DB2 Cube Views: A Primer

Chapter 11. Accessing DB2 dimensional data using Cognos 541

11.7 Conclusion: benefits

The Cognos BI Solution is able to derive immediate benefit from the DB2 Cube

Views. The Cognos DB2 Dimensional Metadata Wizard connects directly to DB2

DB2 Cube Views, and extracts the metadata, mirroring it to the Cognos BI

Solution. Dimensions, measures, and hierarchies are replicated, providing

extensibility to the DB2 Cube Views, and the further capability to enhance and

build upon the business value presented by the metadata.

To build the reports in “Scenarios” on page 524, Cognos ran several SQL based

reports leveraging the MQTs and the metadata from DB2 Cube Views. Dramatic

improvements in performance were realized with these reports. The architecture

of the Cognos BI Solution leverages the improved query performance with the

use of SQL based Impromptu reports, via drill through and direct query.

Maximum benefit of the MQTs is realized when the SQL reports themselves are

built using the intelligence of the metadata in combination with the definitions of

the MQTs. Optimal performance of the Impromptu report is realized.

The metadata import greatly facilitates the designing and creation of effective

and meaningful MOLAP PowerCubes. PowerCube data population uses

transaction level data, and as MQTs are generally built at summary levels, this

process will not necessarily leverage MQTS. Users navigate large volumes of

summarized data with sub-second response times using PowerCubes.

At the time of this publishing, Cognos was set to release Cognos ReportNet.

Cognos ReportNet was designed and developed to meet the requirements of all

areas of enterprise reporting (ad hoc reporting, managed reporting, production

reporting). ReportNet leverages DB2 Cube Views, providing complete reporting

access.

Cognos offers the widest spectrum of BI capabilities in the industry. Reporting,

analysis, ad hoc query, scorecarding, visualization, and event detection are all

delivered in a seamless BI environment that allows users to navigate integrated

information intuitively and manage business performance from a central portal.

Combined with the metadata management, high speed aggregations, summary

and optimizations of DB2 Cube Views, the complete Cognos-IBM Solution is

sure to meet and exceed customer expectations. Cognos BI embraces and

enhances DB2 Cube Views, extending business value by providing robust and

complete reporting and analysis, scorecarding, planning and monitoring

capabilities.

542 DB2 Cube Views: A Primer

Cognos is the world leader in business intelligence (BI) and performance

planning software for the enterprise. Cognos solutions let companies drive

performance with enterprise planning and budgeting; monitor performance with

enterprise scorecarding; and understand their performance with the reporting

and analysis of Enterprise business intelligence. To help its customers maximize

the value of their investment in Cognos software, the company offers

award-winning support and services available around the world, through support

centers located in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

Founded in 1969, Cognos serves more than 22,000 customers around the world.