FAQ for IBM Analytics on Cloud

How is TM1 integrated with other data sources?

IBM Cloud utilises a secure data connection called Secure Gateway for transfer of data from and two locations outside of IBM’s cloud. You can find out more at https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/planning-analytics/2.0.0?topic=workspace-administer-secure-gateway-cloud-only.

How does the upgrade process work?

The Web interface for Planning Analytics is kept up to date in the background by IBM, you don’t need to do anything. Any upgrades to Controller, the TM1 database, ETL and calculation engine at the heart of Planning Analytics are planned with the customer. IBM will contact you to arrange the timing of the upgrade.

Can we have our own authentication?

Yes, you have a choice of using the standard IBM ID, or this can be integrated with your own authentication for single sign-on.

How often are upgrades?

Updates to the Planning Analytics web interface are as frequent as every 6-8 weeks, the TM1 database about every six months, and Controller every 12 month. Full details of the upgrade available on line.

What happens with security patches and bugs?

These are applied automatically as soon as the vulnerability/bug is discovered.

How many environments are included in the subscription?

Planning Analytics has two permanent full, identical environments as standard for Production and Non-Production. Controller has one Production environment with the ability to have up to four databases. A temporary Non-Productioon Controller environment is deployed for upgrades.

Where is the solution hosted?

For UK customers, there is a choice of either Amsterdam or Frankfurt, the majority of our customers are hosted in Amsterdam. Backups are made to the alternate data centre (i.e. Amsterdam is backed-up to Frankfurt).

How is the data protected?

Data is encrypted at rest and in transit.

Does the solution comply and align with industry standards?

IBM Business Analytics Cloud solutions are ISO 27001 certified. You can find these at https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-iso-27001-certifications-cloud.

How is the product supported?

24/7 support is available from IBM. Specialist teams are assigned to each software with a response time of 2 hours for a P5-P2 incident, and 1 hour for a P1 incident.

FAQs for IT teams thinking of moving to IBM Planning Analytics or Controller on Cloud