtual Server where the IBM products are deployed and perform the related PVU license counting 
    - For those IBM products that have further implemented the generation of Software License Metric Tags, ILMT will also collect the related tag content and visualize it in referenced ILMT reports

    All of IBM products running on distributed platforms are provided with an ISO 19770-2 software identification tag. This is an xml file that includes info about the IBM product component. 
    ILMT performs a file system scan and collects all found ISO 19770-2 xml files that are then mapped to the IBM SW Catalog provided with ILMT to normalize on which the IBM product is deployed. 

    As to the hardware info, ILMT will collect information about the number of activated processor cores at the HyperVisor host as well as Virtual CPUs assigned to the hosted VMs/LPARs. 

    The BigFix platform that ILMT uses for its processing is gathering additional hardware information related to the computers where the ILMT/BigFix agent runs on (Physical or Virtual servers). This additional information is related to IT configuration attributes such as IP, Hostnames, memory configuration and more. 

    As part of the IT configuration attributes of the managed computers the currently logged on user accounts are being gathered too. 

    ILMT does not perform any access to any financial data or personal data stored in IBM Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1), IBM Cognos Analytics (BI) or on the virtual or physical server where IBM Cognos TM1 or any other IBM product could be deployed. 

    I hope the above clarifies.

    Best Regards, 

    ILMT Senior Offering Manager 

    There you have it!  Asked, “Is the IBM ILMT SOX Compliant when used with Cognos?”  and answered!  

    If you have questions on your licensing and want to discuss whether you need to have the ILMT tool installed or if you need assistance installing, reach out to us at Services@lodestarsolutions.com. Or call us at 813-415-2910.

    ILMT Tool Questions and Answers

    2/4/2019 - Written by Heather L. Cole, President of Lodestar Solutions
    ILMT Tool

    Why have I never heard about the IBM ILMT Tool for Cognos BI or TM1?

    You have been working with Cognos for years.  Recently a Lodestar Solutions team member reached out to you and said, “I am concerned that you may have an IBM compliance issue and would fail an audit.”  You then learn that maybe you should have had the IBM Licensing Monitoring Tool (ILMT) installed. But you are wondering, “Why have I never heard about the IBM ILMT Tool for Cognos BI or TM1?”

    You are not alone! Many clients call me saying they found my blogs on licensing and are confused. Today I’ll address why you have never heard about the IBM ILMT Tool for Cognos BI or Cognos Planning Analytics, TM1 and what steps you should take before you get audited. 

    Am I really at risk?  I am not using more PVU’s than I have licensing for, what will IBM do if I am audited and don’t have the ILMT installed? 

    They could determine that you are non-complaint and fail the audit even if you aren’t using more PVU’s then you have, because the sub-capacity agreement states if you don’t install it, IBM can assume you are using the full capacity of the servers. You could be forced to pay for PVU’s to cover the entire server.  For example, you have 8 cores on your virtualized server and allocate 4 cores to Planning Analytics (TM1).  The server is rated 70 PVU’s per core.  Even though you have only allocated 4 cores * 70 PVUs per cores so 280 PVUs to TM1. IBM could charge you for another 280 cores if you don’t have the ILMT tool installed, because the server could max out to 8 cores.   Even if you only allocated 4 cores, you could fail the audit just for not having the ILMT tool installed. 

    Who needs to install the ILMT for Cognos Analytics (BI) and/or Cognos Planning Analytics?  

    All clients that have Processor Value Unit (PVU) licensing.  This includes most Enterprise Planning Analytic/TM1 users and larger Cognos BI clients that have virtualized their environment must install the ILMT tool with a few exceptions.  

    Not sure what a PVU is?  

    Check out our previous blog, How to Calculate Your IBM PVU Rating

    What is the ILMT Tool?  

    IBM® License Metric Tool (ILMT) helps IBM Passport Advantage® (PA) customers determine their full and sub-capacity processor value units (PVU) licensing requirements. It helps calculate the number of PVUs available to installed Passport Advantage PVU-based software, including supported virtualized servers. Passport Advantage and Passport Advantage Express customers can order this tool at no charge by selecting the IBM License Metric Tool, part number D561HLL. 

    How did I miss the ILMT tool? 

    The ILMT is NOT provided as part of the standard download with the software, as a client you must order this separately at no cost. Clients are only informed of the ILMT tool requirements if they read the fine print of the sub capacity agreement or someone explains how important it is.  If you are an older TM1 or Cognos BI client, this was amended to your agreement in July 2011. 

    Let’s be real, most IT professionals responsible for installing and maintaining the software do NOT read the fine print of IBM contracts, their lawyers do.  Lawyers would have no clue that the IT person does not know about the ILMT tools because logic would say it should be part of the install package. 

    For your reading pleasure here’s the link to the Sub Capacity Licensing Agreement.

    You might want to check out IBM’s FAQ on Subcapacity agreement for more information. 

    This is such a big deal, IBM has a forum for the ILMT. Click here to check it out!

    How Do I Order the ILMT Tool From IBM?

    What are the exceptions?  Do I really need to install this? 

    There are some exceptions such as if a client is less than 1000 employees and contractors, they are not required to install it.  But do you really know how many contractors you have?  And how do you count a contractor?  Is it all the contractor’s employees? (IBM we would love to hear from you on this).  

    For more details on exceptions see our previous blog.

    What does it take to install the ILMT Tool? 

    It’s not as easy as it should be in my opinion. The ILMT tool costs about 30K to have a partner like Lodestar Solutions install it. I am not sure what IBM charges, but speculate it’s higher.  It’s important to know, the ILMT tool requires a separate server too.

    Why didn’t an IBM Sales Rep or Partner tell me about this?  

    If you have been reading my blogs, you will see I have been trying to get the word out! But candidly, IBM Sales Reps and Partners do not tell clients about the ILMT tool or associated costs in the sales process, as most have no clue what it is or why it’s important. You need to be an educated consumer! 

    My Soap Box 

    Here’s where I know I am going to get in trouble!  But, sometimes you must break the rules to make things better, to instigate change! 

    In my opinion, IBM is setting their IBM Cognos Planning Analytics and Cognos Analytics clients that are on PVU licensing up for failure!  The current process is broken.  As an attorney, I feel IBM fails to adequately disclose or make it easy for clients to adhere to the terms of a somewhat confusing contract. IBM you are better than this!  IBM auditors can penalize clients that are not intentionally stealing licensing, but those that simply failed to install the ILMT monitoring tool.  

    One client that did not install the ILMT, and was not using too many PVUS was told by the auditors, that IBM was going to charge them over $78,000 to quote “settle” the audit but they would allow the client to apply the payment to purchasing other IBM products not related to the audit. However, they were not allowed to purchase the additional licenses from a partner. They were forced to buy direct from IBM. This confuses me. If a client, “failed” the audit shouldn’t they be required to purchase the licenses they were out of compliance on?  But since in this situation they were only out of compliance with the ILMT which is free and not any other licenses, IBM said they could buy other software. Luckily for the client they were growing their BI footprint and could buy BI licenses. Not so lucky for the partner they were working with in the process because IBM would not allow them to buy from the partner helping them succeed at business intelligence.

    Next Steps: 

    Contact us at Services@Lodestarsolutions.com and we can walk you through your specific situation.  We will also provide you with our document on how to calculate your PVUs.  We are here to help and show you a better way! 

    What to know before IBM Audits Your IBM Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics Licenses.

    IBM Audits
    IBM Audits
    1/3/19

    Have you ever received a notice that IBM is auditing your IBM Cognos Analytics and/or Cognos Planning Analytics licensing?  Did you get a hot flash of adrenaline?  You know the oh sh*t moment?  Today, I’ll share some valuable information on what you should know before IBM audits your IBM Cognos Analytics (BI) and Planning Analytics (TM1) licenses.

    Last week I was talking to a Business Intelligence (BI) Manager at a client.  This individual was relatively new to his company and within a month of taking the job he received a notice from IBM that they were auditing him. He was very frustrated because this was the third company that he had join and every time he received a notice of audit from IBM shortly after starting a new job.  I explained to him, he’s not being targeted, but IBM audits regularly, and it doesn’t matter how big or small your IBM Cognos deployment. Everyone who is a client, is subject to an audit.  And so are you!  

    Cognos IBM Audits should not be a big deal if you understand the licensing and are compliant! 

    Here’s what you should know before IBM Audits Your IBM Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics Licenses along with links to more detailed blogs on related topics.

    What type of Licensing Do You have?

    The two primary types of IBM Cognos licenses are Authorized Users and Processor Value unit.  Many Cognos Analytics (BI) clients have only authorized users licensing but some clients with a large number of users may have some users as authorized users like their administrator as well as some users as PVU (server) based licensing.  Whereas, Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1) is typically sold as a server + user licensing model where both PVU’s and authorized users are required. 

    Authorized User Licensing

    An authorized user is a unit of measure by which the Program can be licensed. An authorized user is a unique person who is given access to the Program. The Program may be installed on any number of computers or servers and each Authorized User may have simultaneous access to any number of instances of the Program at one time. Licensee must obtain separate, dedicated entitlements for each authorized ser given access to the Program in any manner directly or indirectly (for example: via a multiplexing program, device, or application server) through any means. An entitlement for an authorized user is unique to that authorized user and may not be shared, nor may it be reassigned other than for the permanent transfer of the Authorized User entitlement to another person.

    For more license definitions see http://www-01.ibm.com/software/passportadvantage/about_software_licensing.html#types

    In other words, every user needs to have their own license! This includes your consultants regardless if they are IBM Consultants, an IBM Partner like Lodestar, or an independent.  Yes, as partners we pay to have access to the software through our partnership, but it prohibits us from using our licenses in your environment.

    More information you should know about the authorized user model

    https://lodestarsolutions.com/protect-yourself-in-an-ibm-cognos-audit/

    Processor Value Unit (PVU) Licensing

     A Processor Value Unit, PVU,  is a unit of measure used to differentiate licensing of software on distributed processor technologies (defined by Processor Vendor, Brand, Type and Model Number). Simply put, it is a calculation of power and speed that is translated to a licensing model and thus licensing cost.   For Cognos Analytics (BI) licenses that are PVU based have unlimited number of users provided you are experience good performance.  You can read more about IBM PVU by clicking this link to our blog https://lodestarsolutions.com/what-the-heck-is-an-ibm-cognos-pvu/or going to the IBM site at http://www-01.ibm.com/software/passportadvantage/pvu_licensing_for_customers.html#fullsubcap

    Watch out for server upgrades if you have PVU licensing. 

    A common situation for clients that fail an audit is that at some point in time they upgraded their servers to get better performance without ever thinking about the licensing ramifications.  Upgrading our servers may result in the server having a higher PVU rating and therefore requiring you to purchase additional IBM Cognos licensing. So, before you upgrade your servers always check if the PVU rating of your new servers is higher than your old and check how many cores you have allocated. 

    How do I count my PVU’s for IBM Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics?

    Before you are audited you want to make sure you know how many PVU’s you are using.  We recommend you review your PVU usage at least annually with your support renewal.  To calculate the PVU’s you look up the PVU rating of your server on IBM’s website and then multiply that buy the number of core processor you have allocated. In order to get the PVU rating of your server go to the IBM website here .

    http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/passportadvantage/pvu_licensing_for_customers.html But wait, if it could only be that easy. There are a couple of points you must note.
    1. If you don’t have the ILMT (IBM License Monitoring Tool) installed, IBM might determine you need licensing for the entire server, even if you virtualized it. (More on this later)
    2.  You need to know what servers to count to calculate the PVU.  We have another blog written on this topic with more details. https://lodestarsolutions.com/calculating-pvu-processor-value-unit-in-ibm-cognos/
    I have a mixed environment consisting of authorized users and PVU. 

    For some of you, you have a mixed environment of authorized users and PVUs. For Cognos Planning Analytics this is almost always the case as the typical enterprise (not Express) licensing model for on premise software is server + authorized user.  But if you have BI licenses you may have what I call a creative environment.  Creative because someone that was trying to save as much money as possible may have decided that light weight users didn’t need as much processing power so they decide to have those users be under a PVU licensing model, maybe for the Information Distribution licenses.  Where as other users are authorized users so they can be routed to more powerful servers. This is accomplished by leveraging dispatchers. .  We have another blog written on this topic with more details.

    https://lodestarsolutions.com/separating-authorized-user-from-pvu-users/

    THE Big Gotcha for many clients facing IBM Audits is not having the ILMT Tool installed. 

    The IBM Licensing Monitoring Tool, ILMT is typically required for enterprise clients that have virtualized their environment and have IBM Cognos Analytics BI PVU licensing or Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1). The IBM License Metric Tool [ILMT] helps maintain an inventory of the PVU based software deployed for your Full Capacity or Virtualization (Sub-) Capacity environment and it measures the PVU licenses required by software. It is intended to help you manage your IBM software licensing requirements and help you be ready if you get audited. Customers are responsible for supplying hardware and installation services required for installing the tool. It is not part of the software download and not typically installed by IBM partners implementing BI or TM1. It’s up to you to know if you need it and get it installed.

    Here’s a few links to other blogs on this topic.
    Another common issue is not having licensing for non-production environments: 

    Here the deal if you have PVU licensing and you have a non-production environment like test, dev, QA you most likely need to pay for licensing for your non-production environment too.  You do not need additional licensing if you are a authorized users licensing model without any PVU licensing.  Now there are a few exceptions and if you are wondering it they apply to you, just email us your configuration of licensing and we will let you know our thoughts. Email Services@lodestarsolutions.com

    What if I suspect I have a licensing issue? 

    If you suspect you may need more licensing your options are contingent on if you already received a notice of IBM Audits. 

    • If you have already received the notice, my advice is to clean up end former employees in your system and keep open lines of communication with the auditors.  IBM will not let you buy additional licenses at a discount from IBM or a partner before the audit is over to resolve an anticipated audit issue

    Note IBM reserves the right to charge clients list price plus back support for any licenses they deem you are using beyond what you own.

  • If you have not received an notice of audit, call us at Lodestar Solutions 813-415-2910 or email Sales@lodestarsolutions.com We will help you understand where you stand and provide a plan to make sure you don’t have any licensing issues, while getting you the best price possible.
  • Are you in the optimal IBM Analytics licensing model?

    If your IBM licensing is complex and you have either a lot of Cognos Analytics (BI) users or if you have Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1) with a lot of PVUs and relatively small number of users or if you have a lot of users and a relatively small number of PVUs, there may be a more advantageous licensing model for you.  Let’s chat.  Email Sales@lodestarsolutions.com and get a free initial consultation. 

    A word of caution

    Don’t avoid the auditors. The more open you are with them, the better off you will be. If you are a jerk, they may be too. 

    The best way to avoid issues with IBM Audits

    Lodestar Solutions offers all of our clients a free annual review with your renewal.  In this review we will help you understand what the heck you own. Contact Lodestar for more details. 

    One more word of caution. 

    Don’t avoid the auditors. The more open you are with them, the better off you will be. If you are a jerk, they may be too. 

    Cognos Analytics 11.1 Hands on Review

    1/15/19

    Recently, IBM released Cognos Analytics 11.1.  I have been using it now for a few weeks and I must say that I'm impressed with some of the new features and enhancements.  There are many new items in Cognos Analytics 11.1, too many to cover in one blog.  As such, I'm going to cover some of my favorites.  

    New Install Files

    The first thing you will see when you log into IBM Passport Advantage to download the CA 11.1 software is there are 3 main install files plus some other installers for Office and other items.  The 3 main files are the main installer, client installer and the server installer. The client installer contains Framework Manager, Life-Cycle Manager, Cube Designer and Dynamic Query Analyzer.  The server install contains the dispatcher, content manager and gateway.  The software development kit comes pre installed with this installs.  Last item of note, you still have the easy install option that was introduced with Cognos Analytics.

    General Enhancements
    • You can now upload multi tab spreadsheets.  The system will generate a new table for each.
    • Support for .zip file formats
    • Support for multi file uploads
    • Append and replace options available for altering existing files.
    Relative Dates

    This new feature makes it easy to create as of dates and comparisons to dates in time.  The sample data comes with pre package calendars (calendar year and fiscal year that you can alter for your specific fiscal year).  The options include but no limited to month to date, quarter to date and year to date calculations made easy.

    Cognos Analytics 11.1
    Explorations

    In short, the new exploration feature allows you a flexible workspace to explore data and gain insight through Watson like artificial intelligence.  The system will take your data and automatically generate coorelated insights, details and suggested related visualizations.

    • Details - text is generated to provide insight that may not be see by just looking at the data.
    • Related Visualizations - the system recommends related visualizations that are related to what you are currently looking at. Based on the data analysis, these related visualizations might be of interest to you.
    • Correlated Insights - If one of the data items in a visualization is determined by the system to be a “target”, correlated insights indicate that the system has identified “drivers”. Correlated insights are displayed as green ovals with a number.
    Cognos Analytics 11.1
    Dashboards and Stories

    There are some new exciting features in dashboards and stories in Cognos Analytics 11.1

    • Copy and Paste - You can use ctrl c and ctrl v to copy and past visualizations from dashboard to dashboard and keep the data points behind the visualizations.
    • Relative or Absolute Visualization Layout on the Dashbaord Canvas.
    • Page Size - you can now set the page size such as letter or legal.
    • Custom Color Pallets - You can create your own custom color pallets and save them for use across the organization.
    • Hide Tabs in Dashboards
    • Change the Color of Tabs
    • Widget Title Formatting - you can modify the font, size, color and style.
    • Properties Organized in Categories
    • Guidelines for Placing Objects on Canvas
    • Axis Labels - customize the axis labels, scale, titles and orientation.
    • Share Dashboard or Story via Slack
    • Format Numbers - Can display different currencies or %'s
    • New Scene Templates for Stories
    • Easily Change Story Type
    • Number of New and Updated Visualizations.
    • And many other updates....
    Cognos Analytics 11.1
    Reporting

    Reporting has seen a number of enhancements in Cognos Analytics 11.1.

    • Guided Report Layout - You can now place items on the reporting canvas with visual guidelines.
    • New Navigation Interface - you can now easily switch between pages and queries with the new navigation menu.
    • Many of the visualizations in Dashboards are now available in Reporting.
    • Custom Pallets in Visualizations
    • Enhanced Mapping Support - map clustering and heat maps
    • Copy and Paste - works the same as in Dashboards
    Data Modules

    The data module area has been in Cognos Analytics 11.1. is significantly changed, and new modeling capabilities are introduced.

    • Improved Source Selection - You can use search and filtering options to locate different source types in Team content, My content, and Recent folders.
    • Add additional tables manually or allow the system to suggest tables.
    • Multifunctional, robust expression editor - redesigned interface for creating and editing tables, filters, and calculations.
    • Create folders in data modules
    • Create new tables using SQL
    • Relative date support
    • Data level security
    • Splitting columns
    Collaboration

    A few collaboration items have been added to Cognos Analytics 11.1  They include share through Slack, linking to Cognos Analytics content and exporting via PDF for dashboards.

    Contact Us Today

    As you can see, Cognos Analytics 11.1 has added many new features to an already robust platform.  In this authors opinion, these changes make this the very bast business intelligence product available today.  If you want to see a demo of Cognos Analytics 11.1 please email us at services@lodestarsolutions.com

    For more information check out this link from IBM - https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/en/SSEP7J_11.1.0/com.ibm.swg.ba.cognos.ca_new.doc/c_ca_nf_11_1_container.html



    Why have I never heard about the IBM ILMT Tool for Cognos BI or TM1?

    Old TM1 clients could fail an audit!
    IBM ILMT
    1/24/2019

    You have been working with Cognos for years.  Recently a Lodestar Solutions team member called you and said, “I am concerned that you may have an IBM compliance issue and would fail an audit.”  You then learn that maybe you should have had the IBM Licensing Monitoring Tool (ILMT) installed.  However, you are wondering,” Why have I never heard about the IBM ILMT Tool for Cognos BI or TM1?”

    You are not alone!  Many clients call me saying they found my blogs on licensing and are confused.  Today I’ll address why you have never heard about the IBM ILMT Tool for Cognos BI or Cognos Planning Analytics, TM1 and what steps you should take before you get audited.

    Am I really at risk?  I am not using more PVU’s then I have licensing for what will IBM do if I am audited and don’t have the ILMT installed? 

    They could determine that you are non-complaint and fail the audit even if you aren’t using more PVU’s than you have.  That is because the sub-capacity agreement states if you don’t install it, IBM can assume you are using the full capacity of the servers.  You could be forced to pay for PVU’s to cover the entire server.  For example, you have 8 cores on your virtualized server and allocate 4 cores to Planning Analytics (TM1).  The server is rated 70 PVU’s per core.  Even though you have only allocated 4 cores * 70 PVUs per cores so 280 PVUs to TM1.  IBM could charge you for another 280 cores if you don’t have the ILMT tool installed, because the server could max out to 8 cores.   Also, even if you only allocated 4 cores, you could fail the audit just for not having the ILMT tool installed.

    Who needs to install the ILMT for Cognos Analytics (BI) and/or Cognos Planning Analytics?

    All clients that have Processor Value Unit (PVU) licensing.  This includes most Enterprise Planning Analytic/TM1 users and larger Cognos BI clients that have virtualized their environment must install the ILMT tools with a few exceptions.  

    Not sure what a PVU is?

    Check out our previous blog How to Calculate Your PVU Rating.

    What is the ILMT Tool?

    IBM® License Metric Tool (ILMT) helps IBM Passport Advantage® (PA) customers determine their full and sub-capacity processor value units (PVU) licensing requirements. It helps calculate the number of PVUs available to installed Passport Advantage PVU-based software, including supported virtualized servers. Passport Advantage and Passport Advantage Express customers can order this tool at no charge by selecting the IBM License Metric Tool, part number D561HLL.

    How did I miss the ILMT tool?

    The ILMT is NOT provided as part of the standard download with the software, as a client you must order this separately at no cost. Clients are only informed of the ILMT tool requirements if they read the fine print of the sub capacity agreement or someone explains how important it is.  If you are an older TM1 or Cognos BI client, this was amended to your agreement in July 2011.

    Let’s be real, most IT professionals responsible for installing and maintaining the software do NOT read the fine print of IBM contracts, their lawyers do.  Lawyers would have no clue that the IT person does not know about the ILMT tools because logic would say it should be part of the install package.

    For your reading pleasure here’s the link to the Sub Capacity Licensing Agreement. 

    Also, you might want to check out IBM’s FAQ on Subcapacity Agreement for more information.

    How Do I order the ILMT Tool form IBM?

    1. Contact Sales@lodestarsolutions.com and we can place the order for you.  It’s free.
    2. Click here to chat with IBM, or contact the Help Desk at 1-800-IBM-Serv.  
    3. Order online through Passport Advantage so you don’t have to issue a zero dollar PO. Here’s a Guide on How to Order the ILMT

    What are the exceptions?  Do I really need to install this?

    There are some exceptions such as if a client is less than 1000 employees and contractors, they are not required to install it.  But do you really know how many contractors you have?  And how do you count a contractor?  Is it all the contractor’s employees? (IBM we would love to hear from you on this). 

    For more details on exceptions see our previous blog

    What does it take to install the ILMT Tool?

    It’s not as easy as it should be in my opinion.  The ILMT tool costs about 30K to have a partner like Lodestar Solutions install it.  I am not sure what IBM charges but speculate it’s higher.  It’s important to know, the ILMT tool requires a separate server too.

    Why didn’t IBM sales rep or partner tell me about this?

    If you have been reading my blogs, you will see I have been trying to get the word out!  But candidly, IBM Sales reps and partners do not tell clients about the ILMT tool or associated costs in the sales process, as most have no clue what it is or why it’s important.  You need to be an educated consumer!

    My Soap Box

    Here’s where I know I am going to get in trouble!  But sometimes you must break the rules to make things better, to instigate change! 

    In my opinion, IBM is setting their IBM Cognos Planning Analytics and Cognos Analytics clients that are on PVU licensing up for failure!  The current process is broken.  As an attorney I feel, IBM fails to adequately disclose or make it easy for clients to adhere to the terms of a somewhat confusing contract. IBM you are better than this!  IBM auditors can penalize clients that are not intentionally stealing licensing, but those that simply failed to install the ILMT monitoring tool. 

    One client that did not install the ILMT but was not using too many PVUS was told by the auditors, that IBM was going to charge them over $78,000 to quote “settle” the audit but they would allow the client to apply the payment to purchasing other IBM products not related to the audit.  However, they were not allowed to purchase the additional licenses from a partner. They were forced to buy direct from IBM.  

    This confuses me.  If a client “failed” the audit shouldn’t they be required to purchase the licenses they were out of compliance on?  But since in this situation, they were only out of compliance with the ILMT which is free and not any other licenses, IBM said they could by other software.  Luckily for the client they were growing their BI footprint and could buy BI licenses, not so lucky for the partner they were working with in the process because IBM would not allow them to buy from the partner, helping them succeed at business intelligence.Enter your text here...

    Next Steps:

    Contact us at Services@Lodestarsolutions.com and we can walk you through your specific situation.  We will also provide you with our document on how to calculate your PVUs.  We are here to help and show you a better way!

    Model Directly in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace. A one stop shop

    IBM Planning Analytics Workspace
    1/22/2019 

    Are you asking yourself if it is  possible to build a model directly in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace? There is a great effort by IBM to centralize model development and reporting in one space. As you may know,  IBM Planning Analytics comes with different tools such as Architect and Performance Modeler(PM) that allow you to build models. You also may know that at times new customers have experienced confusion as to which tools to use to build and manage models. Traditionally, we have recommended Architect to build and manage and PM to build and manage the planning application front end. This has worked in the past, specially when the clients get acclimated to the different tools that are available.  

    Age of Cloud and SAAS

    However, we are in the age of cloud and SAAS applications that allow the modeler to build and manage planning applications in one centralized tool on the web. This is a very attractive option for customers for the obvious reasons and we are not going to discuss the benefits of a cloud-based planning system since we are all aware of them. So, to get to this centralized planning application space, IBM introduced PA cloud a few years ago which has been a great success. Now, IBM is bringing all the modelling capabilities in Planning Analytics Workspace. This will eliminate the need for multiple clients and tool sets to build and manage models.  Read below for the capabilities of today and the hope for the future.

    IBM Planning Analytics Workspace
    IBM Planning Analytics Workspace Today

    If you didn't know IBM Planning Analytics workspace allows you to create dashboards and reports in one central area.  What you may not know is the ability to build a model directly in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace.  For more info on why you should own workspace today see 7 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Workspace (PAw)  Also, check out this link from IBM IBM Knowledge Center on PAW

    Build dimensions and Cubes
    • Using a TI process, you can create dimensions and cubes using all the available data sources that are available in Architect. One of the data sources is text file and you can drag and drop files right in a PAW tile and you are allowed to map all the columns.
    • Dimensions and cube build through TI is still a bit complex for new users and it requires training and practice to build them. If IBM adds a guided  / GUI based dimension and cube builder with the power of free from scripting that would be extremely powerful. This would go a long way to helping new users that are not well versed in TI coding to start modelling quicker and have environments up and running a lot faster.
    Rule writing
    • PAW has the rule editor built in and it has some of the features that the Advanced rule editor used to have and some additional features that are very helpful. You have autocomplete to fill your area definition and the ability to insert functions as you are writing the formulas. It great to see that rule writing has been considerably improved from the limited capabilities that were available in Architect
    Workspace Tomorrow?

    Now let’s talk about the items that we would like IBM to add to PAW.  Let's hope that these will part of future releases.

    • Workflow Workflow Workflow and we are talking about real workflow. The functionality in applications (contributor) are good and they provide the ability to create planning input front ends but what has been always lacking is the visibility into the actual flow of the planning process. Some IBM competitors have created this capability into their applications and it provides visibility and transparency for everyone to see. If IBM could create the visual workflow snapshot that we have discussed and integrate that with the Chat capability it would eliminate the need for emails and other forms of communication outside PAW. Plus, it would be a record that would be maintained in one place
    • Another thing that would be nice in PAW would be some help related videos and or visuals that assist a new user in navigating workspace. There are many videos available out side PAW but nothing that is in workspace itself.
    Contact Lodestar Now!

    Are you ready to purchase the workspace add on? Contact us at sales@lodestarsolutions.com to schedule a quick call to review your situation and receive a quote for the workspace add on if you do not already own!

    If you already own workspace and are not sure where to begin or you need some help taking your workspace to the next level contact us at services@lodestarsolutions.com

    7 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Workspace (PAw)

     9/11/2018 

    7 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Workspace (PAw)

    You have probably heard a lot about Planning Analytics Workspace (PAw).  However, like most TM1 / Planning Analytics shops you are probably creating reports using web sheets in perspectives and publishing them on TM1 web.  Now is the time to understand why you should purchase Workspace (PAw) if you do not already own it.

    7 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Workspace (PAw)
    1. First and foremost PAX and by extension workspace does not have the inherent WAN issues with perspectives. You can publish on workspace and you eliminate the need to have a VPN or Citrix to report off TM1

    2. No need to use fancy macros and or VB to make you reporting dynamic and turn key.

    3. There are some very slick features in PAX that make reporting a breeze. Too many to go over here. 

    4. Now you have the ability to build powerful dashboards quickly and you also have the ability to collaborate among your team on a centralized dashboard.

    5. The ability to use powerful visualization within workspace.

    6. Simple language querying capability in Workspace.

    7. IBM's go forward strategy is to build all models in Workspace.
    Helpful Workspace Links
    Contact Lodestar Now!

    Are you ready to purchase the workspace add on?  Contact us at sales@lodestarsolutions.com to schedule a quick call to review your situation and receive a quote for the workspace add on if you do not already own!

    If you already own workspace and are not sure where to begin or you need some help taking your workspace to the next level contact us at services@lodestarsolutions.com

    Do You Have The Correct IBM Cognos Licenses for BI or TM1?

     9/7/2018 

    Correct IBM Cognos Licenses for BI or TM1

    Myth: I have the correct IBM Cognos Licenses for BI or TM1

    Are you an IBM Analytics client that inherited Cognos?  Or maybe your organization purchased it years ago but with all the licensing changes you don’t know what you own. The question is do you have the correct IBM Cognos Licenses for BI or TM1?  I am Heather Cole, president of Lodestar Solutions and a lot of IBM Cognos Analytic clients believe the myth “I have the correct IBM Cognos Licenses for BI or TM1.”  They say, “Heather, we have the correct IBM Cognos licenses, in fact we may have too many.”  But, the reality is that many clients are either on the wrong licensing model or worse yet, are not compliant and could fail an audit and they don’t know it.

    IBM Audit

    Like most software companies, IBM reserves the right to review any client’s licenses called a license audit.  If you are thinking, “we are too small, IBM wouldn’t audit us,” you are wrong.  Even clients with only a handful of IBM Cognos licenses can get audited.  Imagine you receive a notice from IBM that they intend to audit you.  Would you get a hot flash of adrenaline? Are you certain you have given the correct rights to your users?  Do you even know what your licenses with IBM says?  Well it doesn’t have to be that way. 

    IBM Licensing

    As a licenses attorney, I encourage all clients to take licensing seriously!  Because IBM does not have license keys that prevent you from accidentally setting up more users than you purchased, it’s up to you to make sure you are compliant.  But I am speculating you are probably not a lawyer, and even though IBM has simplified their licensing over the years it can be confusing. Click here for more information. 

     I believe that clients that educate themselves on what they own not only can save huge amounts of money on IBM license renewals, but they also can leverage all the tremendous functionality IBM has added over the years to both Cognos Analytics (BI) and Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1).  Most clients aren’t even scratching the surface of the power and features of IBM Cognos Analytics BI and Cognos Planning Analytics (TM1).

    Cognos Untapped Features

    Have you ever had someone show you a feature on your phone and you think, “Wow, how come I didn’t know that earlier?”  IBM analytics is just like that.   A lot of hidden WOW! 

    Now, you may be thinking “But Heather, I don’t have time to learn about the new features. I’m too busy.”  I understand how you feel.  But, you are looking at it the wrong way.  Many of the features IBM has added to their Analytics Suite over the years are designed to help you automate processes to give you more time for the cool projects.  Would you like to stop firefighting?   I don’t think you can afford not to learn the new features and discover what the heck you own.  

    I feel so strongly that every client will benefit from learning the latest updates on licensing and functionality, that I created a 90 minutes session to coach you. 

    During your “What the Heck Do I Own – IBM Cognos” session, we will review your unique licensing, ensure your IBM contact information is updated, walk you through the functionality you own and help you understand the IBM Licensing Monitoring Tool, (ILMT) if you have virtualized your IBM environment.   We also evaluate if you are in the optimal IBM licensing model.

    Wrong IBM BI License Model

    One client that experienced our IBM Cognos licensing session discovered they had out grown the authorized licensing model for their Cognos BI licenses.  They regularly added more Cognos BI users and so we proposed moving them to a Processor Value Unit PVU licensing model that allowed them to add more users without buying an IBM Cognos license for each person.  As a result, they saved over $100K a year in support fees, no longer had to track the number of end users, and saved even more in not having to buy additional licenses for each casual BI user. Wondering what a PVU is? Check our our blog, What the Heck is an IBM PVU?   

    Wrong IBM TM1/ Cognos Planning Analytics License Model

    Another client was heavily deploying TM1 (Cognos Planning Analytics) and by restructuring their licenses into a model where they could add unlimited PVU’s or cores for the analytic servers, they saved over $1M in foreseeable future IBM licensing fees.  The client was able to economically deploy additional TM1 models, even models that would put heavy demands on the analytic server without having to purchase more IBM Cognos Planning analytic server licensing.

    Smaller Deployments

    As an IBM Cognos reselling partner, we often find smaller IBM Cognos BI or TM1 clients that have owned the software for a long time are the ones that are in the wrong licensing model.  Clients with less than 50 TM1 users and 100 BI users might be better suited for Cognos Express licensing.  Cognos Express was released by IBM in 2009 to better serve the smaller, midmarket clients.  Today Cognos Express is the same software as IBM Cognos BI and TM1 enterprise, it’s just a different licensing model at a lower price, with some restrictions. Check out IBM's site for more information. 

    Learn More and Survive an Audit

    Don’t fall for the myth: I have the correct IBM Cognos Licenses for BI or TM1.  It’s time to make certain.  It takes only 90 minutes of your time for Lodestar Solutions to empower you with knowledge that could save you time, and money, while increasing the likelihood you will fly through an IBM licensing review and educating you on the new bells and whistles. 

    To schedule your complimentary “What the Heck Do I Own- IBM Cognos” licensing session, contact us at services@lodestarsolutions.com.   I promise this will be the best use of your time all week and we will help you answer the main question - Do I have the correct IBM Cognos Licenses for BI or TM1!

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