Running asynchronous versus synchronous requests

Reports can be run synchronously or asynchronously. Asynchronous execution is the preferred, default method, because it significantly improves scalability.

The value of the async option. determines how the report is run. Some operations, such as Drilling up and down in reports, are only supported with the asynchronous interface.

To run a report asynchronously without manual redirection by the Web client, use the following syntax:

http://localhost/ibmcognos/bi/v1/disp/rds/reportData/report
/i915943B5003541778F660265BC0CF286?v=3&async=AUTO

The Web server returns the http redirect response code 303 and a redirect URL. If the Web client follows redirects, this process continues automatically until the report output is displayed. This is the default behavior if the async option is omitted.

To run a report asynchronously with manual redirection by the Web client, use the following syntax:

http://localhost/ibmcognos/bi/v1/disp/rds/reportData/report
/i915943B5003541778F660265BC0CF286?v=3&async=MANUAL

The Web server returns the http response code 202 and a response that includes a redirect URL. If this redirect URL is followed, then eventually the report output is displayed. The exact format of the response depends on the Web server that is running the IBM® Cognos® Analytics server.

To run a report synchronously, use the following syntax:

http://localhost/ibmcognos/bi/v1/disp/rds/reportData/report
/i915943B5003541778F660265BC0CF286?v=3&async=OFF

The response from the server is the report in the requested format.