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Nipuna Faqs Book
1. INFORMATICA 7.1.1 2 - 17
2. COGNOS EP 7 SERIES 18 - 28
3. COGNOS REPORTNET 29 - 44
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INFORMATICS 7.1.1
3. What is OLAP?
OLAP stands for Online Analytical Processing. It uses database tables (Fact and
Dimension tables) to enable multidimensional viewing, analysis and querying of large amount of
data.
4. What is OLTP?
OLTP stands for Online Transaction Processing Except data warehouse databases the
other databases are OLTPs. These OLTP uses normalized schema structure. These OLTP
databases are designed for recording the daily operations and transactions of a business.
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10. What is Grain of Fact?
The Grain of Fact is defined as the level at which the fact information is stored in a fact
table. This is also called as Fact Granularity or Fact Event Level.
11. What is Factless Fact table?
The Fact Table which does not contains facts is called as Fact Table. Generally when we
need to combine two data marts, then one data mart will have a fact less fact table and other one
with common fact table.
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Data about data is called as Metadata. The Metadata contains the definition of a data.
4
Aggregator Active / Connected Performs aggregate calculations
Application Source Active / Connected Represents the rows that the Power
Qualifier Center Server reads from an application,
such as an ERP source, when it runs a
session.
Custom Active or Passive / Calls a procedure in a shared library or
Connected DLL.
Expression Passive / Connected Calculates a value
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port.
XML Parser Active / Connected Reads XML from one input port and
outputs data to one or more output ports.
XML Source Qualifier Active / Connected Represents the rows that the
PowerCenter Server reads from an XML
source when it runs a session.
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4. Mapplets
5. Mappings
6. Sessions
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• Expand the server and session variables and parameters.
• Verify permissions and privileges
1. DD_INSERT - 0
2. DD_UPDATE - 1
3. DD_DELETE - 2
4. DD_REJECT - 3
DD Stands For Data Driven
53. The Normalizer Transformation is mainly used to extract and format the Cobol files.
54. We can apply “Distinct” clause only in Source Qualifier and Sorter Transformations.
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56. What is Forward Engineering?
Using the Erwin tool the data modeler will convert the .SQL script (logical structure of
tables) into a physical structure tables at the database level, this is called as Forward
Engineering.
58. What are the different sources of Source systems of Data Warehouse?
1. RDBMS
2. Flat Files
3. XML Files
4. SAP R/3
5. PeopleSoft
6. SAP BW
7. Web Methods
8. Web Services
9. Seibel
10. Cobol Files
11. Legacy Systems.
59. You cannot use XML source qualifier in a mapplet and Joiner and Normalizer
Transformations.
61. You cannot use Incremental Aggregation when the mapping includes an aggregator
transformation.
62.While importing source definition the metadata that will be imported are:
1. Source Name
2. Database Location
3. Column Names
4. Data Types
5. Key Constraints
1. Sequential
2. Concurrent
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Tracing level represents the amount of information that Informatica server writes in a log file.
Types of Tracing levels are:
1. Normal
2. Verbose
3. Verbose lnit
4. Verbose Data
69. What is a Data in a database this include the source of tables, the meaning of the keys
and the relationship between the tables.
70. In Conceptual Modeling and Logical modeling the tables are called as entities.
73. What does the Bottom Up Approach or Ralph Kimball Approach says?
The Bottom Down Approach is coined by Ralph Kimball. According to his approach he
says “First we need to develop subject oriented database called as “Data Marts” then integrate all
the Data Marts to develop the Enterprise data warehouse.
74. Who is the first person in the organization to start the Data Warehouse project?
The first person to start the Data Warehouse project in a organization is Business
Analyst.
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3. MOLAP: The OLAP which is responsible for creating multidimensional structures called
cubes are called as MOLAP. Example: Cognos ReportNet.
4. HOLAP: The OLAP which uses the combined features of ROLAP and MOLAP are called
as HOLAP. Example Cognos ReportNet.
87. What are the Direct and Indirect methods in the Flat file extraction?
In the direct method the extract the flat file by using its own meta data. In indirect method
we extract all the flat files by using one flat file’s meta data.
89. What is the basic difference between reusable transformation and mapplet?
Maplets are set of reusable transformation logic and reusable transformations are
created by single transformation logic.
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90. What is Target Load Planer?
The Target Load plan is the order in which we should load the target to implement the
Data Acquisition Process.
98. Which transformation should we use to normalize the COBOL and relational sources?
When you drag the COBOL source into the Designer workspace, the normalized
transformation automatically appears, creating input and output ports for every column in the
source.
99. Which tool you use to create and manage sessions and batches and to monitor and
stop the Informatica server?
Informatica server manager.
100. What are the types of data that passes between Informatica server and stored
procedure?
There are three types of data
1. Input/output parameter
2. Return Values
3. Status code
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The joins supplied by the Joiner Transformation are:
1. Normal Join
2. Master Outer Join
3. Detail Outer Join
4. Full Outer Join
103. What are the designer tools available for creation of Transformations?
1. Mapping Designer
2. Transformation Developer
3. Mapplet Designer
104. What are the basic needs to join two sources in Source Qualifier?
The two source tables should have a primary key – foreign key relationship and the two
source tables should have matching data types.
108. In which circumstances the Informatica creates a reject file (bad file)?
When it encounters the DD_REJECT in Update strategy Transformation
Voilets database constraints file in the rows was truncated or overflowed.
109.In a sequential batch can you run the session if previous session fails?
Yes, by setting the option always runs the session.
113. Can you use the mapping parameters or variables created in one mapping into any
other reusable transformation?
Yes, because reusable transformation is not contained with any mapplet or mapping.
114. Can you use the mapping parameters or variables created in one mapping into
another mapping?
No.
We can use mapping parameters or variables in any transformation of the same mapping
or mapplet in which you have created mapping parameters or variables.
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116. Can you start batches with in a batch?
You cannot. If you wants to start batch that resides in a batch, create a new independent
batch and copy the necessary sessions into the new batch.
119. After dragging the ports of there sources(sql server, oracle, Infomix) to a single
source qualifier, can you map these three ports directly to target?
No, Unless and until you join those three ports I source qualifier you cannot map them
directly.
123. How do you identify existing rows of data in the target table using lookup
transformation?
Can identify existing rows of data using Unconnected transformation.
126. Where should you place the flat file to import the flat file definition to the designer?
Place it in Local folder.
127. What are the settings that you use to configure the joiner transformation?
1. Master and detail source
2. Type of join
3. Condition of the join
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130. What are the joiner caches?
When a Joiner transformation occurs in a session, the Informatica Server reads all the
records from the master source and builds index and data caches bases on the master rows.
After building the caches, the Joiner transformation reads records from the detail source and
performs joins.
131. What are different options uses to configure the sequential batches?
There are two options:
1. Run the session only if previous session completes successfully.
2. Always runs the session.
133. What is difference between stored procedure transformation and external procedure
transformation?
Inner equi join.
134. What is difference between stored procedure will be compiled and external procedure
transformation?
In case of stored procedure transformation procedure will be compiled and executed in a
relational data source. You needs data base connection to import the stored procedure in to
yours mapping. Where as in external procedure transformation procedure or function will be
executed out side of data source. That is you need to make it as a DLL to access in your
mapping. No need to have data base connection in case of external procedure transformation.
135. To achieve the session partition what are the necessary tasks you have to do?
1. Configure the session to partition source data.
2. Install the Informatica server on a machine with multiple CPU’S
138. How many ways you can update a relational source definition?
There are ways you can update a relational source definition:
1. Edit the definition
2. reimport the definition
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2. By promoting the already existing Transformation to reusable from its properties.
143. In which scenario does the Update Strategy Transformation is best suited?
Within a session: When you configure a session, you can instruct the Informatica server
to either treat all records in same way (treat all as insert/treat all as update/treat all as update) or
use instructions coded into the session to flag records for different database operations.
Within a Mapping: Within a mapping, you use the update strategy transformation to flag
records for insert, update or reject.
145. How can you recognize whether or not the data is added in the table in Type – II
dimension?
1. By version number
2. By flag value
3. By effective date range
149. What is the difference between partitioning of relational target and partitioning of file
target?
If you partition a session with a relational target Informatica server creates multiple
connections to the target database to write target data concurrently. If you partition a session with
file target the Informatica server create one target file for each partition.
150. What are the Transformations that restrict the partition of sessions?
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1. Advanced External Transformation
2. External Procedure Transformation
3. Aggregator Transformation
4. Joiner Transformation
5. Normalizer Transformation
6. XML Targets
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Cognos EP7 Series
1. What is Alias Table?
An alternative name for a table generally used in self joins.
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4. Distributed Catalog
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The prompt that are create in the catalog are called as reusable Prompts and the
prompts that are created in the report environment are called as Non reusable prompts.
32. In what ways User Classes can help you control access to data in the database?
1. Limit table access
2. Limit folder access and restrict select values
3. Filter values
4. Set Governor values
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33. What are the privileges and restrictions you can apply in Governor tab page of
catalog?
1. Set restrictions on queries for a user class
2. Grant or deny user privileges
3. Set limits for table retrieval or data retrieval.
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Impromptu is a windows based powerful interactive query and reporting tool that lets you
query data and create sophisticated reports in a easy-to-use and sophisticated desktop interface.
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The Summarized Data includes the type of summary to perform on any data item. We
use Summarized data to see a roll-up view of the data and to perform exploratory analysis of the
data.
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2. By Hotfiles
61. What are ideal circumstances to use Sub Reports and Drill Reports?
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66. What is a Hotfile and what are the uses?
A Hotfile is a file sequential file (not indexed) that holds from a report and acts like a
separate local database table. The Hotfile must be accessed from a catalog. The Hotfile is saved
with .IMS extension. The following are the uses of Hotfile:
To compare historical values
To access subsets of large tables
To speed up processing
To access data from more than one database to create a catalog.
Mark for Insertion Allows you to include the necessary columns in the query data
list and also prevent it form being visible in report
Drill through report Enable users to navigate through a set of associated reports.
Build Crosstab Creates simple to complex crosstab for the sophisticated user.
Nested crosstab Summary information in tabular format where more than one
data item in the rows or columns is present.
Filters Creates simple to complex cross tabs for the sophisticated for
the sophisticated user.
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Stored Procedures Uses code routines from the database to return a result set to
the list report.
71 What is a Join?
A Join identifies the columns from one table that are used to link to another table.
A Join is commonly formed by a foreign key definition within the database.
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76. What is a User-Defined Function (UDF)?
A User – Define Function is a custom function created outside of Impromptu. To provide
access to the UDFs
Create the UDF and place it in the a library
Tell Impromptu where to fine where to fine the library
Add the function declaration to COGUDF.SQL
Add the function name and a list of properties to IMPFUNCT.INI
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Shared Yes Yes No No Yes
Distributed Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
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Cognos Report Net 1.1
1) What is Report Net?
Report Net is the web-based, dynamic, business intelligence reporting solution from
Cognos.
3) Cognos connection:
Use to access all corporate data available in ReportNet.
7) What is a Package?
Package is interfacing between the data base and End user nothing but Business user.
Packages use corporate business rules to define and group the data to be used for
business reporting.
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Frame work manager is an application that runs in Microsoft windows and provides a
model development environment. Frame work manager allows you to develop the Meta data
models called projects. Frame work manager provides Meta data model development
environment to develop the business packages as per the business requirements.
In frame work Manager, you have to interact with a project, with contains:
A. A model
B. Name spaces
C. Data sources
D. Parameter maps
E. Packages
F. Folder
G. Query subject
H. Query item
I. Relation ship
13) What are the phases of the Cognos Report Net workflow?
Plan, Manage, Model, Author, Consume.
The Expression editor lists the function sets for all available vendors. However, you can
restrict the function sets, so that it lists only the vendors that you want to use in your project.
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“select * from [go sales].product”
20) How can you edit the data source query subject?
1 Cognos SQL:
By default Cognos Frame work manager uses Cognos SQL to create and edit Query
subjects.
Advantages:
1. Can contain metadata from multiple data sources.
2. Have fewer database restrictions
3. Interact more effectively with Cognos applications.
Disadvantages:
You can not enter nonstandard SQL.
2 Native SQL:
Native SQL is the SQL, the data source uses, such as Oracle SQL, but you cannot uses
Native SQL in a query subject that references more than one data source in the project.
Advantages:
1. Performance is optimized across all related query subjects.
2. You can use SQL that is specific to your database.
Disadvantages:
1. You cannot use SQL that the data source does not support for sub queries.
2. The query subject may not work on different database type.
3 Pass-Through SQL:
Pass-Through SQL lets you use native SQL without any of the restrictions the data
source imposes on sub queries.
Advantages:
1. You can enter any SQL supported by the database.
Disadvantages:
1. There is no opportunity for Frame work manager to automatically optimize
performance. The SQL may not work on a different data source.
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A security filter controls the data that is shown to report authors when they set up Their
reports.
24) Is there any impact if the package republish with frame work manager to Report Net
server?
No, no reports are impacted, if republish the package.
1. Limited Local: The database server does as much of the SQL processing and
Execution as possible. However, some reports or report sections use local SQL
processing.
2. Database only: The database server does all the SQL processing and execution with
the exception of tasks not supported by the database. An error appears if any reports
of report sections require local SQL processing.
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34) Which component will create a package?
The package will be created by the Report Net administrator and will publish to Cognos
connections.
37) What is the difference between the Frame work manager model and the adhoc query
authors?
Frame Work Manager model Adhoc query authors
With in Frame Work Manager, modelers A report or adhoc query author interacts with a
interact with a development model, which run-time version of the Framework Manager
exists within the XML based project located on model. This model appears as the set of
the file system. published metadata on which reports and
queries are based.
39) What are phases the work flow process consists in Frame Work Manager?
The work flow process consists of the following phases:
• Design and create project
• Prepare Metadata
• Prepare the Business View
• Create and Manager Packages
• Set Security
• Publish
• Manage the Project
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43) The types of query processing?
There are two types of query processing to choose from:
• Limited Local : The database server does as much of the SQL
processing and execution as possible.
• Database Only : The database server does all the SQL processing
and execution with the exception of tasks not supported by the
database.
45) What is usage property? And what are different setting to set usage property?
It identifies the intended use for the data represented by each query
item.
It determines the aggregation rules of query items and calculations.
The different Usage property settings are:
Identifies
Fact
Attribute
Unknown
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By setting the Governors, you can restrict the number of tables retrieved by a query as
well as restrict the number of rows returned. You can also set time limits for query execution, as
well as restrict character length on binary large objects (BLOBs).
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You can distribute reports by:
1. Saving them where other users can access them
2. sending them to other users by email
3. printing them
63) We can user cut and paste functionality to move a report or other entry to another
location in the portal.
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A Repeater is a table in which you can insert items, such as a table, that will be repeated.
This is useful for creating mailing labels.
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The list of charts:
• Column
• Line
• Point
• Bar
• Pie
• Radar
• Pareto
• Area
• Combination
84) What is the reuse object? How can you create reuse object?
The object which is reusable in the same report or another report is called as reuse
object.
Creation of reuse object:
1. Add a Layout component Reference object to any page of your report that references the
original object.
2. In the properties pane set ID, you must set ID.
85) What are the roles and responsibilities of prompts, parameters, parameter values?
Parameters : Parameters from the question you want to ask users.
Prompts : Prompt controls provide the user interface in which the questions are
asked.
Parameter values: Parameters values provide the answers to the questions.
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• Create a prompt directly in a report page
89) To get the possible outcomes what types of variables you use?
The types of variables are:
• Boolean variable : If there are only two possible outcomes, where the
values will be Yes or No.
• String variable : If there is more than one outcome, based on string
values you will specify.
• Language Variable : Language variable when the values are different
languages.
90) To ensure professional results and make report designing easier, remember to:
• Set properties on the highest level item.
• Use padding and margins to create white space
• Avoid fixed size objects.
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♦ Communication protocols
♦ Third-party applications
♦ Load balancing
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Run the report with bursting enabled in Cognos Connection.
105) What is a burst key?
The Burst key is who the intended recipients are and by what method you intend to
distribute the reports in the ReportNet.
108) What are the information do you need to create burst table?
To create a Burst table to map recipients or groups of recipients to specific data that they
are allowed to see.
Unique Identifier
List of Recipients
Data item to Burst on
109) What is the impact of changes to row or columns of the burst table?
Burst reports that are affected by changes to the burst table may fail when they are run.
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The objects available in the toolbox are different depending on which explorer you have
open.
Those are:
1. Page explorer tool box
2. Query explorer tool box
3. Query explorer tool box
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123) What are predefined Entries?
Predefined entries are logical roles provided as a convenience when setting up your
security infrastructure. They can be modified or deleted.
The Predefined Entries are:
• Consumers
• Query users
• Authors
• Reports Administrator
• Server Administrator
• Directory Administrator
126) What are the entries can you deploy in content store?
You can deploy the entire content store, which includes all entries in the portal, such as:
Public folders
Packages and reports
Data sources
Distribution lists and contacts
Printers
Schedules
The Cognos namespace
Deployment specifications and history
Configuration settings
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⇒ Union of permissions
⇒ ownership
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Business Objects 6.1b
1) What is Web intelligence?
Webintelligence is a single tool for understanding and controlling the business tasks. It
enables you to access, analyze and share corporate data over internets and extranets for
RDBMS AND OLAP servers. To access Webintelligence we log into the INFOVIEW portal via
Internet Explorer.
2) What is Universe?
The special semantic layer that isolates you from the technical issues of the database is
called as Universe. The Universes are created by a Universe designer using Business Objects
Designer software.
Toolbar :- The INFOVIEW Toolbar contains the following links to the following pages.
1. Home Page
2. My Infoview Page
3. Optional Page
4. Help Page
5. Logout Page
1. Corporate Category
2. Personal Category
6) What are the formats supported for Business Objects documents?
You can view Business Objects documents in the following formats:
1. HTML
2. PDF
3. Enhanced Document Format
4. Business Objects Format
7) What are the formats supported for Web intelligence documents?
You can view Web intelligence documents in the following formats:
1. HTML
2. HTML(Interactive)
3. PDF
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8) Explain the query process in Webintelligence?
Using the Webintelligence Report Panel, you construct a business question that
represents the information you need. This question is sent in the form of a query to the Business
Object’s server where the data and send it back to the Webintelligence in the form of a Data
Provider.
The contents of the Data Provider are then projected into a Webintelligence report in the
form of tables, crosstabs and charts etc.
12) What is Query Filter? What are the advantages of Query Filter?
To restrict a query means you limit that amount of data that is retrieved from the data
source and returned to your Webintelligence reports. The Query Filters retrieve a sub-set of the
available data, based on the definition of the query filter. Restricting the query in this way ensures
that you retrieve only the data that interests you. Through query filter, you can minimize the
quantity of data returned by the report and thus reduces the time required to create and refresh
the document over the network. The query Filters are made up of three parts:
1. Object
2. Operand
3. Operator.
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13) What are the types of Query Filters that you use in Webintelligence?
There are four types of Query Filter you use in Web intelligence:
1. Predefined Filters
2. Single and Multi – value Filters
3. Prompted Filters
4. Complex Filters
15) What are the basic chart types available in web intelligence?
Web intelligence provides the following basic types of Charts
1. Bar charts
2. Line charts
3. Area charts
4. Pie charts
5. Radar, Polar and Scatter Charts
16) What are the Reporting Tools available in the Report Panel Toolbar?
The following are the Reporting Tools available from the Report Panel Toolbar:
1. Breaks
2. Calculations
3. Sorts
4. Filters
5. Sections
19) Explain the Report properties tabs in the Report Manager Panel?
The Report properties tabs are appeared vertically on the left side of the Report Manager
Panel. There are four sub tabs in the Report properties tab to change the default format of the
report.
1. Report Properties
2. Report Format
3. Report Page Layout
4. Filters
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20) Explain the Chart properties tabs in the Report Manager Panel?
The Chart properties tabs are appeared vertically on the left side of the Report Manager
Panel. There are five sub tabs in the Chart properties tab to change the default format of the
chart.
1. Chart Properties
2. Chart Format
3. Chart Page Layout
4. Sorts
5. Filters
21) Explain the Table properties tabs in the Report Manager Panel?
The Table properties tabs are appeared vertically on the left side of the Report Manager
Panel. There are six sub tabs in the Table properties tab to change the default format of the
Table.
1. Table Properties
2. Table Format
3. Table Page Layout
4. Breaks
5. Sorts
6. Filters
22) Explain the Section properties tabs in the Report Manager Panel?
The Section properties tabs are appeared vertically on the left side of the Report
Manager Panel. There are five sub tabs in the Section properties tab to change the default format
of the Section.
1. Section Properties
2. Section Format
3. Section Page Layout
4. Sorts
5. Filters
25) How many ways you can share Webintelligence and BusinessObject documents?
You can share Webintelligence and BusinessObject documents in three ways:
1. Send a document to another user or group of users
2. Schedule documents to be refreshed and sent automatically but using the Broadcast
Agent
3. Save documents as files on your computer in PDF and Excel format.
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1. Users construct queries via objects named in their own business terminology using
drag and drop technology
2. User queries are sent directly to the target database without day to day intervention
from the MIS department.
3. Users can analyze and format the data locally.
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A Measure object is created by using aggregate functions like Sum, Count, Average,
Maximum and Minimum. Measure objects are very flexible because they are semantically
dynamic. When a BusinessObjects Query is made which includes a measure it automatically
infers a Group By clause in the select statement.
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table will produce something similar to Cartesian product, this is the reason of the Chasm Trap
effect.
To resolve Chasm Trap we use
1. Alter SQL parameter for the Universe
2. Inserting Contexts
According to the first option, set SQL parameters option in Universe Parameter dialog box i.e. in
the Universe Parameter dialog box, select the SQL tab and there select the option called “Multiple
SQL statements for each measure”.
Note: Always use contexts to resolve Chasm Traps
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Some databases have Summary tables which contain figures aggregated to a high level.
These are used to speed up queries which contain statistics. The Aggregate Awareness is the
BusinessObjects process by which these higher level aggregates are incorporated into a
universe.
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6. Versatile
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