
Written by Heather L. Cole, March 3rd 2022
Are you an IBM Planning Analytics TM1 user that has not upgraded in a while? If so, you MUST know that this year several versions of Planning Analytics TM1 are being sunset so they will no longer be supported by IBM. Today we will discuss what IBM Planning Analytics versions are end of life.
This is very important to know because the world has changed, and hackers are evil. We all witnessed security teams scrambling to update Log4j vulnerability in almost every software. For more information check out our recent blog, 911 – Log4j Security Risk Affects IBM Planning Analytics, Cognos…
The best way to stop hackers is to be on a current supported version and be on IBM support.
What IBM Planning Analytic Versions are Sunsetting?
If you are on Planning Analytics versions 2.07 or earlier IBM will no longer support it effective April 30, 2022. If you are on 2.08 IBM will no longer support it after September 30, 2022. And if you are on a Cognos TM1 version 10.2 or earlier you probably already know you have been unsupported since 2019. So, it’s time to upgrade PA! More on that in a minute.
Can you still use TM1 if they sunset your version?
First, it’s important to know if you are on an IBM Planning Analytics TM1 version that is not supported by IBM, you can still use it. For many of you that own “on-premise” licenses you can even use it if you are not paying support, but we don’t recommend that. Read our earlier blog, Consequences of Not Renewing IBM Cognos Support.
IBM will not help you.
However, if you are on an unsupported version of TM1 and something happens, IBM will most likely tell you, you must upgrade PA. And no one wants to upgrade under duress. You might be thinking, “but we haven’t called IBM for support for years.” That may be true, however when issues arise, it typically is not the software. It’s more often that IT upgraded something in your environment and it broke planning analytics. Why? Because new software doesn’t always play well with old software. When this happens, you will need to call IBM. And well, they will tell you to upgrade PA.
What if I can’t upgrade PA?
I appreciate for some of you upgrading your Planning Analytics when the system is down, and you need to get the reports to the executives is not realistic. I appreciate the sense of panic this can create. If you find yourself in this situation, call Lodestar or email services@lodestarsolutions.com with a subject line of 911. Our tech wizards might be able to help get you up and running.
Planning your TM1 upgrade.
The latest version of Planning Analytics is 2.0.9.11 released December 21, 2021 (see link for more info). Lodestar Solutions does recommend getting on this version. There are a few steps you need to think about when you upgrade PA.
- It’s recommended to upgrade PA into a new clean environment.
- You should review your license entitlements to ensure you don’t accidentally violate your license. Email Lodestar to setup a complimentary what the heck do I own session. Services@lodestarsolutions.com.
- Learn the new functionality and plan when you will want to leverage the amazing new features. Email Lodestar to setup a discussion of new functionality at Services@lodestarsolutions.com.
Upgrading does not need to be a stressful experience but preplanning is important. Lodestar Solutions is here to help! We offer many options to help you with your upgrades. We even offer upgrade bundles to make IBM Planning Analytics upgrading assistance more affordable. See our blog, Solving the IBM Planning Analytics Upgrade Challenge.
Take the Next Step.
If you are one of the many whose IBM Planning Analytics versions are end of life or you just want to upgrade to get the new functionality, email us and we can answer all your questions about upgrading Services@lodestarsolutions.com.