Oracle Business Intelligence 11g Developers Guide: How to Create and Manage BI Applications with Oracle BI 11g
Oracle Business Intelligence 11g Developers Guide
Oracle Business Intelligence 11g is a comprehensive platform that provides enterprise-class analytics and reporting capabilities. It enables users to access, analyze, and share data from various sources, such as relational databases, files, XML, OLAP cubes, and web services. It also allows users to create interactive dashboards, visualizations, scorecards, KPIs, alerts, actions, and reports that can be delivered to any device, including mobile phones and tablets.
Oracle Business Intelligence 11g Developers Guide innamorato three sor
In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of Oracle Business Intelligence 11g, as well as how to install, upgrade, configure, develop, and deploy it. We will also learn how to embed business intelligence objects in ADF applications, improve their performance, and add BI Composer functionality. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to use Oracle Business Intelligence 11g as a powerful tool for delivering meaningful business information.
What is Oracle Business Intelligence 11g?
Oracle Business Intelligence 11g is a suite of products that provides a complete solution for business intelligence and analytics. It consists of several components that work together to enable users to access, model, analyze, present, and share data from various sources. Some of the main components are:
Oracle BI Server: The core engine that handles queries, calculations, caching, security, and metadata management. It supports multiple data sources and provides a common logical view of the data.
Oracle BI Repository: The metadata layer that defines the logical model of the data, such as tables, columns, joins, hierarchies, measures, dimensions, calculations, filters, etc. It also maps the logical model to the physical data sources.
Oracle BI Administration Tool: The graphical user interface that allows developers to create and manage the Oracle BI Repository.
Oracle BI Presentation Services: The web-based interface that allows users to create and view analyses, dashboards, visualizations, reports, alerts, actions, etc. It also provides personalization, collaboration, and administration features.
Oracle BI Publisher: The reporting tool that allows users to create and format print-quality reports from various data sources. It also provides scheduling, bursting, delivery, and integration features.
Oracle BI Action Framework: The feature that allows users to define and execute actions based on the results of analyses or events. Actions can be workflows, processes, web services, or URLs that can be triggered manually or automatically.
Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine: The hardware and software solution that provides high-performance and scalability for Oracle Business Intelligence 11g. It combines a powerful server with in-memory database and analytics technologies.
The following diagram shows the architecture of Oracle Business Intelligence 11g and how the components interact with each other and with the data sources.
Some of the benefits of using Oracle Business Intelligence 11g are:
Unified and consistent view of data: Oracle Business Intelligence 11g provides a common logical model of the data that can be accessed by various tools and applications. Users can query and analyze data from multiple sources without worrying about the underlying details or differences.
Interactive and self-service analytics: Oracle Business Intelligence 11g enables users to create and modify analyses, dashboards, visualizations, reports, etc. without requiring IT intervention. Users can also drill down, filter, sort, pivot, aggregate, rank, highlight, etc. data as they wish.
Actionable and collaborative insights: Oracle Business Intelligence 11g allows users to define and execute actions based on the results of analyses or events. Users can also share and discuss their findings with others using annotations, comments, alerts, etc.
Mobile and device-independent delivery: Oracle Business Intelligence 11g supports various devices and platforms, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. Users can access and interact with business intelligence content anytime, anywhere, on any device.
High performance and scalability: Oracle Business Intelligence 11g leverages the power of Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine to provide fast query response times and handle large volumes of data. It also supports clustering, load balancing, caching, etc. to ensure availability and reliability.
How to install and upgrade Oracle Business Intelligence 11g?
To install Oracle Business Intelligence 11g, you need to download the installation files from the Oracle website and follow the steps in the installation guide. You also need to meet the system requirements and prerequisites for your operating system and environment.
The installation process involves several steps, such as:
Creating a database schema for the Oracle BI Repository using the Repository Creation Utility (RCU).
Installing the Oracle WebLogic Server that hosts the Oracle BI components.
Installing the Oracle Business Intelligence software using the installer wizard.
Configuring the Oracle Business Intelligence domain using the configuration assistant.
Verifying the installation by accessing the Oracle BI Presentation Services URL.
To upgrade Oracle Business Intelligence 11g from a previous version, you need to follow the steps in the upgrade guide. You also need to back up your existing files and data before performing the upgrade.
The upgrade process involves several steps, such as:
Migrating the existing Oracle BI Repository to a new database schema using the RCU.
Upgrading the existing Oracle WebLogic Server to a compatible version.
Upgrading the existing Oracle Business Intelligence software using the installer wizard.
Upgrading the existing Oracle Business Intelligence domain using the configuration assistant.
Verifying the upgrade by accessing the Oracle BI Presentation Services URL.
How to model repositories using relational, file, and XML sources?
To model repositories using relational, file, and XML sources, you need to use the Oracle BI Administration Tool. This is a graphical user interface that allows you to create and manage custom repositories for your data sources.
How to create repositories from Oracle Essbase and other OLAP data sources?
To create repositories from Oracle Essbase and other OLAP data sources, you need to use the Oracle BI Administration Tool. This is a graphical user interface that allows you to import and manage multidimensional data sources in your repository.
Oracle Business Intelligence 11g supports various OLAP data sources, such as Oracle Essbase, Microsoft Analysis Services, SAP BW, Hyperion Financial Management, etc. It can connect to these data sources using native drivers or generic ODBC drivers.
To import an OLAP data source into your repository, you need to follow these steps:
Create a connection to the OLAP data source using the Connection Manager.
Select the OLAP data source and drag and drop it into the physical layer of your repository.
Map the OLAP objects to the logical layer of your repository using the Cube Designer.
Define the presentation layer of your repository using the Presentation Designer.
Save and check the consistency of your repository.
After importing an OLAP data source into your repository, you can use it as any other data source in your analyses, dashboards, reports, etc. You can also perform advanced operations on your OLAP data, such as drilling across, drilling through, ragged hierarchies, parent-child hierarchies, etc.
How to design print-quality reports with Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher?
To design print-quality reports with Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher, you need to use the Oracle BI Publisher tool. This is a web-based interface that allows you to create and format reports from various data sources. It also provides scheduling, bursting, delivery, and integration features.
A report consists of two main components: data model and layout. The data model defines the data source and the query for the report. The layout defines the appearance and formatting of the report. You can create multiple layouts for the same data model using different templates and formats.
To create a report with Oracle BI Publisher, you need to follow these steps:
Create a data model for your report using the Data Model Editor.
Create a layout for your report using the Layout Editor or upload an existing template file.
Preview and test your report using the Report Viewer.
Publish and share your report using the Catalog Manager or the Delivery Manager.
Oracle BI Publisher supports various formats for your reports, such as PDF, HTML, RTF, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc. You can also embed charts, images, tables, etc. in your reports. You can also integrate your reports with other applications using web services or APIs.
How to create web-enabled analyses, dashboards, and visualizations?
To create web-enabled analyses, dashboards, and visualizations, you need to use the Oracle BI Presentation Services. This is a web-based interface that allows you to access and interact with business intelligence content from various sources. It also provides personalization, collaboration, and administration features.
An analysis is a query that retrieves and displays data from one or more data sources. A dashboard is a collection of analyses and other objects that provide a comprehensive view of a business area or topic. A visualization is a graphical representation of data that helps users understand and explore data.
To create an analysis with Oracle BI Presentation Services, you need to follow these steps:
Select a subject area that contains the data you want to analyze.
Select the columns that you want to include in your analysis.
Apply filters, calculations, groups, sorts, etc. to refine your analysis.
Select a view type that you want to display your analysis results (such as table, chart, pivot table, map, etc.).
Format and customize your view according to your preferences.
Save and run your analysis using the Catalog Manager or add it to a dashboard page.
To create an agent with Oracle BI Presentation Services, you need to follow these steps:
Create an agent using the Agent Editor or select an existing agent from the Catalog Manager.
Specify the analysis or the event that triggers the agent and provide the necessary parameters and inputs.
Specify the condition that evaluates the results of the analysis or the event and determines whether to execute the action.
Specify the action that is executed when the condition is met and provide the necessary parameters and inputs.
Specify the recipients that receive the action output and provide the necessary parameters and inputs.
Specify the schedule that determines when and how often the agent runs.
Save and run your agent using the Agent Viewer or monitor its status using the Agent Monitor.
How to employ authentication, authorization, and row-level security?
To employ authentication, authorization, and row-level security, you need to use the Oracle BI Administration Tool and the Oracle BI Presentation Services. These are graphical user interfaces that allow you to manage the security features and options in Oracle Business Intelligence 11g.
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user who accesses Oracle Business Intelligence 11g. Authorization is the process of granting or denying access to certain objects or functions in Oracle Business Intelligence 11g based on the user's role or privilege. Row-level security is the process of filtering data based on the user's identity or attribute.
To configure authentication with Oracle BI Administration Tool and Oracle BI Presentation Services, you need to follow these steps:
Select an authentication provider that stores and validates user credentials, such as LDAP, database, or external table.
Create a connection to the authentication provider using the Security Manager in Oracle BI Administration Tool.
Import users and groups from the authentication provider into Oracle Business Intelligence 11g using the Identity Manager in Oracle BI Presentation Services.
Assign application roles to users and groups using the Application Roles Manager in Oracle BI Presentation Services.
To configure authorization with Oracle BI Administration Tool and Oracle BI Presentation Services, you need to follow these steps:
Create application roles that represent different levels of access or functionality in Oracle Business Intelligence 11g using the Application Roles Manager in Oracle BI Presentation Services.
Assign permissions to application roles for various objects or functions in Oracle Business Intelligence 11g using the Catalog Manager or the Security Manager in Oracle BI Administration Tool.
Assign application roles to users and groups using the Application Roles Manager in Oracle BI Presentation Services.
To configure row-level security with Oracle BI Administration Tool and Oracle BI Presentation Services, you need to follow these steps:
Create session variables that store user identity or attribute values using the Variable Manager in Oracle BI Administration Tool.
Map session variables to data columns that contain security criteria using the Security Manager in Oracle BI Administration Tool.
Create filters that use session variables and data columns to restrict data access using the Filter Manager in Oracle BI Administration Tool.
Apply filters to logical tables or columns in the business model layer of your repository using the Business Model and Mapping Manager in Oracle BI Administration Tool.
How to configure and deploy Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine?
To configure and deploy Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine, you need to use the Oracle Exalytics Configuration Utility and the Oracle Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control. These are graphical user interfaces that allow you to optimize the performance and scalability of Oracle Business Intelligence 11g on the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine.
Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine is a hardware and software solution that combines a powerful server with in-memory database and analytics technologies. It provides fast query response times and handles large volumes of data for Oracle Business Intelligence 11g. It also supports clustering, load balancing, caching, etc. to ensure availability and reliability.
To configure Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine with Oracle Exalytics Configuration Utility, you need to follow these steps:
Connect to the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine using a web browser and launch the Oracle Exalytics Configuration Utility.
Specify the network settings, such as host name, IP address, domain name, etc. for the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine.
Specify the storage settings, such as disk partitions, mount points, etc. for the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine.
Specify the security settings, such as passwords, certificates, etc. for the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine.
Specify the software settings, such as installation directories, ports, etc. for the Oracle Business Intelligence 11g components on the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine.
Review and confirm your configuration settings and apply them to the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine.
To deploy Oracle Business Intelligence 11g on Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine with Oracle Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control, you need to follow these steps:
Connect to the Oracle Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control using a web browser and log in with your administrator credentials.
Select the Oracle Business Intelligence 11g domain that you want to deploy on the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine.
Select the Deployment option from the menu and choose Deploy to Application Server.
Select the target application server that is running on the Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine and provide the necessary parameters and inputs.
Review and confirm your deployment settings and start the deployment process.
Monitor the status and progress of your deployment using the Deployment Progress page.
Embedding Business Intelligence Objects in ADF Applications
To embed business intelligence objects in ADF applications, you need to use the Oracle JDeveloper tool. This is a graphical user interface that allows you to create and manage ADF applications that contain BI objects, such as analyses, dashboards, reports, etc.
An ADF application is a web-based application that uses the Oracle Application Development Framework (ADF) to provide a rich user interface and a robust business logic. It consists of several components, such as ADF Faces, ADF Controller, ADF Model, etc. that work together to enable users to interact with data and functionality from various sources.
To add business intelligence objects to an ADF application with Oracle JDeveloper, you need to follow these steps:
Create an ADF application using the Application Wizard or select an existing ADF application from the Application Navigator.
Prepare the ADF project to accept business intelligence objects by installing the required JDeveloper extensions, adding the MDS libraries and enabling MDS customizations, and adding the ADF technology scopes.
Create an Oracle BI EE Presentation Services connection using the Resource Palette or select an existing connection from the Connection Navigator.
Add business intelligence objects to an ADF page using the Component Palette or drag and drop them from the Resource Palette.
Pass business intelligence content with the Oracle BI EE contextual event action using the Property Inspector or the Page Definition Editor.
Add or modify a Presentation Services connection after deployment using the Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control or the System MBean Browser.
Improving The Performance of ADF Applications That Contain Oracle BI EE Objects
To improve the performance of ADF applications that contain Oracle BI EE objects, you need to use the Oracle JDeveloper tool and the Oracle Enterprise Manager Fusion Middleware Control. These are graphical user interfaces that allow you to set timeouts, use static resources, and cache data for your ADF applications and BI objects.
A timeout is a limit on how long a request or a session can last before it is terminated. A static resource is a file or a directory that contains images, scripts, stylesheets, etc. that are used by your ADF applications and BI objects. A cache is a temporary storage area that holds data or re