A typical IBM Cognos TM1 architecture usually will be a distributed, client-server design that will consist of TM1 Application Servers running on remote servers that your users can access using a variety of supported client tools.
Cognos TM1 10.1 currently offers the following client tools:
- TM1 Client
- TM1 Perspectives
- TM1 Architect
These tools are the standard TM1 clients and in a normal LAN/WAN environment, these clients all will be installed on the user’s desktop and communicate with the remote server using the TCP/IP network protocol.
TM1 Client
The TM1 (basic) client is accessed through Microsoft Excel as an Add-In and will allow limited access to available TM1 Servers. 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. Since the TM1 Client is limited in functionality, most users will choose to install and use 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.
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. 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.
Other Options
Two additional “client tier” options are Cognos Insight and TM1 Performance Modeler.
Cognos Insight
Insight allows you to do data exploration, analysis, what-if scenarios, planning, forecasting, dashboarding, prototyping, etc. You can work in a disconnected and connected mode while leveraging the full power of your machine since it runs in-memory.
TM1 Performance Modeler
Performance Modeler provides visual tools to build and maintain models that use TM1 dimensions, cubes, links, and rules. You can also create new applications, assign workflow, and set up security. You can then deploy, administer, and maintain your applications. Performance Modeler also includes guided processes for standard tasks such as data import and deploying your models.
Client Machine Requirements
Since the standard client tools are Client and Perspectives – and both require MS Excel – it is recommended that your client machine configurations start based upon the suggested minimal requirements to run MS Office. From there, additional RAM and processor speed is recommended, especially for those looking to take full advantage of Cognos Insight and Performance Modeler.
These are outlined below:
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