Glossary

This glossary provides terms and definitions for IBM® Cognos® Business Intelligence software and products.

The following cross-references are used in this glossary:

See refers you from a nonpreferred term to the preferred term or from an abbreviation to the spelled-out form.
See also refers you to a related or contrasting term.

For other terms and definitions, see the IBM Terminology website (opens in new window).

A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W

A

access permission: A privilege that permits the access or use of an object.
accountability scorecard: A scorecard that Metric Studio automatically builds for each user which contains the metrics and projects they own.
active report: A report output type that provides a highly interactive and easy-to-use managed report that users can consume offline. Active reports are built for business users, allowing them to explore their data and derive additional insight.
agent: A process that performs an action on behalf of a user or other program without user intervention or on a regular schedule, and reports the results back to the user or program.
alias: An alternative name used instead of a primary name.
AnalyticsZone: An IBM online community for business analytics. Users can download products and extensible visualizations, view publications and training materials, learn about upcoming IBM events, and perform other functions.
anonymous access: A type of access that allows users and servers to access a server without first authenticating with it.
application tier component: For installation, the set of processors that access the query databases to gather information and then render the results as PDF and HTML reports and metrics. Application tier components also pass requests to Content Manager and render the results that Content Manager retrieves from the content store.
attribute: In BI Modeling, a characteristic of an entity which is descriptive rather than a unique identifier or an aggregative measure.
authentication (AuthN): The process of validating the identity of a user or server.
authentication provider: The communication mechanism to an external authentication source. Functionalities, such as user authentication, group membership, and namespace searches, are made available through authentication providers.
AuthN: See authentication.

B

burst: To create several report results by running a single report once. For example, the user can create a report that shows sales for each employee, and run it once, sending different results to regional managers by bursting on region.
burst key: The dimension or level of a query in the report specification that is used to create, or burst, a set of report results.

C

CA

See certificate authority.

calculated member

A member of a dimension whose measure values are not stored but are calculated at run time using an expression.

canvas

An area within a dashboard or workspace that users interact with to create, view, and manipulate content and data.

capability

A group of functions and features that can be hidden or revealed to simplify the user interface. Capabilities can be enabled or disabled by changing preference settings, or they can be controlled through an administration interface.

cardinality

For relational data sources, a numerical indication of the relationship between two query subjects, query items, or other model objects.
For OLAP data sources, the number of members in a hierarchy. The cardinality property for a hierarchy is used to assign solve orders to expressions.

cascading prompt

A prompt that uses values from a previous prompt to filter the values in the current prompt or pick list.

certificate

In computer security, a digital document that binds a public key to the identity of the certificate owner, thereby enabling the certificate owner to be authenticated. A certificate is issued by a certificate authority and is digitally signed by that authority. See also certificate authority.

certificate authority (CA)

A component that issues certificates to each computer on which components are installed.

CGI

See Common Gateway Interface.

cipher suite

The combination of authentication, key exchange algorithm, and the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cipher specification used for the secure exchange of data.

class style

A combination of formatting characteristics, such as font, font size, and border, that the user names and stores as a set.

CM

See Content Manager.

Common Gateway Interface (CGI)

An Internet standard for defining scripts that pass information from a web server to an application program, through an HTTP request, and vice versa.

compatible query mode (CQM)

The query processing mode that is consistent with version 8.4.1 of Cognos Business Intelligence, and that is maintained for upgrade success. See also dynamic query mode.

condition

An expression that can be evaluated as true, false, or unknown. It can be expressed in natural language text, in mathematically formal notation, or in a machine-readable language.

constraint

A security specification that denies one or more users the ability to access a model component or to perform a modeling or authoring task.
A restriction on the possible values that users can enter in a field.

contact

A named email address to which reports and agent e-mails can be sent. Contacts are never authenticated.

content locale

A code that is used to set the language or dialect used for browsers and report text, and the regional preferences, such as formats for time, date, money, money expressions, and time of day.

Content Manager (CM)

The service that retrieves information from the content store, and saves information to the content store.

content store

A repository that is used to hold specifications of reports, models, and data sources.

CQM

See compatible query mode.

credential

A set of information that grants a user or process certain access rights.

cube

A multidimensional representation of data needed for online analytical processing, multidimensional reporting, or multidimensional planning applications.

custom set

In Analysis Studio, a named object which can include filter rules, calculations, and sort rules. Custom sets can define a set of members that is different from any set originally defined in the cube model. See also predefined set, set.

D

dashboard: A web page that can contain one or more widgets that graphically represent business data.
data source: The source of data itself, such as a database or XML file, and the connection information necessary for accessing the data.
data source connection: The named information that defines the type of data source, its physical location, and any sign-on requirements. A data source can have more than one connection.
data tree: See metadata tree.
deployment: The process of moving an application (such as a report or model) to a different instance. For example, reports are often created in a test environment and then deployed to production. When an application is deployed, it is exported, transferred, and imported.
deployment archive: A file used for deployment. A deployment archive contains the data from the content store that is being moved.
deployment specification: A definition of what objects to move (deploy) between a source and target environment, the deployment preferences, and the archive name. Deployment specifications are used for import and export.
derived index: A calculated metric that provides a status and a score based on other metrics.
details-based set: A set based on an item and its immediate details. See also set.
dimension: A broad grouping of descriptive data about a major aspect of a business, such as products, dates, or locations. Each dimension includes different levels of members in one or more hierarchies and an optional set of calculated members or special categories.
dimensional data source: A data source containing data modeled using OLAP multidimensional concepts, including dimensions, hierarchies, and measures.
dimensional modeled relational data (DMR): Metadata that has been modeled to present relational data (tables, columns, joins) as dimensions (members, measures).
DMR: See dimensional modeled relational data.
DQM: See dynamic query mode.
drill down: In a multidimensional representation of data, to access information by starting with a general category and moving downwards through the hierarchy of information, for example from Years to Quarters to Months.
dynamic cube: An in-memory multidimensional representation of a subset of a data warehouse.
dynamic query mode (DQM): A Java-based query execution mode that provides native access to data sources. It optimizes queries to address query complexity and large data volumes. It provides advanced query capabilities, such as in-memory caching, that benefits query planning, execution, and results. See also compatible query mode.

E

encryption: In computer security, the process of transforming data into an unintelligible form in such a way that the original data either cannot be obtained or can be obtained only by using a decryption process.
event: A change to a state, such as the completion or failure of an operation, business process, or human task, that can trigger a subsequent action, such as persisting the event data to a data repository or invoking another business process.
event key: A combination of data items that uniquely defines an event instance. Identifying an event instance enables the agent to determine if it is new, ongoing or stopped.
event list: The set of detected event instances evaluated by the task execution rules to determine which agent tasks should be performed.

F

fact: See measure.

G

gateway: An extension of a web server program that transfers information from the web server to another server. Gateways are often CGI programs, but may follow other standards such as ISAPI and Apache modules.
glyph: The actual shape (bit pattern, outline) of a character image. For example, italic A and roman A are two different glyphs representing the same underlying character. Strictly speaking, any two images which differ in shape constitute different glyphs. In this usage, glyph is a synonym for character image, or simply image (The Unicode Standard - Version 1.0).
group: A collection of users who can share access authorities for protected resources.
grouping: In reporting, the process of organizing identical values of query items together and only displaying the value once.

H

hierarchy: The organization of a set of entities into a tree structure, with each entity (except the root) having one or more parent entities and an arbitrary number of child entities.

I

information card: A display of high-level information about dashboard, workspace, or report content, such as owner, contact information, date modified, and an optional thumbnail view of the dashboard, workspace, or report.
information pane: In Analysis Studio, a pane that helps the user to confirm their selection in the data tree by displaying related information, such as the level and attributes.
initiative: A task developed to achieve objectives or close the gap between performance and targets. Initiatives are associated with individual objectives and often known as projects, actions, or activities.
item: See member.

J

job: A group of runnable objects, such as reports, agents, and other jobs that the user runs and schedules as a batch.
job step: The smallest part of a job that can be run separately. A job step can be a report or it can be another job.

L

layout: The arrangement of displayed matter on a screen or page, such as including margins, line spacing, type specification, header and footer information, and indents.
lease key: A timed encryption mechanism that governs authenticated access to stored content on a mobile device.
level: A set of entities or members that form one section of a hierarchy in a dimension and represent the same type of object. For example, a geographical dimension might contain levels for region, state, and city.
locale: A setting that identifies language or geography and determines formatting conventions such as collation, case conversion, character classification, the language of messages, date and time representation, and numeric representation.
local storage: A device accessed directly (without telecommunications) from the user's system, where information can be retained and later retrieved.

M

macro: A fragment of code that can be inserted in a number of locations in models and reports, such as calculation and filter expressions and SQL statements. Macros can include references to session parameters, parameter maps, parameter map entries, and use functions to dynamically customize applications. With macros, a single report can address different business scenarios.
MDX: See Multidimensional Expression Language.
measure: A performance indicator that is quantifiable and used to determine how well a business is operating. For example, measures can be Revenue, Revenue/Employee, and Profit Margin percent.
member: A unique item within a hierarchy. For example, Camping Equipment and 4 Man tent are members of the Products hierarchy.
metadata tree: Within a studio, a structure that contains objects such as query subjects, query items, dimensions, levels, and members. A metadata tree is used as a palette of the available data that can be inserted into calculations, filters, display areas, and other authoring gestures.
metric: A measurement that assesses a key area of a business.
metric extract: A set of mappings between an existing Cognos data source and a Metric Studio object or value. For example, a cube measure named Revenue is mapped to a Metric Studio metric named Revenue Actual Value.
metric package: In Cognos Connection, a representation of a Metric Studio application. A metric package contains connection information, reports, and metric management tasks for that application. See also package.
metric store: A database that contains content for metric packages. A metric store also contains Metric Studio settings, such as user preferences.
metric type: A category of metrics that defines the business rules such as performance pattern, units, and meaning of a group of metrics. For example, Revenue can be a metric type, and European Revenue and North American Revenue would be metrics of this type.
model: A physical or business representation of the structure of the data from one or more data sources. A model describes data objects, structure, and grouping, as well as relationships and security. In Cognos BI, a model is created and maintained in Framework Manager. The model or a subset of the model must be published to the Cognos server as a package for users to create and run reports.
multidimensional data source: See dimensional data source.
Multidimensional Expression Language (MDX): A query language for dimensional sources.

N

named set: See predefined set.
namespace: A part of the model in which the names may be defined and used. Within a namespace, each name has a unique meaning.
news item: A single entry in a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) compatible format. It can include a headline, text, and a link to more information. A news item task in an agent can be used to create news items for display in a Cognos Connection portlet.

O

object: In Report Studio, an empty information container that can be dragged to a report from the Toolbox tab and then filled with data. Reports are made up of objects, which include crosstabs, text items, calculations, graphics, and tables.
object extract: An extract that defines the metadata for a Metric Studio object, such as a user defined column, a scorecard, or a data source.

P

package

A subset of a model, which can be the whole model, to be made available to the Cognos server. See also metric package.

page set

In Report Studio, a set of one or more designed pages which repeat in the report output for each instance of a chosen query item. See also set.

passport

Session-based information, stored and encrypted in Content Manager memory, regarding authenticated users. A passport is created the first time a user accesses Cognos 8, and it is retained until a session ends, either when the user logs off or after a specified period of inactivity.

personal identification number (PIN)

In Cryptographic Support, a unique number assigned by an organization to an individual and used as proof of identity. PINs are commonly assigned by financial institutions to their customers.

PIN

See personal identification number.

portlet

A reusable component that is part of a web application that provides specific information or services to be presented in the context of a portal.

predefined set

A set of members defined inside an OLAP data source as a list or by an expression. Predefined sets can be used in analysis and report authoring. See also custom set, set.

product locale

The code or setting that specifies which language, regional settings, or both to use for parts of the product interface, such as menu commands.

project

In Metric Designer, a group of extracts. Each extract contains the metadata that is used to populate the Metric Studio data store or to create applications.
In Metric Studio, a task or set of tasks undertaken by a team and monitored on a scorecard. A project tracks dates, resources, and status.

prompt

A report element that asks for parameter values before the report is run.

properties pane

Within a studio, a pane that provides an overview of the properties for selected data. The properties pane can also be used to make several changes and apply them at the same time, instead of repeating several different commands.

publish

In Cognos Business Intelligence, to expose information to the Cognos server so that the data can be used to create reports and other content.

Q

query: A business question formulated in Cognos Business Intelligence in a studio or modeling tool that retrieves data from a data source.
query item: A named reference in a model or report to a database column, a calculation, or a query item in another query subject.
query subject: A named collection of query items that are functionally related. This is conceptually similar to a query which is defined to a database or view.

R

Rapidly Adaptive Visualization Engine (RAVE)

A system for the general visualization of all forms of data. RAVE is embedded within IBM Cognos Business Intelligence, and provides the ability for innovative and interactive visualizations.

RAVE

See Rapidly Adaptive Visualization Engine.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS)

An XML file format for syndicated web content that is based on the Really Simple Syndication specification (RSS 2.0). The RSS XML file formats are used by Internet users to subscribe to websites that have provided RSS feeds. See also Rich Site Summary.

repeater

In Report Studio, a cell container that repeats values within itself with no predefined internal structure.

repeater table

In Report Studio, a table-like container that repeats cells across and down the page or row in the associated query.

report

A set of data deliberately laid out to communicate business information. See also report specification.

report output

The output produced as a result of executing a report specification against a data set.

report specification

An executable definition of a report, including query and layout rules, which can be combined with data to produce a report output. See also report.

report view

A reference to another report that has its own properties, such as prompt values, schedules, and results. Report views can be used to share a report specification instead of making copies of it.

response file

A file that can be customized with the setup and configuration data that automates an installation. During an interactive installation, the setup and configuration data must be entered, but with a response file, the installation can proceed without any intervention.

reverse proxy

An IP-forwarding topology where the proxy is on behalf of the back-end HTTP server. It is an application proxy for servers using HTTP.

Rich Site Summary (RSS)

An XML-based format for syndicated web content that is based on the RSS 0.91 specification. The RSS XML file formats are used by Internet users to subscribe to websites that have provided RSS feeds. See also Really Simple Syndication.

RSS

See Rich Site Summary.
See Really Simple Syndication.

S

score: A number or ranking that expresses applicability in relation to a standard.
scorecard: A collection of metrics representing the performance of one unit or aspect of an organization.
scorecard structure: The hierarchy of scorecards that reflects how an enterprise organizes its metrics.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): A security protocol that provides communication privacy. With SSL, client/server applications can communicate in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery. See also certificate authority.
security provider: See authentication provider.
selection-based set: A collection of individual items that the user has explicitly selected. The items or members may be selected from one or more levels of the same hierarchy. See also set.
session: The time during which an authenticated user is logged on.
set: A collection of related items or members. Members in a set may be specifically chosen, or selected by one or more filter rules. In relational query processing, a set is produced by several operations, such as UNION, INTERSECT, and EXCEPT. See also custom set, details-based set, page set, predefined set, selection-based set, stacked set.
SSL: See Secure Sockets Layer.
stacked set: Two or more sets arranged one above another in rows or side-by-side in columns. See also set.
strategy: The overall plan of action (such as for a brand unit, business unit, channel, or company) to achieve a stated goal. Strategies normally cover a period of more than one year.
strategy map: In Metric Studio, a visual representation of the strategy and the objectives of that strategy for an organization. For example, a strategy map may show employees how their jobs are aligned to the overall objectives of the organization.
summary: In reporting and analysis, an aggregate value that is calculated for all the values of a particular level or dimension. Examples of summaries include total, minimum, maximum, average, and count.

T

task: An action performed by an agent if the event status meets the task execution rules. For example, an agent can send an email, publish a news item, or run a report.
task execution rule: A user-specified option within an agent that determines which statuses and values cause a task to be run. It determines which tasks to execute for each event instance.
template: In report authoring, a reusable report layout or style that can be used to set the presentation of a query or report.
thumbnail: An icon-sized rendering of a larger graphic image that permits a user to preview the image without opening a view or graphical editor.
TLS: See Transport Layer Security.
Transport Layer Security (TLS): A set of encryption rules that uses verified certificates and encryption keys to secure communications over the Internet. TLS is an update to the SSL protocol.
tuple: An ordered collection of two or more members from different dimensions. For example, the tuple (2007, Camping Equipment, Japan) returns the value for the intersection of the three members: 2007, Camping Equipment, and Japan. Tuples can be used to filter and sort data, and to create calculations.

U

union set: See stacked set.
user: Any individual, organization, process, device, program, protocol, or system that uses the services of a computing system.
user-defined column: In metric management, a column used to represent a value other than the actual or target. It may be an industry benchmark or any other useful additional numerical information for a period, including a calculation based on the other values of the metric. User-defined columns may be different for each metric type.
user interface profile: A profile that defines the default behavior, set of features, and the functionality that is available to a user in the Report Studio and Cognos Workspace Advanced user interfaces.

V

virtual private network (VPN): An extension of a company intranet over the existing framework of either a public or private network. A VPN ensures that the data that is sent between the two endpoints of its connection remains secure.
visualization bundle: A compressed file that contains information required for report authors to add an extensible visualization to reports.
visualization library: A collection of extensible visualizations that are imported into IBM Cognos Administration for use in Report Studio and Cognos Workspace Advanced.
VPN: See virtual private network.

W

watch list: A list of metrics that each user has chosen to monitor closely. If notification is enabled in Metric Studio, the user will receive email notification of changes to these metrics. Users can also choose to display their watch list as a portlet within Cognos Connection.
watch rule: A user-defined condition that determines whether a report is delivered to the user. When the rule is run, the output is evaluated and, if it satisfies the condition or rule, the report is delivered by email or news item. Watch rules limit report delivery to those reports containing data of significance to the user.
Web Services for Remote Portlets: A standard for creating presentation-oriented web services so that they can be easily integrated within other applications, such as web portals.
widget: A portable, reusable application or piece of dynamic content that can be placed into a web page, receive input, and communicate with an application or with another widget.
work area: The area within a studio that contains the report, analysis, query, or agent currently being used.
workspace: See dashboard.