The
CubePort™ FAQ
1.
What is it?
CubePort is a wizard-based application
that converts Hyperion Essbase cubes into Microsoft Analysis Services cubes.
2.
Does it only convert
the outline?
No, CubePort
converts much more than just the outline.
CubePort will convert (extract, interpret, and
re-build) not only outlines, but also complex member formulas, native data
loading, security, substitution variables, basic reports, and much more. The application of many
best-practices are integrated into the software.
3.
How much does it cost?
Are the conversions repeatable?
CubePort pricing is a
usage-based model that does not require the outlay of a large, up-front server
expense; pricing is on per-cube basis.
Importantly, you can re-convert the structurally-same cube as many times
as needed without additional charges, i.e. a Cost-Free Repeatable
Conversion. The base price is defined on
a per cube basis, but volume pricing is available (higher cube counts).
4.
Do I have to train my
personnel in order to use CubePort?
CubePort’s wizard-based design
simplifies a conversion process. It performs
things like an up-front check to see that the user can authenticate into the
appropriate servers before starting the actual conversion steps.
5.
What about training for
my Essbase personnel to get up to speed on Analysis Services?
CubePort is an excellent method
of teaching which objects from Essbase map into which objects in Analysis
Services. CubePort
pays special attention to issues revolving around helping to shift the knowledgebase
to the Analysis Services product in the following ways (a partial list): *
Comments and descriptions embedded into converted objects, * User-defined
equivalency library, * Cost-Free Repeatable Conversions so that changes to the
original Essbase cube will mitigate the importance of learning Analysis
Services and MDX as rapidly as might otherwise be necessary.
6.
Will the conversion
only work with Microsoft SQL Server relational database?
Though Microsoft
Analysis Services will work against any standard relational database, such as
Oracle or DB/2, at the present time CubePort will only
convert a Hyperion Essbase outline into a star-schema onto the SQL Server
relational database. Support for other
databases is forthcoming, but this issue is fairly easily resolved with a
workaround by DTS-ing the relational database(s) over.
7.
Which Hyperion Essbase
versions and product-lines will it work on?
Currently, the
conversion will work on Essbase versions 6.X and 7.X, but support for 5.X is
scheduled for future release. Though the
Windows Essbase is the usual platform, support for other platforms of Essbase
have not been tested to date.
8.
How much time does a
typical conversion require?
The total number of
members in the Essbase cube will determine the length of time required for a
conversion, but a typical outline conversion can take from
9.
Does CubePort need to be installed on the Essbase server?
No, CubePort
can be installed on any machine on a network (LAN or WAN) as long as it can
access the servers with Hyperion Essbase, the selected relational database, the
Microsoft Analysis Services server, and the security server (Active Directory
Server).
10.
Do I need internet
access to run CubePort?
Yes, the workstation or
server to which CubePort is installed will require
internet access to check for registration, but the data center servers involved
in the conversion do not need to have internet access, e.g. the relational DB
servers do not need internet access.
11.
Do I need the Hyperion
Essbase APIs installed?
Yes, in order for CubePort to work properly, the Essbase APIs must be
installed to the same workstation or server that CubePort
is installed. When starting up the
software, the presence of the API is checked.
12.
What if I have already
attempted a conversion manually or with some utility?
CubePort is a superior solution
to converting Essbase manually in terms of cost, repeatability, and consistency. If you have already attempted a conversion
manually or with a competing utility, CubePort has a
Competitor Reconversion Program (CRP) that provides
discounts to our base price to defray some of the expense already spent trying
to migrate. Simple conditions apply.
13.
Is there a trial
version of CubePort?
You can download the
complete copy of CubePort and with it you can convert
any of the demo cubes free of charge, such as the demo Sample/Basic on the original
Essbase CD and may have been installed onto the Essbase server(s). Later, when conducting an actual production
conversion, of course you will be able to convert any of your active Essbase
cubes just for the cost of the initial conversion.
14.
How can I get a copy or
try it out?
Download from the website, http://www.exologic.com/products.htm,
or email orders@exologic.com for a CD
to be shipped.
See http://www.exologic.com/downloads.htm
Prices
and terms subject to change without notice.