Written by Heather L. Cole, March 23rd, 2023
IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics are powerful business intelligence and planning software solutions that are widely used by businesses of all sizes around the world. These tools help organizations make informed decisions by providing deep insights into their data and enabling them to create accurate and actionable plans. However, maintaining and maximizing the benefits of these solutions requires ongoing support and access to IBM software updates. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of renewing IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics support and why partnering with a value-adding reselling partner like Lodestar Solutions for your renewal can be a better option than going direct from IBM.
Access to IBM Analytics Software Updates
One of the key benefits of renewing IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics support is access to IBM software updates. IBM regularly releases new versions and updates to these solutions to address known issues, enhance existing functionality, and introduce new features. With an active support renewal agreement, you will gain access to these updates, ensuring that you are always running the latest and most secure version of the software. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and ensure that you are getting the most value from your investment. See our latest blogs written by one of our Lodestar Consultants on the lates releases of IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics.
Moreover, access to IBM software updates is crucial to maintain the security and stability of these solutions. Not that long ago the world discovered the vulnerabilities of Log4J. IBM and most software companies were affected. See our blog, 911 – Log4j Security Risk Affects IBM Planning Analytics, Cognos.
By having an active support renewal agreement for IBM support, clients were able to apply fixes.
IBM continuously monitors and identifies security vulnerabilities in its software and releases security patches to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Without support renewal, clients risk running outdated and potentially vulnerable software that may be at risk of cyberattacks. See this link for more reasons on why it is important to renew your IBM Support.
Ability to Log IBM Support Tickets
Another key benefit of renewing IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics support is the ability to log support tickets. Inevitably, clients will encounter issues or questions while using these solutions, and it is critical to have timely and effective support to resolve these issues. With an active support renewal, clients can log support tickets and receive help from IBM's support team. IBM’s support experts have access to a huge database of reported issues which helps you get a faster resolution. This support can be invaluable, especially if you are facing a critical issue that is impacting your business operations.
Moreover, logging support tickets can help clients identify and address issues proactively, minimizing downtime and improving the overall reliability and performance of these solutions. By renewing support, clients can have peace of mind that they have access to timely and effective support whenever they need it.
Partnering with a Value-Adding Reselling Partner like Lodestar Solutions
While renewing IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics support is critical to maintaining and maximizing the benefits of these solutions, clients can further enhance their experience by partnering with a value-adding reselling partner like Lodestar Solutions.
Private User Group
Lodestar Solutions provides all support renewal clients access to Lodestar Solutions’ Private Client only User Groups held quarterly. These events are virtual through Zoom and allows clients to connect with other users, share best practices and tips, and learn about new features and enhancements. This is a great opportunity for clients to network with other users and gain valuable insights into how other organizations are using these solutions. Mike Bernaiche and Heather Cole lead these events and always inspire and energize attendees. For clients that can’t make the live events, Lodestar offers access to their client only library of user group recordings.
Licensing Reviews
Additionally, Lodestar Solutions provides regular licensing reviews to ensure clients are compliant and in the optimal licensing model. This is important because non-compliance can lead to legal issues and hefty fines, which can negatively impact the bottom line. Let’s be honest, IBM Licenses can be confusing! What the Heck is a PVU anyway? See our blog, What the Heck is an IBM Cognos PVU? But don’t let the licensing frustrate you. Lodestar’s team has been decoding IBM Analytic licensing for decades and can hep you understand what you own.
Lodestar also evaluates clients’ licenses to see if IBM has released a new licensing model that is more advantageous for the client. This ensures that clients are only paying for what they need and are not overspending on unnecessary licenses.
In the event a client receives an audit letter from IBM, Lodestar Solutions will answer any questions and help ensure you are ready for the audit.
Client Discounts on Technical Upgrades
Furthermore, Lodestar Solutions offers a discount on technical upgrade consulting. This can be particularly helpful when clients need to upgrade to the latest version of these solutions but may not have the internal expertise or available resources to do so.
Lodestar Solutions offers clients upgrade bundles to help clients ensure they are on the latest release. For more information see our earlier blog Solving the IBM Cognos Upgrade Challenge, or email Services@lodestarsolutions.com to schedule a discussion of your unique situation.
Renewing Your IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics Support with Lodestar Solutions
By partnering with Lodestar Solutions, clients can save money, while ensuring a smooth and successful upgrade. Lodestar Solutions’ clients know they are not alone and that someone has their back. Lodestar Solutions has a team of experienced and certified consultants who can provide ongoing support and help clients address any issues or questions they may have. By partnering with Lodestar Solutions, clients can focus on their core business while relying on an experienced partner to help them get the most out of their IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics solutions.
In Conclusion
Renewing IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics support is critical to maintaining and maximizing the benefits of these solutions. With an active support renewal, clients can access IBM software updates and log support tickets, ensuring they have access to the latest features and timely support. But by partnering with a value-adding reselling partner like Lodestar Solutions, you can take your analytics to an entirely new level. So, let’s chat about your support renewal! Email us at Renewals@lodestarsolutions.com and set up a complimentary call about your support needs.