BI TOOLS FOR THE IBM I …AND BEYOND A quick look at IBM’s DB2 Web Query for the i and WebFocus

 IBM’s DB2 Web Query for I is a tool installed on IBM i boxes. It provides capabilities to query or build reports against data stored on DB2 for i through browser-based user interface technologies. New reports can be built through InfoAssist, the intuitive graphical report builder. INFO ASSIST

SIMPLE REPORT A report such as is shown below can be built very quickly by using drag and drop techniques in InfoAssist. Filters are available to create parameterized reporting.

ACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES Data can be delivered to end users in many formats including spreadsheets, PDF, HTML, visualizations and active reports. Active reports, or In-Document Analytics, are self-contained reports with analytical capabilities in a disconnected environment – with no software needed.

OLAP REPORT OLAP Reports can be utilized for slicing and dicing and trend analysis.

CHARTING Reports can be viewed with a multitude of supported graph and chart types.

VISUALIZATION / DASHBOARD Several reports can be saved in a single view as an executive-level dashboard. Users can be supported with the automated report distribution and with mobile computing.

METADATA The key to any true BI tool is the metadata layer. Before you create a report or graph in Web Query you must first create the metadata (or synonym) over the data source. You can define joins and fields in the metadata layer that will be available for any report you create using the synonym for. A wizard is available to assist you in creating the metadata.

Do you have data from multiple platforms? Need additional functionality? WebFOCUS, a predecessor of Web Query, will fit the bill.  Web Query can be used to generate reports using data on the i. If you have multiple platforms or the need for more functionality than Web Query has available, WebFOCUS products may be the appropriate tool needed to meet your company needs.  Business User Edition Business User Edition (BUE) edition is designed for groups of up to 100 users who wish to generate and share reports, charts, documents and dashboards, and to conduct data discovery to identify trends, patterns and opportunities. Reports can be created against more than 300 distinct data sources and information sources BUE empowers business users with the ability to generate new and impactful value out of their data, without the need to involve IT and BI developers for their analytical needs.  For user populations over 100, and for more advanced needs, refer to WebFOCUS Application and Enterprise Editions.

DEMONSTRATION

Resources to help you get started in using IBM® DB2® Web Query for I or WebFOCUS The DB2 Web Query Wiki is the spot for documentation on the product. The Wiki contains installation instructions, manuals for all parts of Web Query and a constantly updated list of articles and publications on tips and tricks of using the product.DB2 Web Query Wiki installation instructionsmanualslist of articles and publications The ultimate resource for getting into DB2 Web Query is the "Getting Started with DB2 Web Query for i" Redbook. This tutorial-based book will guide you through the many facets of Web Query. Even without the various options installed, this image-rich resource will provide you an in-depth experience in all the features and possibilities that await you with Web Query.Getting Started with DB2 Web Query for i Learn more about the WebFOCUS suite of products by contacting Consultech Services, Inc. at

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