Written by Heather L. Cole, March 23rd 2022
Are you wondering if you can move your IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics on a cloud? Maybe your organization has an initiative to move all applications to Azure, AWS or IBM Cloud. Or maybe you want IBM to do the work and maintain your environment to free up IT resources, so a Software as a Service (SAAS) would be better. Today we will explain what you need to know when moving IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics on a cloud.
What are my cloud options for Cognos and IBM Planning Analytics TM1?
First you need to know that clouds come in many forms. There are Software as a Service clouds, where the vendor maintains the environment, handles upgrades, backups… And there are clouds where you are just outsourcing the hardware to Amazon, Microsoft or IBM and you use your licensing for the software and install the software in their clouds. Under this cloud model, you will still need to handle upgrades, and patches.
IBM offers Cognos on Cloud as well as IBM Planning Analytics on Cloud which are their Software as a Service models. They also allow you to put your regular licenses on a cloud that you maintain.
Migration to IBM’s Cognos on Cloud or IBM Planning Analytics on the Cloud
If you are looking to have IBM do most of the technical work to maintain your Planning Analytics or Cognos environment, you will want to explore their Software as a Service (SAAS) option. IBM likes to change the names of their programs, but what you need to know is that IBM has a program that allows clients to migrate to the SaaS while maintaining their old environment for a period of time. With the proper paperwork, they will give you dual entitlements for your on-premise and cloud subscription while you test and transition.
Our older blog will help to provide you an overview, IBM’s Bridge to Cloud.
Timing of Migration to SaaS
Typically, you will want to explore moving to Cognos on Cloud or PA on cloud at least 3 months prior to your software support renewal to make it cost effective. For details on cost and timing, email us at renewals@lodestarsolutions.com.
Functionality Parity
Additionally, you will want to ensure that the IBM Cognos on Cloud or IBM Planning Analytics on Cloud has parity with your current environment and that all the functionality you need is in the SaaS version. Previous cloud versions were missing some functionality. For example, earlier versions of Cognos on Cloud only allowed for DQM (Dynamic Query Mode) and CQM was not available. I will not go into the details on CQM and DQM here, but you should check out these IBM resources:
Can I move my existing IBM Cognos & TM1 Licensing to a 3rd Party Cloud?
Yes, the good news is IBM allows you to move your “perpetual” or on-premise licensing for IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics TM1, anywhere! A perpetual IBM Planning Analytics or Cognos license is an asset you purchased that you could use indefinitely. However, to get access to download the latest version to move to your new cloud, you must be current and pay annual IBM support to either IBM or a reseller like Lodestar Solutions. If you would like a competitive support quote, email renewals@lodestarsolutions.com.
But the answer is yes, you may move your perpetual Cognos or Planning Analytics licensing to AWS, Azure, or even the IBM Public Cloud, which has made amazing progress! (We love it! More on that in a minute.) However, when you move your Cognos licensing or TM1 to a new environment whether on cloud or something else you want to be careful.
Caution on Cloud Migration
If you have licensing that includes Processor Value Units (PVUs), which is very common with Planning Analytics TM1 and often in larger Cognos clients, you must make sure the new environment does not expose you to failing an audit. You MUST make sure you don’t exceed your PVU licensing when you move to the cloud. For more information checkout our earlier blog, What the Heck is an IBM Cognos PVU and then email us so we can answer any questions at services@lodestarsolutions.com.
IBM Public Cloud
I mentioned we love the IBM public cloud, so I wanted to take a minute and explain. A few years ago, IBM had Softlayer as their cloud and well, it was not great. But IBM spent tons of money and invested in better technology and now their IBM Public Cloud rocks! At Lodestar Solutions we use it for our demonstration environment and its fabulous. Here’s IBM’s take on IBM Cloud versus Amazon Web Services (AWS).
FEI Webinar April 13th
If you want to learn more and are a member of Financial Executives International (FEI), I will be hosting a webinar to FEI Members discussing IBM Cloud. Cloud Considerations in an Uncertain World on April 13th 2-3pm Eastern. In this webinar I will be joined by Hillary Hunter, CTO of IBM Cloud and Chris Doroszczyk, IBM Global Managing Director Financial Services Clients. Members of FEI can register and get CPE credits for attending.
After the event I will write a blog with the highlights for non-FEI Members.
Summary
In summary you can move IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics on the cloud, but like anything, proper planning in advanced is highly recommended. But you don’t have to go it alone. Lodestar Solutions’ team of experts can guide you through what you need to know when moving IBM Cognos & TM1 licensing to a cloud. Just reach out to us at Services@lodestarsolutions.com.