Question & Answer
Question
Which Java Versions of other manufacturers other than IBM Java 6 or 7 can be used with IBM Cognos Systems ?
Cause
Using improper Java versions of Sun, Oracle or other OEM with the ® IBM Cognos BI system, can cause failures in configuration and operation of the IBM Cognos Software , including any of the Software API's like for instance the SDK (Software Development Kit).
There are a multitude of Errors that can be received , too many to list here.
Example given here , starting within Cognos Configuration of Test failure of Custom Java Authentication Providers , when using Sun , Oracle or other OEM Java.
Symptoms :
The server can be started in Cognos Configuration , but it may not able to use the Test functionality for Authentication providers or perform other function Tests in Cognos Configuration without errors appearing.
[ ERROR ] AAA-CFG-0013 The format of the XML file 'testHandlerConfig.xslt' is incorrect. Please check the file and try Again.
Some other symptoms :
- SDK Developed code compiles, but refuses to work properly when tested.
- Intermittent operation within the IBM Cognos system for Reports and Schedules.
- Other failures of components.
For all issues provide the complete error messages, stack traces, log files and documentation showing in detail the problem encountered.
Answer
It should be noted that specific Sun , Oracle or other OEM Java can only be used with the IBM Cognos Servers and Software API's. Note versions are listed as e.g. C10.2.x.x (10.2.x.x = 10.2-Major.Minor.FixPack).
The IBM Software Product Compatibility Reports are based on the Conformance Documentation in Development for the Product , and lists the requirements and operational parameters for the IBM Cognos Software.
The Compatibility Reports are self generated for User review , in advance of any installation or update, using the following URL for the IBM Cognos Support Site
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/prodguid/v1r0/clarity/index.jsp
Note that the IBM Cognos Servers operate usually with an JRE , which is a Java Run-time Execution environment.
IBM Cognos software, only on Windows is including the JRE environment with the installation, for customer convenience.
On Linux and Unix systems, a separate install of a Java Version needs to be done by Customers.
The IBM Cognos SDK Product and the development of code, needs to take place only with an IBM JDK , which is the IBM Java Development Kit of the stated versions.
In both cases the Client is responsible for the Java JRE or JDK Environment installation, and these need to comply with the IBM Software Product Compatibility Report that is generated for your version of IBM Cognos.
Here is the summarised Java Information for Server and SDK , that can be learned from these reports.
Do view the information also on the website, as there are restrictions in Operating Systems, Products supported and Notes, including recent updates :
C10.1.0.x - Server Run-Time Conformance :
IBM Java Run-Time Environment 5.08, 5.010, 6.08 , and future fix packs.
Sun Java SDK/JRE/JDK 6.0/1.6 Update 12 and future fix packs and version upwards.
C 10.1.0.x - Development Tools (SDK components)
IBM JDK Environment 5.0 and 6.0, also as Run-Time JRE 5.0 and 6.0
=====================================================================================
C10.1.1.x - Server Run-Time Conformance :
IBM Java RunTime Environment 5.08, 5.010, 6.08 , 6.0.10 and future fix packs.
Sun Java SDK/JRE/JDK 6.0/1.6 Update 22 and future fix packs and version upwards.
C 10.1.1.x - Development Tools (SDK components)
IBM JDK Environment 5.0 and 6.0, also as RunTime JRE 5.0 and 6.0
=====================================================================================
C 10.2.0.x - Server Run-Time Conformance :
IBM Java RunTime Environment 5.08, 6.08, 6.0.10.1 , and future fix packs.
Sun Java SDK/JRE/JDK 6.0/1.6 Update 22 and future fix packs , through 6.0 Update 45 and future fix packs.
C 10.2.0.x - Development Tools (SDK components)
IBM JDK Environment 6.0, as RunTime JRE 6.0
=====================================================================================
C 10.2.1 / C10.2.1.x (fix-pack 1 through nnn) - Server Run-Time Conformance :
IBM Java RunTime Environment 5.08, 6.08, 6.0.10.1 and 7.0 and future fix packs.
Sun Java SDK/JRE/JDK 6.0/1.6 Update 22 and future fix packs , through 6.0 Update 45 and future fix packs.
C 10.2.1 / C10.2.1.1 - Development Tools (SDK components)
IBM JDK Environment 6.0, as RunTime JRE 6.0
IBM JDK Environment 7.0, as RunTime JRE 7.0, with C10.2.1 Fix-Pack 1 installed.
It can be noted from the Reports on the IBM Cognos Support site, Sun Java 7 is not supported at all with C10.2.1.x , and with C10.2.1 / C10.2.1.x only a very limited set of Java 7.0 is supported.
=====================================================================================
The following Java versions are valid for C10.2.2 Initial Release (INR) up to Fix-Pack 4
C 10.2.2 / C 10.2.2.x - Server Run-Time Conformance
IBM Java RunTime Environment 5.08, 6.08, 6.0.10.0 and 7.0 and future fix packs.
Oracle Java SDK/JRE/JDK 7.0.7 as minimum and future fix-packs. (Oracle App. Servers)
Sun Java SDK/JRE/JDK 6.0/1.6 Update 22 and up, with future fix packs
C 10.2.2 / C 10.2.2.x - Development Tools (SDK components)
IBM JDK Environment 6.0, as RunTime JRE 6.0
IBM JDK Environment 7.0, as RunTime JRE 7.0
Support for Java 8 is being considered with IBM Cognos 10.2.2 versions by Product Management.
To check for this , please use the link provided earlier, and run the Compatibility Reports.
======================================================================================
The following Java versions are valid for Cognos Analytics - C11.0.0.0 - C11.0.x.0
CA 11.0.x.0 - Server and SDK Component Run-Time Conformance
IBM Java JDK/JRE - RunTime Environment 8.0.1 and 8.0.2 with respectively a prerequisite minimum of 8.0.1.10 or 8.0.2.10.
Oracle Java SDK/JRE/JDK 8.0.40 as minimum and future update fix-packs of this version
CA 11.0.x.0 - Development Tools (SDK components)
IBM JDK Environment 6.0, as Run-Time JRE 6.0
IBM JDK Environment 7.0, as Run-Time JRE 7.0
IBM JDK Environment 8.0 as Run-Time as listed above in Conformance.
======================================================================================
In addition very specific releases have been specified in the conformance and reports, this means also that the range of Java versions is very limited, and higher or lower versions can not be supported.
The note on "fix-packs" is meant to apply only to the listed specific version including the update.
The Oracle / Sun notation Version 6 Update 22 is in effect a Main Version 6 with Minor Version 22. IBM would write this as a Version 6.22 and thereafter any updates or Fix-packs. For example Java 6.23 is considered a new version.
In general terms currently, both Cognos 10.2.0 / 10.2.1 / 10.2.2 support only SUN JDK/JRE version 1.6 as the highest version.
Changes to the approved conformance for IBM Cognos Software are reflected in these generated Reports over time, and if it is not listed, it is considered not supported.
For any question or concern regarding the used version, please contact IBM Cognos Customer Support and the SDK Software Development Team.
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Document Information
Modified date:
24 February 2020
UID
swg21651263