1. How does the Cognos 8 platform access data from all my sources?


• A broad information reach. Gain access to all the data, now including IBM Cognos TM1 and IBM Cognos Now!, including wherever it resides, using published interfaces across transaction systems, relational and OLAP warehouses, and flat, legacy, and modern sources.
• Flexible data sourcing. Use the right mix of sourcing strategies — EII federation, ETL, direct, and more — to deliver the right information in the right way.
  
• Data caching. Optimize user performance with EII virtual caching, PowerCubes, and in-memory caching for optimal business performance.
• Single query engine (SQL and MDX). Generate optimized queries using a single, consistent approach while reducing management requirements.
  
  Learn more:
  • Data sourcing
  • IBM Cognos 8 BI Demo: Data Modeler Module
  
  
2. How does the Cognos 8 platform deliver consistent information in terms business users understand?


• A common business model. A single model provides a common understanding and view of the data across all capabilities, locations, and languages.
• Multidimensional PowerCube creation. Model complex dimensional structures, business rules, and apply security needed by the business.
• One model, many packages. Publish sections of your model to different user communities for fast delivery, increased consistency, and less cost and effort.
• Data security. Make the right information accessible to the right users through granular security and role-based restrictions that leverage your security system.
  
  
3. How does the Cognos 8 platform ensure accurate information is used to drive performance?
• Complete data coverage. Includes the cleansing of all data critical to performance management.
• Data quality metrics. Track the health of your data over time and engage business users in the data quality process.
• Profile, parse and standardize. Resolve data issues by finding and fixing anomalies to increase confidence and promote user adoption.
  
  Learn more:
  • Data quality
  • IBM Cognos 8 BI Demo: Data Modeler Module
  
  
4. How does the Cognos 8 platform make data modeling easier?


• Multi-participant modeling. Allows a team to collaborate on different segments of a model and combine the results for a single view.
• Multi-tier modeling with reusable objects. Create separate physical models from business models to decrease the downstream effects of changes and increase consistency.
• Model retargeting. Modify or replace the physical layer of the model - for example, when moving between test and production environments - without disrupting end users.
• Impact analysis. Lets users know when a change to a model has occurred, and tracks change details to ensure minimal impact on users.
• Bidirectional third-party metadata integration. Access any metadata through pre-built bridges with other metadata modeling environments.
• Model Advisor. Provides proven-practice modeling guidelines to identify modeling inconsistencies for faster development.
  
  Learn more:
  • White Paper: Integrating, modeling, and managing data to drive performance
  • Read about IBM Cognos 8 BI capabilities.