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- Herausgeber: Packt Publishing
- Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
- Sprache: Englisch
IBM Cognos TM1 is enterprise planning software that provides a complete, dynamic environment for developing timely, reliable and personalized forecasts and budgets. It is a real time, in memory tool that helps any sized business perform planning, budgeting and forecasting as well as other financial exercises.
This book prepares you to master COG-310 certification using an example-driven method that is easy to understand.
The IBM Cognos TM1 Developer's Certification guide provides key technical details and background to clear the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (test COG-310) certification exam.
This certification book covers all the modules of the certification clearly and in depth.
The initial chapters cover in detail the components that make up Cognos TM1 and designing and creating dimensions and cubes. The book then dives deep into basic and advanced scripting using TurboIntegrator and then we learn to understand and write basic Rules. We then learn about the drill-through functionality of TM1, virtual and lookup cubes and lastly Time, and presenting and reporting data
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Seitenzahl: 307
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012
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Table of Contents
IBM Cognos TM1 Developer's Certification Guide
IBM Cognos TM1 Developer's Certification Guide
Copyright © 2012 Packt Publishing
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews.
Every effort has been made in the preparation of this book to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the information contained in this book is sold without warranty, either express or implied. Neither the author nor Packt Publishing, and its dealers and distributors will be held liable for any damages caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this book.
Packt Publishing has endeavored to provide trademark information about all of the companies and products mentioned in this book by the appropriate use of capitals. However, Packt Publishing cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
First published: April 2011
Production Reference: 1180412
Published by Packt Publishing Ltd. Livery Place 35 Livery Street Birmingham B3 2PB, UK.
ISBN 978-1-84968-490-3
www.packtpub.com
Cover Image by David Gimenez ( <[email protected]>)
Credits
Author
James D. Miller
Reviewers
Abhishek Sanghani
Sameer Sheth
Acquisition Editor
Rukshana Khambatta
Development Editor
Hyacintha D'Souza
Technical Editor
Prasad Dalvi
Project Coordinator
Alka Nayak
Proofreader
Kevin McGowan
Indexer
Rekha Nair
Graphics
Manu Joseph
Production Coordinator
Alwin Roy
Cover Work
Alwin Roy
About the Author
James D. Miller has been in the IBM Cognos TM1 consulting practice since 2004 with a primary focus on architectural design, development, and implementation of business performance management projects from inception through implementation, including the Rapid Assessment and Design (RAD) process, full-scale system design, project management, technical leadership, evaluations, and team building. Overall, he has over 30 years of relevant experience in business management, systems design and implementation, data rationalization, and proven project delivery. His key roles have been Senior Solutions Architect, Project Manager, Team and Technical Leader, and Mentor. He has also spent time as a Technical Instructor and Trainer.
James currently owns IBM certifications including IBM Certified Developer - Cognos TM1 (perfect 100 percent score on exam), IBM Certified Business Analyst - Cognos TM1, IBM Cognos TM1 Master 385 Certification (perfect 100 percent score on exam), and IBM Certified Advanced Solution Expert - Cognos TM1.
Heartfelt thanks to three very special women—Nanette, Shelby, and Paige who each in their own way contributed and supported me, and therefore, this book—Thanks!
About the Reviewer
Abhishek Sanghani majored in Computer Engineering and began his career in 2004 as a Business Intelligence and Cognos Consultant. He has worked with leading IT and Finance Services companies since then.
He pursued a Finance Management degree along with his work in the field of Cognos and BI, successfully winning awards and certifications year after year. Presently, he is working in the United Kingdom, utilizing his skills of Cognos, SQL, BI, and Data Warehousing. In his free time, he writes technical blogs and also provides training on demand.
He wrote his first book, IBM Cognos 8 Report Studio Cookbook, with Packt Publishing. This book covers many basic to advanced features of Report Authoring. It begins by bringing readers on the same platform and introducing the fundamental features useful across any level of reporting. Then it progresses to advanced techniques and tricks to overcome Report Studio 8 limitations.
I find this book a very useful and systematic guide to learn TM1 and prepare for the certification exam. It was a great pleasure to review this book. Thanks to James D. Miller for producing such useful work and to Packt Publishing for giving me this opportunity to review. I hope my feedback proved useful.
I would also like to thank my lovely wife Dolly for all her support.
Blog: www.BIandCognos.blogspot.com
Sameer Sheth has worked as a Solution-Oriented Business Intelligence Specialist with over a decade of experience in implementing Enterprise Performance Management, Business Intelligence, and Data Warehousing solutions across the Oil and Gas industry, Education Sector, Retail, Financial Spectrum, Health Care, and Airline Industry.
It is a treat to have an opportunity to formally express appreciation to Shruthi Sheth, my love, who has always been beside me during the ups and downs of life.
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Preface
This book attempts to provide some general information about certification, specifics of the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam, as well as gives a focused review of key material on the topics that you will need to master to successfully pass the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam and earn your certification.
The chapters in this book are based upon the current certification exam topics and each will:
Certification
Certification refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person, or organization—Wikipedia.
As stated on www.technicalcertifications.net:
A technical certification is like a diploma, it's proof that you have the technical expertise in a particular subject area. Much like how you'd get a diploma from a college after you've demonstrated competency in the subject matter, you get a technical certification when you've passed the certification's exam.
Professional certification formally verifies and validates that an individual has met (at least) the minimal requirements for using the tool or technology he or she becomes certified in.
Typically, obtaining a certification will require both an in-depth knowledge of a tool or technology as well as practical working experience with that tool or technology.
Benefits of certification
There can be many benefits of obtaining a professional certification. Some of them are specified in this section.
Self assessment of skills
Studying for and taking a certification exam is an experience that will provide in-depth self assessment and allow you to verify your areas of excellence and skill levels using the various features of IBM Cognos TM1.
An honest self assessment will play a key role in building your confidence to participate in or even lead complicated TM1 projects throughout your career.
Know what you know
Certification testing will allow you to clearly indentify the areas of knowledge that you are (possibly) already an expert in. Again, verifying what you already know is another great confidence builder!
Identify your areas of weakness
Certification preparation and testing will help you identify the area (or areas) where you have the least amount of expertise. These will be areas where you know it is best to acquire additional information and proficiency, before taking on that high-visibility TM1 project that might be coming up.
Resume builder
In today's job market, it has become increasingly advantageous for you to earn and maintain as many credible technical certifications as possible. Passing the Cognos TM1 certification exam lets everyone in the industry know that you are a member of a select group of professionals that have mastered the tool and technology and are ready to perform.
Acceptance and credibility in the Industry
Adding the IBM Cognos TM1 certification to your list of achievements and accomplishments proves to your current employer as well as prospective employers that you take your trade seriously and can be counted on to know how to use the tool or technology effectively, efficiently, and expertly.
Additionally, certification establishes credibility with your industry peers.
Increase overall proficiency with tool
The certification journey (preparing for and taking the exam) can increase your overall level of expertise with the tool and technology— moving you from beginner to journeyman, journeyman to expert, or expert to master.
Improvement of the tool
Your participation in the certification process is a way to take part in the promotion of standards and excellence within the industry.
Prestige
IBM holds the certification of professionals in the highest regard. According to a recent release on www-03.ibm.com/certify/policy:
IBM Professional Certification is a valuable credential. To achieve the status of an IBM Certified Professional requires an investment of both time and money. It is our goal to maintain the integrity and security of IBM certification, as well as the respect associated with IBM Professional Certification. Therefore, IBM is committed to established policies aimed at protecting your investment and the integrity of the program.
The certification exam
As stated on www-03.ibm.com/certify:
The IBM Cognos TM1 Developer exam covers key concepts, technologies, and functionality of the Cognos products. In preparation for an exam, we recommend a combination of training and hands-on experience, and a detailed review of product documentation.
(Note: The previous exam code for this certification was FPM-310).
Exam specifics
The IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam (as of this writing) follows the same format as most IBM certification exams. The following information describes the test itself in more detail.
Length
As of this writing, the certification exam contains a total of 63 questions.
Format
As of this writing, the certification exam is multiple choice and is given electronically.
(Note: it is not currently accessible via the internet. The candidates appearing for the test must schedule an appointment to take the exam at a certified test facility).
Maximum time allowed
As of this writing, the allowed time for the certification exam allows for a total of 90 (consecutive) minutes.
Once the exam is started, time expends and does not stop until you indicate that you are done with the exam (or the total time allowed is exhausted). Once you begin the exam, if you must take a break, keep in mind that the break does not stop or pause the clock, so be prepared to complete all questions on the exam at a single sitting.
As in a written exam, you have the ability to skip or page forward and back during the time allowed.
There is no advantage for taking less time to complete the exam. Therefore, it is advised that you take the time to go back and check over the questions and answers which you finish early. This will also allow you to make sure that you answered all of the exam questions.
Questions that you do not provide an answer for are marked incorrect and will affect your total score. So, do not leave any unanswered questions! Make an educated guess if you have to!
Topics
As of this writing, the certification exam contains total nine topics. Each topic has an assigned weightage — meaning how much that particular topic is worth in the overall certification exam.
The following topics are currently covered on the exam. The weightage for each topic is provided in the brackets:
Minimal score required to pass
As of this writing, the certification exam has a minimum passing score of 73 percent. Since, the exam has 64 total questions, to obtain a passing score you need to answer at least 45 answers correctly.
Test languages
As of this writing, the certification exam is currently only offered in English.
Location of exam
As of this writing, the certification exam can be taken at any of the many certified testing facilities throughout the world.
A current list of certified faculties can be found online at www.prometric.com.
Note: Prometric is an organization that offers the most extensive, professional, and secure testing network (our channel) in the world where tests are delivered in over 160 countries in over 7,500 locations.
Sample tests
As of this writing, sample exam questions are available online at www-03.ibm.com/certify/tests/samCOG-310.shtml.
These questions and responses are limited in nature but do give you a very general idea of what the certification exam will be like.
Maximum attempts allowed
Although there is currently no maximum number of attempts for taking the IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam, keep in mind that you will be charged in full for each attempt and no refunds are given.
Training
The IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam requires both competency in TM1 as well as a thorough working knowledge of each of the major TM1 components.
This book should be used as a resource to obtain the core knowledge required to successfully pass the certification exam.
Additional research is left as an exercise for the reader.
Working experience
In addition to core knowledge, it is advised that at least some practical working experience with IBM Cognos TM1 should be acquired. Completing at least some basic development tasks in a real world environment goes a long way in preparing you for the certification testing.
What this book covers
Chapter 1, The Components of TM1, will identify and discuss each of the components of IBM Cognos TM1 that are covered in the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam.
Chapter 2, Dimensions and Cubes, will discuss the most basic Cognos TM1 objects—Cubes and Dimensions.
Chapter 3, TurboIntegrator (TI), will explain the purpose and use of Cognos TM1 TurboIntegrator.
Chapter 4, Rules, will review the information pertaining to TM1 Rules that is important to understand when taking the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam, including the advantages of using Rules versus TurboIntegrator as well as basic rule construction fundamentals.
Chapter 5, Advanced Techniques for TI Scripting, will discuss advanced techniques for TurboIntegrator scripting in regards to the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam.
Chapter 6, Drill-through, will discuss the Cognos TM1 drill-through functionality in regards to the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam. We will go over what it is, how it works, and how to construct an application with drill-through capabilities.
Chapter 7, Virtual and Lookup Cubes, will explain the definition and purpose of both virtual and lookup cubes in Cognos TM1 in regards to the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam.
Chapter 8, Time Considerations, will discuss the importance and use of the time dimension in Cognos TM1 in regards to the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam.
Chapter 9, Data Presentation and Reporting, will identify techniques for presenting and reporting on data in a TM1 application in regards to the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam.
What you need for this book
Access to TM1 Server and Client software is recommended but not required. It is important to have access to the internet to be able to access TM1 documentation before taking the certification exam.
Who this book is for
This book is intended for someone who has a basic working knowledge of Cognos TM1 and is interested in obtaining a developers level certification.
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To send us general feedback, simply send an e-mail to <[email protected]>, and mention the book title through the subject of your message.
If there is a topic that you have expertise in and you are interested in either writing or contributing to a book, see our author guide on www.packtpub.com/authors.
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Questions
You can contact us at <[email protected]>if you are having a problem with any aspect of the book, and we will do our best to address it.
Chapter 1. The Components of TM1
In this chapter we will identify and discuss each of the components of IBM Cognos TM1 that are covered in the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam. The current exam assigns a weightage of 3 percent to this topic.
The components of TM1 are divided into two basic types which are:
Most of these components are installed by default with a standard installation of the product, but some are not.
A standard installation is when you run the provided installation package for the version of the Cognos TM1 product you have purchased and select all of the default (already checked or selected) options.
It is also important to know that a standard install will use the following default (and recommended) values:
Admin server port number
5495
SSL port number
5498
TM1 Server port number
12345
TM1 Client message port number
Whatever the next available port number is on the installation machine
TM1 Server name
SData
Admin server host name
Installation machine name
Sample data directory for TM1 Server
C:\Program Files\Cognos\TM1\Custom\TM1Data\PlanSamp
Sample data directory for TM1 Perspectives/TM1 Architect
C:\Program Files\Cognos\TM1\Custom\TM1Data\Pdata
Security mode
TM1 Authentication
Each of the TM1 components has a particular purpose and use.
The discussion in this chapter will relate to the functionality and features of the components as it relates to the certification exam and is not meant to be a complete or exhaustive information source.
The components of TM1
First we'll get introduced to the client components of Cognos TM1.
Client components
Client components allow access to the TM1 Servers. During a default installation, the following Client components will be installed:
What we mean by OLE DB Provider is simply an external software component that enables TM1 to have specialized access to OLAP data sources such as Microsoft Analysis Services and it is not directly referenced in the current IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam, so we will not spend time on it.
Note
All of the client components can be installed on a user (client) machine as well as the (server) machine that the TM1 server components are installed. There is an advantage in having at least one client component installed on a server machine for debugging purposes, however some installation polices may inhibit this practice.
TM1 Client
The TM1 (basic) client is accessed through Microsoft Excel as an Add-In and will allow limited access to available TM1 Servers.
As a Cognos TM1 developer, you should know that a Microsoft Excel Add-In is a file that Excel can load when it starts up. The file contains program code that adds additional functionality to Excel, usually in the form of new functions.
TM1 Client does not allow administrative access to any TM1 Servers. It does not offer the ability to set up and run a local TM1 Server.
During the installation, a local version of TM1 Server is installed and can be accessed by TM1 Client, TM1 Perspectives, or TM1 Architect. A local TM1 Server gives you exclusive (administrative) access to data and objects in a set of Windows folders called data directories. During a TM1 Client session, only you can create, browse, and modify data or objects that a local server stores. You can also control where the data directories should be located.
Since the TM1 Client is limited in functionality, most users will choose to install and use TM1 Perspectives (TM1 Client is not covered in the exam, but you should at least be aware that it exists and what functionality it offers).
Note
During a default installation, TM1 Client and TM1 Perspectives are both installed. Upon loading of the TM1 Add-In in Microsoft Excel, if no valid TM1 Perspectives license file (.lic) is found, you can only start and run TM1 Client even though you have installed TM1 Perspectives.
TM1 Perspectives
As with TM1 Client, TM1 Perspectives is loaded and runs as an Add-In to Microsoft Excel.
With TM1 Perspectives, you can access data within TM1 Servers and you can also create and maintain TM1 objects and data on both local and remote TM1 Servers.
Note
It is important to be aware of the fact that with each installation of TM1 Client and TM1 Perspectives, a "personal configuration" file named Tm1p.ini is installed.
This file is used to configure the settings for the behavior of the Add-In file within Microsoft Excel.
During a TM1 installation, you can choose to automatically load TM1 Perspectives (or TM1 Client) when Excel starts. Don't worry, if you missed this during the installation, you can perform the following easy steps:
When you click on Add-Ins, Microsoft Excel will most likely show you a location where it thinks the TM1P Add-In file exists.
You will almost never find the TM1P file where Excel says it should be, so you will need to browse to the location on your machine where TM1 installed the file as shown in the following screenshot:
The TM1P Add-In file is usually installed during installation to the directory folder Cognos\TM1\bin.
Features of TM1P
The default version of Tm1p.ini allows multiple users to use TM1 on a given computer. Tm1p.ini must be present the first time a user starts TM1 on the computer, as the parameters in the system default version govern the behavior of the initial startup of the TM1 Client for each user.
After a user starts TM1 on the computer, a user-specific copy of Tm1p.ini is created in %APPDATA%\Applix\TM1\Tm1p.ini. In most cases, the full path to the Tm1p.ini file is:
The user-specific copy of Tm1p.ini accepts all parameter settings and changes for the user and governs the behavior of the TM1 Client for all subsequent user sessions of the TM1 Client.
It is important to know how to locate and configure the Tm1p.ini file. As you will find references to the file's purpose and settings of the file in the exam and in practice, you will have occasion to access and update it.
For your users running TM1 Clients on Windows Vista and Windows 7, application data (and therefore the Tm1p.ini file) is stored differently. To locate the .ini file, open a command line prompt, for example - Start | Run | cmd.
Execute the command set APPDATA to discover where the application data (and the Tm1p.ini file) is stored. The directory that is displayed will contain a directory named Applix\TM1 that will contain Tm1p.ini.
Note
The Tm1p.ini file is important because that is where you can set parameters that change the user's TM1 Perspectives experience.
Some of the most interesting (and important) .ini file parameters are:
TM1 Architect
TM1 Architect is a standalone TM1 Client application (meaning that it does not plug in to Microsoft Excel) and is used to create and maintain data and metadata on both local and remote TM1 servers.
Usually, you will see a separate menu item on your computer's desktop for accessing TM1 Architect directly as shown in the following screenshot:
This is a tool that will be used by a TM1 user who is granted at least minimal "administrator" privileges (that is, a developer or programmer type).
It is best to use Architect when focusing on Turbo integrator scripting or possibly checking security assignments because it allows access to these features of TM1 without having to load Microsoft Excel.
Note
You can actually have both TM1 Perspectives and TM1 Architect open and running at the same time on your machine, accessing the same or different TM1 Servers.
Again, TM1 Architect does not hook into Microsoft Excel and cannot be used directly to create and maintain TM1 enabled Excel worksheets.
TM1 API
Along with TM1 Architect, an application programming interface (API) is installed during a default installation. This interface may be used by more experienced developers to create C++ and VB applications that interact with TM1.
Note
The API is not covered in the exam.
During the installation, JAVA and .NET API are also installed.
Server components
TM1 Server components are the "heart" of TM1. These components run on the machine receiving and replying to all requests from TM1 clients.
Unlike the TM1 Client components (discussed above) not all of the TM1 Server components are installed during a default or standard installation.
Note
A single installation of TM1 Server on a server machine can be used to run multiple TM1 Server application processes. But you will need to check your license agreement to determine if multiple servers are legal under your agreement.
The server-side TM1 components are described next.
TM1 Admin Server
The TM1 Admin Server is considered the "parent process" or "hosting process" of all other TM1 processes.
This is the process that keeps track of all other TM1 Server components running on the network. An Admin Server process runs on a computer and is known as the Admin Host.
Note
The term Admin Host is important for the certification exam.
During the installation, the TM1 Admin Server is automatically set up as a machine service for you. TM1 Servers (discussed later in this chapter) must be set up manually to be run as application services.
Note
TM1 Server can be installed and set up as a machine application service on a standalone machine along with the selected client components. This kind of environment is advantageous for active development.
When each TM1 Server starts, that server registers itself with the Admin Server that is running on a specified Admin Host.
TM1 Clients reference the Admin Server to determine which TM1 Servers are available on the network.
