By Craig Harding, Consultant for PerformanceG2
 

To try this, build a real simple list report and add staff name and revenue.

Add a value prompt to the report page. Name the parameter sort, and click ‘finish’. Add two static choices through the properties pane of the value prompt. For the first static choice, display value will be ascending with a use value of 1. For the second static choice, set the display value to descending, and the use value to -1.
 

 

You must add a default selection in order to avoid being prompted on report load. This can be done through the properties of the prompt. I put a value of 1 in the default selections for ascending.

Also, set the auto submit property to yes.

Add a data item to the query. The expression should read [Revenue]*?sort? (no need to type this, drag and drop from the insert-able objects pane). Name the data item sortkey and set the presort property to ascending.

Return to page one and select the list. The properties property of the list must have the sortkey checked.
 

 
Run the report to test.
 

 

 
 
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By Candace Taylor, Marketing Coordinator for PerformanceG2
 
Now is the time to be proactive with your BI efforts. Now is the time to network with local business colleagues to collaborate and expand your knowledge on Cognos software. Now is the time to BInvolved (‘B’I Involved) – and luckily, this resource is free, just need to set aside some time in your day.

What am I talking about? I am talking about joining local Cognos user groups in your area because they are developed for you and your organization. These Cognos user groups are valuable forums set up for local organizations, fellow Cognos developers, BI Analysts, Framework Managers and industry professionals to connect, network, exchange information and encourage the effective use and development of Cognos Software.

Check out local user groups on IBM’s site. Or, if you live in the Las Vegas area, check out the user group information below, and become involved!
 

 
 
FREE Cognos Local User Group Meeting: Nevada Local User Group Kick-Off Meeting
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM PST

Description:This group is dedicated to provide:

* A technical forum that encourages the effective use and development of Cognos Software
* A networking forum that connects with local organizations and fellow Cognos developers, BI Analysts and Framework Managers
* An information exchange forum that shares tips and tricks, valuable information and user experiences

This meeting with include:
* Introduction/Reviews/LUG Goals and Objectives
* MGM/Mirage, StationCasinos, The Sands, Clark County overview of their use of Cognos PM/BI tools
* Data governance program
* Security
* Cognos 8.4, 8.4.1 Demo- by PerformanceG2

Register for this Local User Group Meeting to connect and network!
 
 
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Kirk Wiseman, VP of Training for PerformanceG2
 
This month’s IBM Cognos Supportlink newsletter has a great article on how to do “on the fly” language translation using Cognos 8 Report Studio and Google’s language API. As we know, Cognos 8 is a multilingual reporting tool that can automatically switch languages based on a user locale. However, this requires storing all the different language variations within the client’s database. Using the Google API allows the client to have a translation applied automatically without having to store the data locally. To read the full article, click here.
 

 
PerformanceG2 is an advanced business partner of IBM, and IBM Cognos Software. For more information on our Cognos offerings, click here.
 
 
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Kirk Wiseman, VP of Training for PerformanceG2
 
Often with large text items, the Select and Search prompt display areas are not wide enough to display the data. Here’s a way to make the display areas dynamically re-size to meet the demands of the wider data:

1. Locate and backup the file ..\c8\webcontent\prompting\properties.js located on the Cognos 8 gateway component.

2. Set the SYSTEMPROPERTY_CSEARCH_AUTO_RESIZE_RESULT_LIST to true.

See below:
————————————————————————–
// Copyright (C) 2008 Cognos ULC, an IBM Company. All rightsreserved.
// Cognos (R) is a trademark of Cognos ULC, (formerly CognosIncorporated).
/* Use this file to override flags in the prompt controls. */
/*
Use the following flag to disable search request when the user press Enter in the search input box.
This is a workaround to prevent searches when users use japanese IME input control.
*/
var Search_DisableEnterKeyAutoSubmit = false;
var SYSTEMPROPERTY_CSEARCH_AUTO_RESIZE_RESULT_LIST = true;
var SYSTEMPROPERTY_CREATE_CUSTOM_SCRIPTS_REFS = true;
var SYSTEMPROPERTY_CUSTOM_SCRIPTS_OVERRIDE_FORM_SUBMIT = false;
var SYSTEMPROPERTY_REORDER_DROPDOWN_VALUES_IN_RANGES = false;
—————————————————————————-
The Select and Search prompt control display areas are variable width and therefore wide information is no longer cut off.

 
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By Candace Taylor, Marketing Coordinator for PerformanceG2
 
For this month, there are a series of complimentary performance management and business intelligence events, dedicated for you to expand your knowledge, to finish the first quarter off strong and stay on-top of the evolving industry. Check them out below, and attend!
 
Virtual Summit: IBM Cognos Midsize Business Analytics Virtual Summit
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM OR 8:00 to 11:00 PM EDT

 
Description: Join IBM Cognos and Advanced IBM Business Partner, PerformanceG2, for a complimentary, three-hour IBM Cognos Midsize Business Analytics Virtual Summit.

Whether you are new to business analytics or have been using it for some time, the IBM Cognos Midsize Business Analytics Virtual Summit can show you how to transform insight into action for better business outcomes. This virtual summit is the first in a series of quarterly, interactive forums focused on reporting, analysis and planning solutions for midsize companies.

The session will include:
* Keynote address- “Why Should You Care About Business Analytics?”
* Customer session and live case study overview
* Business analytics workshop: IBM Cognos Express
* Virtual expo hall, an interactive exhibit area- connect with PerformanceG2 here with any Cognos Express questions

Learn more and register
 
 
Forum: New Intelligence
Dates: Thursday, March 11, 2010- Dallas, TX
Tuesday, March 16- Columbus, OH
Thursday, March 18- San Francisco
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

 
Description: Join IBM and PerformanceG2 to learn how to transform your company’s information into a strategic asset to optimize business performance. Learn first hand how IBM is changing the game by providing leading edge information management and delivery capabilities tailored to your industry’s ever-changing demands. Gain insight into how lead organizations are finding success using new and innovative techniques for unlocking the business value of information including:

* Business Intelligence and performance management
* Data quality, governance and integration
* Master data management
* Data warehousing
* Predictive, text analytics
* Data visualization, enterprise mashups
* Enterprise content management

Interact with IT and business decision-makers grappling with similar information management and business analytics challenges you face.

Learn more and register
 
 
Want instant event invitations sent directly to your inbox? If so, simply sign up here: http://ow.ly/19YDs. Or email us and we will be sure to include you on our event invitations.
 
Looking for other ways to meet those performance management goals? Connect with us at info@performanceg2.com or call 877.742.4276. We will work with you and provide options on the best BI, CPM, FPM, data warehousing, consulting and staffing solutions out there.
 
 
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