Business Objects FAQs2

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BUSINESS OBJECTS(DESIGNER)1.AliasA logical pointer to an alternate table name. The purpose of an alias is to resolve loops in the paths of joins.2.CardinalityExpresses the minimum and the maximum number of instances of an entity B that can be associated with an instance of an entityA. The minimum and the maximum number of instances can be equal to 0,1, or N.

3.Cartesian productA situation in which a query includes two or more tables that are not linked by a join. If executed, this type of query retrieves allpossible combinations between each table and may lead to inaccurate results.4.ClassA logical grouping of objects and conditions within a universe. In general, the name of a class reflects a business concept thatconveys the category or type of objects.5.ConditionA component that controls the type and the amount of data returned by a specific object in a query. A condition created in theDesigner module is referred to as a predefined condition.6.ConnectionSet of parameters that provides access to an RDBMS. These parameters include system information such as the data account,user identification, and path to the database. Designer provides three types of connections: secured, shared, and personal.7.ContextA method by which Designer can decide which path to choose when more than one path is possible from one table to another inthe universe.8.Detail objectAn object qualified as a detail provides descriptive data about a dimension object. A detail object cannot be used in drill downanalysis.

9.Dimension objectAn object being tracked in multidimensional analysis; the subject of the analysis. Dimensions are organized into hierarchies.10.Document domainThe area of the repository that stores documents, templates, scripts, and lists of values.11.DrillThe action of navigating through levels of data. When you drill up, you obtain more summarized or general information. By drillingdown, you can reach more refined or detailed information.12.Equi-join

A join based on the equality between the values in the column of one table and the values in the column of another. Because thesame column is present in both tables, the join synchronizes the two tables.13.Enterprise modeA work mode whereby a designer creates universes in an environment with a repository. The mode in which a universe is saveddetermines whether other designers are able to access it. By default, a universe is saved in the mode in which the designer isalready working.14.HierarchyAn ordered series of related dimensions used for multidimensional analysis.

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15.JoinA relational operation that causes two tables with a common column to be combined into a single table. Designer supports equi-

joins, theta joins, outer joins, and shortcut joins.16.List of valuesA list of values contains the data values associated with an object. These data values can originate from a corporate database, or aflat file such as a text file or Excel file. In Designer you create a list of values by running a query from the Query Panel. You canthen view, edit, purge, refresh and even export this file. A list of values is stored as an .lov file in a subfolder of the UserDocs folder.

17.LoopA situation that occurs when more than one path exists from one table to another in the universe.18.Measure objectAn object that is derived from an aggregate function. It conveys numeric information by which a dimension object can bemeasured.19.ObjectA component that maps to data or a derivation of data in the database. For the purposes of multidimensional analysis, an objectcan be qualified as a dimension, detail, or measure. Objects are grouped into classes.20.Offline modeThe work mode in which the designer works with universes stored locally.21.Online modeThe work mode appropriate for a networked environment in which the general supervisor has set up a repository.22.Outer joinA join that links two tables, one of which has rows that do not match those in the common column of the other table.23.Personal connection

A personal connection is used to access resources such as universes or documents. It can be used only by the user who createdit. Information about a personal connection is stored in both the PDAC.LSI and PDAC.SSI files; its definition is static and cannot bemodified.24.QualificationA property of an object that determines how it can be used in multidimensional analysis. An object can be qualified as one of threetypes: a dimension, detail or measure.25.QueryIn Designer a query is a technique for creating or modifying a list of values associated with an object. From the Query Panel, adesigner builds a query from the classes, objects, and conditions of a universe.In the BusinessObjects User module, a query is a type of data provider. An end user builds a query from a universe, and then runsthe query to generate a BusinessObjects report.

26.Quick DesignA wizard in the Designer module that provides guided instructions for creating a basic universe. It lets a designer name a universe,set up a connection to a database, select strategies, create classes and objects, as well as generate joins with cardinalities.27.RepositoryA centralized set of relational data structures stored in a database. It enables BusinessObjects users to share resources in acontrolled and secured environment. The repository is made up of three domains: the security domain, the universe domain, andthe document domain.28.Secured connection

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A secured connection is used to access universes or documents that may be restricted or confidential.It can be shared by several authorized users. Stored in the repository, the definition of a secured connection is updateddynamically.29.Shared connectionA shared connection is used to access common resources such as universes or documents. It can be used by several users.Information about a shared connection is stored in a SDAC.LSI or SDAC.SSI file; its definition is updated dynamically.30.Shortcut join

A join that links two tables by bypassing one or more other tables in the universe.31.StrategyScripts that automatically extract structural information about tables, columns, joins, or cardinalities from a database. Designerprovides default strategies but a designer can also create strategies. These are referred to as external strategies.32.Structure paneThe graphical component within the main Designer window that shows the schema of the universe. It reflects the underlyingdatabase structure of the universe.33.SubclassA component within a class that groups objects. A subclass can itself contain other subclasses or objects.34.Table BrowserThe graphical component within the main Designer window that lets you create the classes and objects of the universe from thetables and columns of a database.35.Theta joinA join that links tables based on a relationship other than equality between two columns.36.UniverseA mapping of the data structure found in databases: tables, columns, joins, etc. A universe, which is made up of classes, objects,

and conditions, can represent any specific application, system, or group of users.37.Universe domainThe area of the repository that holds exported universes. The universe domain makes it possible to store, distribute, andadministrate universes. There may be multiple universe domains in a repository.38.Universe paneThe graphical component within the main Designer window that displays a hierarchical view of the classes, objects, and conditionsin a universe.Two radio buttons on the lower edge of the pane filter the display of the components. One button, the Classes/Objects filter,provides a view of the classes and objects. The other button, Classes/Conditions, provides a view of the classes and conditions.39.User object

An object created by the end user from the BusinessObjects User module. A user object can be inserted into a universe by thedesigner.40.Workgroup modeA work mode whereby a designer creates universes in an environment without a repository. The mode in which a universe is saveddetermines whether other designers are able to access it. By default, a universe is saved in the mode in which the designer isalready working.41.What is Designer?Designer is a BusinessObjects IS module used by universe designers to create and maintain universes. Universes are thesemantic layer that isolates end users from the technical issues of the database structure.

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Universe designers can distribute universes to end users by moving them as files through the file system, or by exporting them tothe repository.42.How do you design a universe?The design method consists of two major phases.

During the first phase, you create the underlying database structure of your universe. This structureincludes the tables and columns of a database and the joins by which they are linked. You may need to resolve loops which occurin the joins using aliases or contexts. You can conclude this phase by testing the integrity of the overall structure.During the secondphase, you can proceed to enhance the components of your universe. You can also prepare certain objects for multidimensional

analysis. As with the first phase, you should test the integrity of your universe structure. You may also wish to perform tests on theuniverses you create from the BusinessObjects User module. Finally, you can distribute your universes to users by exporting themto the repository or via your file system.For a universe based on a simple relational schema, Designer provides Quick Design, a wizard for creating a basic yet completeuniverse. You can use the resulting universe immediately, or you can modify the objects and create complex new ones. In this way,you can gradually refine the quality and structure of your universe.

43.How do you define universe parameters?The first step in creating a universe is to specify its parameters. These parameters include the definition of a universe, which iscomprised of:the universe name

a description of the universea connection to an RDBMS

You enter universe parameters from the Universe Parameters dialog box. This dialog box also lets you set up database options,external strategies, graphic options, and print settings.44.How do you select tables and columns?You create the initial classes and objects of your universe by selecting them from the tables and columns listed in the TableBrowser, and inserting them into the Structure pane.Depending on the database connection parameters, the browser presents youwith a list of database tables and columns.NoteBefore selecting tables, you should indicate the strategies you wish to use in creating your universe.

45.How do you test the integrity of a universe?With the Check Integrity command, you can test the structure of your active universe. This means testing to determine whether itscomponents are accurate and up-to-date.Check Integrity serves the following purposes:It detects any inconsistencies in the objects, joins, conditions, and cardinalities of your universe.

It detects whether there are any loops in the joins.It determines whether changes were made to the database to which the universe is connected.

46.What is a universe?A universe is a business-oriented mapping of the data structure found in databases: tables, columns, joins, etc. It can representany specific application, system, or group of users. For example, a universe can relate to a department in a company such as

marketing or accounting.In the BusinessObjects User module, universes enable end users to build queries from which they cangenerate and perform analysis.Universes isolate end users from the complexities of the database structure as well as theintricacies of SQL syntax.47.What is aggregate awareness?Aggregate awareness is a feature that makes use of predefined aggregate tables to enhance the performance of SQLtransactions. It is used to improve the speed by which aggregates are calculated in the database.To set up aggregate awareness in a universe, you define or more objects using the @Aggregate_Aware function. The syntax forthis function is as follows:@Aggregate_Aware(aggregate_table_1, ... aggregate_table_n)

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The arguments of this function are all the names of alternative aggregate tables. When you formulate the syntax, you should beaware of the order of the arguments. The precedence is from left to right; this means that BusinessObjects determines theaggregate to use beginning from the leftmost argument.As a general rule, you should enter the most aggregate table as the first argument, the next most aggregate table as the secondargument, and so on.You must then use the Aggregate Navigation editor to set up a list of incompatible objects and/orincompatible conditions for each aggregate table in your universe. These are the components that cannot be used with anaggregate table.You can either set up these lists manually, or cause the list of objects to be detected by Designer.48.What is multidimensional analysis?Multidimensional analysis is a technique for manipulating data in order to view it from different perspectives and on different levels

of detail. In BusinessObjects, multidimensional analysis involves drill mode and slice-and-dice mode, and is enabled by theAnalyzer and Explorer components of the User module.To set up a universe for multidimensional analysis, you must define hierarchies and dimensions that determine how users view andanalyze the data.A dimension is simply the object to be tracked. A dimension can be an object such as Country, Region, and City. A hierarchy is anordered series of related dimensions. An example of a hierarchy is Geography, which may group dimensions such as Country,Region, and City.49.What are classes?A class is a logical grouping of objects within a universe. In general, the name of a class reflects a business concept that conveysthe category or type of objects. For example, in a universe pertaining to human resources, one class might be Employees.A class can be further divided into subclasses. In the human resources universe, a subclass of the Employees class could bePersonal Information.As designer, you are free to define hierarchies of classes and subclasses in a model that best reflects thebusiness concepts of your organization.50.What are objects?An object is the most refined component in a universe. It maps to data or a derivation of data in the database. Using objects, endusers can build queries to generate reports.The name of an object suggests a concept drawn from the terminology of a business ordiscipline. For a human resources manager, objects might be Employee Name, Address, Salary, or Bonus, while for a financialanalyst, objects might be Profit Margin, Return on Investment, etc.For the purposes of multidimensional analysis, objects arequalified as one of three types: dimension, detail, or measure.51.What is a list of values?A list of values contains the data values associated with an object. These data values can originate from a corporate database, or aflat file such as a text file or Excel file. In Designer you create a list of values by running a query from the Query Panel. You canthen view, edit, purge, refresh, and even export this file. A list of values is stored as an .lov file in a subfolder of the UserDocs

folder.52.What is the SQL editor?The SQL editor lets you enter or modify an SQL statement for either the Select statement or Where clause. To invoke this editor,click the button to the right of either the Select or Where text box. You can type the SQL statement directly in the text box locatedin the upper part of the editor window. Or you can formulate your syntax by using any combination of the following elements:tables, columns, classes, objects, operators, or functions. To select an element (and cause it to appear in the text box) double-clickit in the appropriate pane.The functions listed in the Functions pane include the native SQL functions of your RDBMS as well asBusinessObjects @ functions. For further information on @ functions, click .By clicking on a function, you can view its syntax and purpose; this information is displayed in the Description box.53.Create a universe using the Quick Design wizard1 Click the button on the Standard toolbar.

2 Follow the wizard through a series of dialog boxes to create a basic universe.NotesIf you intend to export the universe, you must select Secured as the connection type.

If you click the File/New starts Quick Design wizard check box in the General tab (Tools menu, Options command) the Newcommand automatically launches the Quick Design

54.What are the components of the Designer interface?In Designer, you create a universe using three areas:the Universe pane

the Structure pane

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Create default classes and objects from tables. Causes classes and objects to be generated in the Universe pane when youinsert tables in the Structure pane.If you select one or more options, Designer uses the corresponding strategies specified in the Strategies tab of the UniverseParameters dialog box:

Option DescriptionObjects The strategy creates classes, and names them based on the tables in the database; it also creates objects, andnames them based on the columns in the database. It replaces all underscore characters (_) with spaces.Joins From the list box, select a join strategy. A description is displayed below the name of the current strategy.Tables Reads the table structure from the database system tables.

61.How do you specify external strategies?With an external strategy, you can specify the exact way that objects and joins are to be extracted from the database structure.Allexternal strategies are contained within the same text file. The name of this text file is indicated in the .prm file specific to yourRDBMS. In the .prm file, the strategy file is declared as follows:STG=[StrategyFileName]where StrategyFileName is the name of the strategy file.An external strategy, whether for objects or for joins, is made up of the following sections:a name and description (These are visible in the Strategies tab of the Universe Parameters dialog box.)

a type parameter: object or joinan SQL parameter or file parameteran optional parameter that points to a connection other than the universe connection.

An external strategy can be based on SQL or a file.After you have set up external strategies, you can specify them from the Quick Design wizard. Or you can specify them from theStrategies tab of the Universe Parameters dialog box.62.Insert tables in the Structure pane1 Select the Tables command from the Insert menu.2 In the Table Browser, click the tables you want to add to the universe structure.select severalcontiguous tables, hold down the Shift key, then click the first table and the last table. All the tables between the selectedtables will be highlighted. To select several tables that are not contiguous, click each table while holding down the Ctrlkey.3 Click the Insert button.

63.View the Structure pane in List Mode

Select the List Mode command from the View menu.panes (Tables, Joins, and Contexts) are added above the display of theschema. When you click a component in one of these panes, Designer highlights its graphical representation in the schema, andvice-versa.64.Modify graphic options1 Select the Options command from the Tools menu.2 Click the Graphics tab.3 Select the graphic options you want.4 Click OK.64.Arrange tables in the Structure paneSelect the Arrange Tables command from the View menu.

65.Display gridlines in the Structure paneSelect the Gridlines command from the View menu.66.View the values of tables1 In the Structure pane, click the table whose values you wish to view.2 Select the Table Values command from the View menu.displays a window, which lists all the values for eachcolumn in the table. With the check box Distinct Values, you can filter the display so that only unique values are shown.67.View the values of columns

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1 In the Structure pane, place the pointer on the column whose values you wish toview.may wish to enlarge the view of the columns by applying the Zoom In commandone or more times.

This makes it easier to select a column.2 Click the right mouse button.pop-up menu appears.3 From the pop-up menu, select the View Column Values command.displays a window, which lists all the values for thecolumn. With the check box, Distinct Values, you can filter the display so that only unique values are shown.68.What join types are supported?Designer supports the following types of joins: equi-joins, outer joins, theta joins, and shortcut joins.

In addition to join strategies, Designer provides several other methods for creating or editing joins:the Detect Joins command

tracing the joins manuallythe Edit Join dialog boxthe formula bar

69.Create joins automatically1 Select the Detect Joins command from the Tools menu.Candidate Joins dialog box appears. It displays the joins that weredetected according to the join strategy set for the universe. By default, all the joins are selected.2 Insert the joins by doing any of the following:

Select one join by clicking it, and then click the Insert button.Select several contiguous joins. Hold down the Shift key, then click the first and last join. All the joins between the selected

joins will be highlighed. Click the Insert button.Select several joins that are not contiguous. Click each join while holding down the Ctrl key. Click the Insert button.Select all highlighted joins, and then click the Insert.

3 Click the Close button to dismiss the dialog box.joins appear in the Structure pane.70.Trace a join manually1 Position the mouse pointer over the column to be the source of the join.pointer is transformed into a hand symbol.2 Click the column with the left mouse button.column is highlighted.3 While keeping the left mouse button pressed, drag the join which begins to appear away from the source column toward thedestination column.pointer is transformed into a pencil.4 Position the pencil over the column to be the destination of the join.5 When the second column is highlighted, release the mouse button.join between the two tables is created.

71.Create a join with the Edit Join dialog box1 Select the Join command from the Insert menu.2 In the list boxes, Table1 and Table2, select the tables.3 Click the list box and select an operator.4 In the list boxes below each table, select the column that is to link Table1 to Table2.5 Check the validity of the join by clicking the Parse button.6 Click the OK button.72.Edit a join with the Edit Join dialog box1 Double-click the join.2 In the Edit Join dialog box, modify the definition of the join as needed.3 Check the validity of the join by clicking the Parse button.4 Click the OK button.

73.Edit a join with the formula bar1 Click the join that you want to edit.formula for the join appears in the formula bar.2 Click the entry area of the formula bar, and edit the formula.3 Press the Enter key to exit from the formula bar.NoteBy default, the formula bar is activated. To deactivate it, select the Formula Bar command from the View menu.74.Delete a join1 Click the join.

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2 Do one of the following:Press the backspace key on your keyboard

Press the Delete key on your keyboardSelect the Clear command.

NoteBe careful when deleting a join. Deleting one or more joins may have undesirable consequences on the overall structure of youruniverse.75.What are cardinalities?Cardinality expresses the minimum and maximum number of instances of an entity B that can be associated with an instance of an

entity A. The minimum and the maximum number of instances can be equal to 0, 1, or N.Because a join represents a bidirectionalrelationship, it must always have two cardinalities.If you selected the Detect cardinalities in joins options in the Database tab of the Options dialog box, Designer detects andretrieves the cardinalities of the joins. If you do not use this option, you can still retrieve the cardinalities for one or all joins in theuniverse.There are two main methods for detecting or editing cardinalities:the Detect Cardinalities command

the Edit Join dialog box76.Detect cardinalitiesYou can detect the cardinalities for one join or for all the joins in the universe. For a single join, click it, and in the Edit Join dialogbox, click the Detect button. To detect the cardinalities for all joins:1 Select the Detect Cardinalities command from the Tools menu.

A dialog box prompts you to confirm the action for all the joins of the universe.2 Click the OK button.NoteThe Graphics tab of the Options dialog box contains a number of options for the display of cardinalities in the Structure pane.77.What are loops?A loop is a situation that occurs when more than one path exists from one table to another. Loops result in ambiguity in the designof a universe. Designer enables you to identify loops in one of two ways:You can run the Check Integrity function, which indicates the existence of any loops.You can select the Detect Loops command from the Tools menu. If there are loops, the Loop Detection viewer appears; it indicatesthe joins causing a loop.You can then use aliases or contexts to resolve the loops in your universe.

78.What are aliases?An alias is a logical pointer to an alternate table name. The purpose of an alias is to resolve loops in the paths of joins. In somecases, more than one alias may be necessary for a given table.As you create aliases, Designer may prompt you to create other aliases. This occurs when the new aliases result in the need foradditional aliases; in other words, creating such aliases entails the propagation of other aliases.In such a situation, two options are available to you:You can cause only the first table proposed to be aliasedYou can alias all the tables listed (i.e. propagate the aliases)Designer displays an alias in the Structure pane as a table. It links an aliased table to existing tables, re-arranging joins, asnecessary.79.Create an alias automatically1 Select the Detect Aliases command from the Tools menu.Candidate Alias dialog box appears.

2 In the left pane of the dialog box, click the first table that you wish to alias.right pane displays the alias name(s) Designersuggests for the table you selected. To give an alias a different name, click the Rename button, and enter the new name.3 Click the Create button.message box prompts you to confirm the creation of the alias(es). In some cases, a dialog box mayprompt you to propagate additional aliases.4 Click the OK button.5 Repeat steps 2 to 4 for the remaining tables (if any).6 Click Close to dismiss the dialog box.

NotesBefore using Detect Aliases, check to see that all the tables in the universe are already linked by joins.

Before using Detect Aliases, be sure that Designer has already detected all the cardinalities of joins; if this is not the case,select the Detect Cardinalities command from the Tools menu.

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80.Create an alias manually1 In the Structure pane, click the table for which you want to create an alias.2 Select the Alias command from the Insert menu.dialog box appears prompting you to enter a name for the aliased table.3 Enter a new name for the aliased table, or keep the one proposed.4 Click OK.aliased table appears in the Structure pane.NoteIf you create an alias manually, you must also create the joins necessary to link it to the other tables.

81.What are contexts?A context is a rule by which Designer can decide which of two paths to choose when more than one path is possible from one tableto another. Contexts can be used to resolve loops in the universe.You can create contexts manually, or cause them to be detected by Designer. When contexts are useful, Designer suggests a listof contexts that you can create.82.Create a context automatically1 Select the Detect Contexts command from the Tools menu.Candidate Contexts dialog box is displayed.2 In the left pane of the dialog box, click the name of the first context you wish to create. Click the Add button.context isdisplayed in the right pane. You can remove any context from the right pane by selecting it, and then clicking the Remove button.4 Repeat steps 2 and 3, if applicable, to add the other contexts.5 If you wish to rename a context, select it from the right pane, and then click the Rename button.Rename Context dialog boxappears from which you can enter a new name.6 Click the OK button.Structure pane is displayed in List Mode. This lets you view the contexts you created.83.Create a context manually1 Select the Context command from the Insert menu.2 In the New Context dialog box, type a name for the context in the text box.3 In the Current context join list box, click all the joins defining the context.can click the Detect button for assistance; it showsthe joins making up a context and suggests a name for it.4 If you wish to see all the joins you selected, click the Show selected only option.view makes it easy to see the joins youselected. To return to the previous view, click the option again.5 Click OK.context is created.

84.How do you test the integrity of a universe?With the Check Integrity command, you can test the structure of your active universe. This means testing to determine whether itscomponents are accurate and up-to-date.Check Integrity serves the following purposes:It detects any inconsistencies in the objects, joins, conditions, and cardinalities of your universe.

It detects whether there are any loops in the joins.It determines whether changes were made to the database to which the universe is connected.

85.Run check integrity1 Select the Check Integrity command from the Tools menu.Integrity Check dialog box appears.2 In the dialog box, click the component(s) to be checked by clicking the corresponding check boxes.Check All causes all theoptions to be checked.3 Click the parse level.parsing checks only the syntax of a component Thorough parsing checks both the syntax and

semantics of a component. Of the two options, the latter may take longer to run.4 Click OK.NoteOptions for running Check Integrity automatically are available in the Options dialog box (Tools menu).86.Create a class manually1 Click the class after which you want the new class to appear in the Universe pane.2 Select the Class command from the Insert menu.Edit Properties dialog box appears.3 Enter the name of the class in the Class Name text box.4 Enter information about the class in the Description text box.

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5 Click the OK button.NotesA class appears within the Universe pane with a symbol.

If you insert a class in an opened class, it becomes a subclass of this class. Otherwise, it appears87.Create an object manually1 In the Universe pane, position the pointer within the class in which you want the objectto appear.2 Select the Object command from the Insert menu.Edit Properties dialog box appears; by default, the Definition tab isdisplayed.

3 In the Name box, type the name of the object.4 If necessary, change the type of the object in the list box.object can be a character, number, long text, or date.5 Enter information about the object in the Description text box.6 Enter the syntax of the Select statement in the text box.7 Enter the syntax of the Where clause in the text box.8 Click the OK buttonobject appears in the Universe pane.NoteYou can use the SQL editor to enter the SQL definition of the object; i.e. the Select statement and the Where clause. To invoke thiseditor, click the to the right of either the Select or Where text box.88.What is the SQL editorThe SQL editor lets you enter or modify an SQL statement for either the Select statement or Where clause. To invoke this editor,click the button to the right of either the Select or Where text box.You can type the SQL statement directly in the text box located in the upper part of the editor window. Or you can formulate yoursyntax by using any combination of the following elements: tables, columns, classes, objects, operators, or functions. To select anelement (and cause it to appear in the text box) double-click it in the appropriate pane.The functions listed in the Functions pane include the native SQL functions of your RDBMS as well as BusinessObjects @functions. For further information on @ functions, click .By clicking on a function, you can view its syntax and purpose; this information is displayed in the Description box.89.What functions are supported?Designer provides four types of functions: Number, Character, Date and @Functions. Refer to your database guide for furtherdetails on the first three types of functions. Functions beginning with the @ character are BusinessObject functions that render thedefinition of objects dynamic and database-independent.

@Function Purpose@Aggregate_Aware is used to enhance the performance of SQL transactions; i.e. it determines which tables to use in SQLgeneration: either aggregate tables or detailed tables.@Prompt is used to create an interactive object. In the Query Panel, this type of object causes a message to appear thatprompts the end user to enter a specific value.@Script is used to recover the results of an executed macro created with the Visual Basic Editor in the BusinessObjectsUser module.@Select lets you re-use the Select statement of an existing object@Variable is used to reference the value assigned to a name or variable.@Where lets you re-use the Where clause of an existing object.

@Aggregate_AwareSyntax @Aggregate_Aware(aggregate_table_1, ... aggregate_table_n)arguments are the names of alternative aggregate tables.The precedence of the arguments is from left to right.

Description is used to enhance the performance of SQL transactions; i.e. it determines which tables to use in SQL generation:either aggregate tables or detailed tables.Example @Aggregate_Aware(sum(Region_SLine.sales_revenue), sum(Service.price * Invoice_Line.days *Invoice_Line.nb_guests))@PromptSyntax @Prompt ('message', ['type'], [lov], [MONO|MULTI], [FREE|CONSTRAINED]) message is the text of a message withinsingle quotes. type can be one of the following: 'A' for alphanumeric, 'N' for number, or 'D' for date. lov can be either a list ofvalues enclosed in brackets (each value must be within single quotes and separated by commas) or the name of a class and objectseparated by a backslash and within single quotes. MONO means that the prompt accepts only one value. MULTI means that the

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prompt can accept several values. FREE refers to free input as opposed to CONSTRAINED, which means that the end usermust choose a value suggested by the prompt.Description Is used to create an interactive object. In the Query Panel, this type of object causes a message to appear. Thismessage prompts the end user to enter a specific value.Note The last four arguments are optional; however, if you omit an argument you must still enter the commas as separators.Example In Where Clause:.city IN @Prompt ('Choose City', 'A', {'Chicago', 'Boston', 'New York'}, MULTI, FREE)the QueryPanel, the object prompts the end user to choose a city.@Script

Syntax @Script('var_name', 'vartype', 'script_name') 'var_name' is a variable name declared in the VBA macro. This name enablesthe results of the executed macro to be recovered in the SQL definition of an object. This name must be identical in both the macroand in the SQL definition of the object. 'vartype' is the variable type declared in the VBA macro: 'A' for alphanumeric, 'D' fordate, 'N' for numeric. 'script_name' is the name of the VBA macro to be executed. VBA macro files are located in the Scripts folder.Description Recovers the results of an executed macro created with the Visual Basic Editor in the BusinessObjects Usermodule.Note The second argument is optional; however, if you omit it you must still enter the commas as separators.Example In Where clause:.cust_id = @Script('Number_of_customers', 'A', 'customers')the results of a macro calledcustomers, which calculates the number of customers.@SelectSyntax @Select(Classname\Objectname)Description Lets you re-use the Select statement of an existing object.

@VariableSyntax @Variable('myname')'myname' can be one of the following: The text of an interactive object previously created withthe @Prompt function; i.e. the first argument entered in the @Prompt function. A BusinessObjects system variable such asBOUSER or BOPASS. These variables represent respectively the user name and password forming the user identification. Systemvariables also exist for the connection to the RDBMS.Description References the value assigned to a prompt or variable.Example In Where Clause:.first_name = @Variable('BOUSER')function references the system variable BOUSER. In theQuery Panel, this object retrieves customers having a first name equal to the BOUSER value.@Where

Syntax @Where(Classname\Objectname)Description Lets you re-use the Where clause of an existing object.90.What is meant by object qualification?The qualification of an object reveals how it can be used in multidimensional analysis. An object can be qualified as a dimension, adetail, or a measure.In the Universe pane, the symbol beside each object indicates its qualification:a for a dimension

a for a measurea for a detail

91.Create a dimension object1 Double-click the object in the Universe pane.Edit Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 In the Definition tab, change the object's type, if necessary.3 Click the Properties tab.4 In the Qualification box, click the Dimension radio button.the object is of type date, click the Automatic Time Hierarchybutton, enter the necessary options, and then click the OK button.5 Click the OK button.NotesBy default, all objects you create manually already have a dimension qualification.

A dimension object appears within the Universe pane

92.ate an automatic time hierarchy

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1 First create a dimension object of type date.2 Click the Properties tab of the Edit Properties dialog box.3 Click the Automatic Time Hierarchy button.Automatic Time Hierarchy dialog box appears.4 In the dialog box, select and name the dimensions you wish to use, and click OK.5 Click the OK button.NoteIn the Universe pane, each time dimension appears as an subobject of the date object.93.Create a measure object

1 Double-click the object in the Universe pane.Edit Properties dialog box is displayed.2 In the Definition tab, change the object's type to number.3 Click the Properties tab.4 In the Qualification box, click the Measure radio button.5 Indicate how the measure is to be projected when aggregated: Average, Count, Max, Min, Sum, or Unknown.theappropriate value from the list box.6 Click the OK button.NoteA measure object appears within the Universe pane with a symbol.94.Create a detail object1 Double-click the object within the Universe pane.Edit Properties dialog box is displayed.2 In the Definition tab, change the object's type, if necessary.3 Click the Properties tab.4 In the Qualification box, click the Detail radio button.5 Click the Associated Dimension list box, and select the object to which you are assigning the detail object.6 Click the OK button.NotesA detail object is displayed in the Universe pane with a symbol.

A detail object appears in the Universe pane as a subobject of the dimension object it describes.95.Create a condition1 Click the class in which you want the condition to appear.2 Select the Condition command from the Insert menu.3 In the Name box, type the name of the condition.

4 In the Description box, enter information about the condition.5 In the Where box, type the SQL definition of the Where clause.6 Click OK.NotesYou can use the SQL editor to formulate the Where clause.

A condition appears in the Universe pane with a symbol.96.Insert a user object1 Select the User Objects command from the Insert menu.Insert User Objects dialog box is displayed.2 Click a user object file.user object file has a .udo extension3 Click the Open button.Notes

By default, user object files are stored in the Universe folder.By default, user objects appear in a class called Created from User Objects.97.What is multidimensional analysis?Multidimensional analysis is a technique for manipulating data in order to view it from different perspectives and on different levelsof detail. In BusinessObjects, multidimensional analysis involves drill mode and slice-and-dice mode, and is enabled by theAnalyzer and Explorer components of the User module.To set up a universe for multidimensional analysis, you must define hierarchies and dimensions that determine how users view andanalyze the data.A dimension is simply the object to be tracked. A dimension can be an object such as Country, Region, and City. A hierarchy is anordered series of related dimensions. An example of a hierarchy is Geography, which may group dimensions such as Country,Region, and City.

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98.Create a custom hierarchy for multidimensional analysis1 Select the Hierarchies command from the Tools menu.2 Click the New button.3 Type a name beside the hierarchy folder, and then press the Return key.hierarchy appears in the Custom Hierarchies box.4 Insert the objects in the new hierarchy, by clicking them in the Default Hierarchies box, and then clicking the Addbuttton.objects appear in the new hierarchy in the Custom Hierarchies box.99.Add a default hierarchy for multidimensional analysis

1 Select the Hierarchies command from the Tools menu.2 In the Default Hierarchies (Dimension Objects) box, click a hierarchy.3 Hold down the Ctrl key, and then click each additional hierarchy you wish to add.4 Click the Add button.NotesWhen you add a hierarchy, you automatically include all its dimension objects.You can also drag and drop a hierarchy from the Default Hierarchies box to the Custom Hierarchies box.You can rearrange the order in which hierarchies are displayed by using the Move Up or Move down button.100.Add dimension objects to a custom hierarchy1 Select the Hierarchies command from the Tools menu.2 In the Default Hierarchies box, click the plus sign (+) of all the default hierarchies in order to view the dimension objects.3 In the Custom Hierarchies box, click the hierarchy folder, which is to contain the dimension object.select several dimensionobjects, click each dimension while keeping the Ctrl key pressed.4 Click the Add button.NoteYou can rearrange the order in which dimension objects are displayed in a hierarchy by using the Move Up or Move down button.101.What is a list of values?A list of values contains the data values associated with an object. These data values can originate from a corporate database, or aflat file such as a text file or Excel file. In Designer you create a list of values by running a query from the Query Panel. You canthen view, edit, purge, refresh, and even export this file. A list of values is stored as an .lov file in a subfolder of the UserDocsfolder.102.Create a list of values

1 In the Universe pane, double-click the object for which you want to create a list of values.Edit Properties dialog boxappears.2 Click the Properties tab.3 Enter a name for the .lov file in the List Name text box.can enter up to 8 alphanumeric characters.4 Click the Display button to obtain the List of Values dialog box.List of Values dialog box displays all the possible data valuesassociated with the object.5 Click the OK button to create the .lov file.stores .lov files in a subfolder of the UserDocs folder. The name of the subfolder isthat of the universe in which the object is located.103.Assign personal data to a list of values1 Select the Lists of Values command from the Tools menu.List of Values dialog box is displayed.2 In the dialog box, click the object whose list of values you wish to edit.3 Click the Personal Data radio button in the Properties group box.message box informs you that you are about to change the

.lov type from corporate to personal.4 Click the OK button to confirm the action.displays the Access Personal Data dialog box. The options displayed varydepending on the file type you select.5 Click the Browse button, and from the browser, specify the file to be used as the .lov.can also type the file name in theName text box.6 Specify the file format by selecting an option from the Format list box.options are Text Files (*.asc;*.prn;*.txt;*.csv),Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, or dBASE.7 Specify the remaining options, as necessary.a text file, one line is equivalent ot one row. For a text file, indicate the type ofcolumn delimiter: a tabulation, space, or character. If you select character as the type, enter the character in the text box.8 Click the Run button to confirm the above actions, and to close the dialog box.

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104.What is aggregate awareness?Aggregate awareness is a feature that makes use of predefined aggregate tables to enhance the performance of SQLtransactions. It is used to improve the speed by which aggregates are calculated in the database.To set up aggregate awareness in a universe, you define or more objects using the @Aggregate_Aware function. The syntax forthis function is as follows:@Aggregate_Aware(aggregate_table_1, ... aggregate_table_n)The arguments of this function are all the names of alternative aggregate tables. When you formulate the syntax, you should beaware of the order of the arguments. The precedence is from left to right; this means that BusinessObjects determines the

aggregate to use beginning from the leftmost argument.As a general rule, you should enter the most aggregate table as the first argument, the next most aggregate table as the secondargument, and so on.You must then use the Aggregate Navigation editor to set up a list of incompatible objects and/or incompatible conditions for eachaggregate table in your universe. These are the components that cannot be used with an aggregate table.You can either set up these lists manually, or cause the list of objects to be detected by Designer.105.Specify incompatible objects for aggregate tables1 Select the Aggregate Navigation command from the Tools menu.2 In the Universe Tables box, click a predefined aggregate table.3 In the Associated Incompatible Objects box, click the check box beside each incompatible object. Or click the DetectIncompatibility button to do this automatically.check mark appears beside the incompatible objects.106.Specify incompatible conditions for aggregate tables1 Select the Aggregate Navigation command from the Tools menu.2 In the Universe Tables box, click a predefined aggregate table.3 Click the radio button.4 In the Associated Incompatible Objects box, click the check box beside each incompatible condition. Or click the DetectIncompatibility button to do this automatically.check mark appears beside the incompatible conditions.107.What are Enterprise and Workgroup modes?Designer lets you save universes in either enterprise or workgroup mode.Enterprise mode means that you are working in anenvironment with a repository. Workgroup mode means that you are working without a repository. The mode in which you save

your universe determines whether other designers are able to access them.By default, a universe is saved in the mode in whichyou are already working. For example, if you launched a session in enterprise mode, any universe you save is automatically in thatmode. However, if you want to make a universe accessible to another designer working without a repository, then click the Save asWorkgroup check box in the Save as universe dialog box.108.How do you distribute universes?You can distribute a universe to end users or another designer by:Moving it as a file through the file serverExporting it to the repositoryIf you distribute a universe as a file through the file server, any designer or end user can open it unless you have set a passwordon it.The repository is a centralized set of relational data structures stored on a database. This device enable BusinessObjects users toshare resources in a controlled and secured environment. The repository is made up of three domains: the security domain, theuniverse domain, and the document domain.

The Import and Export commands of Designer let you move universes to and from the universe domain of the repository.

109.Export a universe to the repository1 Select the Export command from the File menu.Export Universe dialog box appears.2 In the Repository list box, click the universe domain to which you want to export the universe.3 In the Groups box, click the group(s) to which you want to export the universe.4 If you wish to export other universes at the same time, click the Add button, and then use the browser to specify theuniverses.default, all open universes are displayed.5 Double-click each universe you wish to keep locked in the repository.padlock appears beside a locked universe.6 In the Universes box, click the universe(s) you wish to export.7 Click OK.

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NotesYou can export a universe only if its connection type is secured.

By default, the Universes box displays a list of all open universes. To remove a universe from this list, select it, and thenclick the Remove button.110.Import a universe from the repository1 Select the Import command from the File menu.2 In the Repository list box, click the universe domainthat contains the universe.

3 From the Available Universes list box, click the universes you wish to import.4 If necessary, double-click all locked universes.locked universe appears with a padlock beside it.5 Check the name of the import folder to which the universe is to be imported. can specify another folder by clicking theBrowse button.6 Click OK.111. What are linked universes?Linked universes are universes that share common components such as parameters, classes, objects, or joins. Among linkeduniverses, one universe is said to be the kernel or master while the others are the derived universes.A kernel or master universerepresents a re-useable library of components.Derived universes may contain some or all of the components of the kernel or master universe, in addition to any components thathave been added to it.Some of the benefits inherent in the use of linked universes are as follows:A dynamic link may considerably reduce development and maintenance time. When you modify a component in the kerneluniverse, Designer propagates the change to the same component in all the derived universes. Instead of re-creating commoncomponents each time you create a new universe, you can centralize such components in a kernel universe, and then includethem in all new universes.Linked universes promote workgroup design. Common components can be shared among several designers.Linked universes facilitate specialization. Development can be split between database administrators who set up a basic kerneluniverse, and the more specialized designers who create more functional universes based on their specific field.112.What are the requirements for linking universesYou can link the active universe to a kernel universe, only if the following requirements are met:The kernel universe and active universe were created from the same data account and the same RDBMS.The kernel universe was exported and re-imported at least once.

Exported derived universes are located in the same universe domain as the kernel universe.All classes and objects are unique in both the kernel universe and the derived universes. (Otherwise, collisions may occur.)You areauthorized to link the given universe.NoteA derived universe does not recover the lists of values containing personal data from the kernel universe. However, if you needcertain lists of values, you can use the following workaround: in the derived universe, create new objects defined in the same wayas those in the kernel, then hide them. You can then assign them to these objects lists of values, which you can then modify andexport.113.Create a dynamic link between two universes1 Open or select the universe to be linked to a kernel universe.2 Select the Parameters command from the File menu.Universe Parameters dialog box is displayed.3 Click the Links tab of the dialog box.

4 Click the Add Link button.dialog box appears from which you can select a universe.5 Click the universe to be linked to your active universe, and then click the Open button.universe that you select is thendisplayed in the central pane of the Links tab.6 Click the OK button.components are displayed within the active window.NotesTo link an active universe to a kernel universe, you must have exported the kernel universe at least once. Otherwise, Designerdoes not allow the link.

Designer displays the components from the kernel universe as dimmed in both the Universe and Structure panes of theactive universe. You cannot modify or delete them; however, you can create a join linking a table originating from the kerneluniverse to one in the active universe.

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GENERAL

Q. What is business objects?

BUSINESSOBJECTS is an integrated query, reporting and analysis solution for business professionals that allow them to accessthe data in their corporate databases directly from their desktop and present and analyze this information in aBUSINESSOBJECTS document.

It is an OLAP tool that high-level management can use as a part of a Decision Support Systems (DSS).

BUSINESSOBJECTS makes it easy to access the data, because you work with it in business terms that are familiar to you, nottechnical database terms like SQL.

1. What are the various Business Objects products? (AG technologies)User Module, Designer, Supervisor, Auditor, Set Analyzer, Info View (Web Intelligence), Business Objects SoftwareDevelopment Kit (SDK), Broadcast Agent etc.

2. What are the advantages of Business Objects over other DSS? User Friendly. Familiar Business Terms. Graphical Interface Drag and Drop. Powerful reports in less time.

Enterprise wide Deployment of documents using WebI Customized dashboards using Application foundation and Business Objects SDK.

How many modes are there in BO & Designer? (KPIT Infotech, Pune)There are 2 types: Enterprise Mode, Workgroup Mode.

3. What are Enterprise and Workgroup modes?

Designer lets you save universes in either enterprise or workgroup mode. Enterprise mode means that you are working inan environment with a repository. Workgroup mode means that you are working without a repository. The mode in whichyou save your universe determines whether other designers are able to access them. By default, a universe is saved inthe mode in which you are already working. For example, if you launched a session in enterprise mode, any universe yousave is automatically in that mode.

Q. How do you save a Business Objects document which can be accessed by all users in workgroup mode?

If we want to make a universe accessible to another designer working without a repository, then click the Save as Workgroupcheck box in the Save as universe dialog box.

Q. What is online and offline mode?

4. What is a macro?A macro is a series of commands and functions that are stored in a Visual Basic for Applications module and can be runwhenever you need to perform the task. If you perform a task repeatedly, you can automate the task with a macro. Youcreate macros using the Visual Basic Editor.

5. What is an add-in?Add-ins are programs that add optional commands and features to BUSINESSOBJECTS. Add-ins are usually created bythose responsible in your company for adding customized features to BUSINESSOBJECTS. All you probably need to dois install and uninstall add-ins that are sent to you.

DESIGNER

6. What is a universe? (AG Technologies)Universe provides a semantic layer between you and the database. It consists of classes and objects named in businessterms. It is basically a mapping of table and the columns in the database to classes and objects respectively in the querypanel.Alternatively, It is logical mapping of data in business terms.

In the BusinessObjects User module, universes enable end users to build queries from which they can generate andperform analysis. Universes isolate end users from the complexities of the database structure as well as the intricacies ofSQL syntax.

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1) Built-in strategies and2) External strategies

Built-in Strategies: Designer provides a number of default strategies which we can use. These are strategies forextracting joins, detecting cardinalities, and creating default classes and objects. Options for indicating default strategiesare located in the Database tab of the Options dialog box.

External Strategies: We can also create our own strategies. Such strategies are referred to as external strategies. Withan external strategy, we can specify the exact way that objects and joins are to be extracted from the database structure.The strategy we use, for example, can be a script generated from a CASE Access tool. An external strategy is specific toone RDBMS.

How do you specify external strategies?With an external strategy, you can specify the exact way that objects and joins are to be extracted from the databasestructure. All external strategies are contained within the same text file. The name of this text file is indicated in the .prmfile specific to your RDBMS. In the .prm file, the strategy file is declared as follows: STG=[StrategyFileName] whereStrategyFileName is the name of the strategy file.

An external strategy, whether for objects or for joins, is made up of the following sections:a name and description (These are visible in the Strategies tab of the Universe Parameters dialog box.)a type parameter: object or joinan SQL parameter or file parameteran optional parameter that points to a connection other than the universe connection.An external strategy can be based on SQL or a file.

What are the visualization options available?

Designer contains a variety of features for organizing and viewing the tables and columns in the Structure pane. Amongthese features are: List Mode, which adds three panes to the Structure pane. These panes are for viewing the names oftables, joins, and contexts. When you click a component in a pane, its corresponding graphical representation in theschema is highlighted. Graphic options, which let you customize the shape or appearance of the tables, columns, joins,and cardinalities in the Structure pane.Arrange tables, a feature that reorganizes the tables in the Structure pane so as to produce an orderly display. Gridlines,a command that displays a grid, which you can use to align tables in the Structure pane.Table (Column) Values, commands that display the data values associated with a particular table or column.

18. What are loops? (MBT, KPIT Infotech, Pune)loop is a situation that occurs when more than one path exists from one table to another. Loops result in ambiguity in thedesign of a universe

How do you detect loops ?

Designer enables you to identify loops in one of two ways: You can run the Check Integrity function, which indicates theexistence of any loops. You can select the Detect Loops command from the Tools menu. If there are loops, the LoopDetection viewer appears; it indicates the joins causing a loop.

What are aliases?An alias is a logical pointer to an alternate table name. The purpose of an alias is to resolve loops in the paths of joins. Insome cases, more than one alias may be necessary for a given table. As you create aliases, Designer may prompt you tocreate other aliases. This occurs when the new aliases result in the need for additional aliases; in other words, creatingsuch aliases entails the propagation of other aliases. In such a situation, two options are available to you:

You can cause only the first table proposed to be aliased You can alias all the tables listed (i.e. propagate the aliases)

Designer displays an alias in the Structure pane as a table. It links an aliased table to existing tables, re-arranging joins,as necessary.

How do you resolve the loop? (MBT, KPIT Infotech, Pune)You can resolve loops in two ways: Using aliases Using contextsDESIGNER provides three features, which guide you in the loop resolution process: Detect Cardinalities Detect Aliases Detect ContextsThe first step in resolving loops is to detect the cardinalities of the tables.

19. How can you resolve loops?You can run the Check Integrity function, which indicates the existence of any loops.

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You can select the Detect Loops command from the Tools menu. If there are loops, the Loop Detection viewer appears; itindicates the joins causing a loop.You can then use aliases or contexts to resolve the loops in your universe.

Can Contexts And Aliases Be Used Together?Yes, you can use contexts and aliases in the same universe. In fact, in many cases you should use them together.

When To Use Contexts Instead Of Aliases

There is no strict rule to follow for resolving loops. However, whenever possible you should use an alias instead of a context. When

you use a context, you expose the BUSINESSOBJECTS end user to the database structure. They are forced to decide whichcontext they want to use to run their query. The role of the universe is to shield end users from the database structure, so they donot have to make such decisions.

Contexts can be confusing for end usersA context can be confusing for end users when they are forced to make a decision about the meaning of an object. For example anobject called Country can have several meanings; the customers country of residence, the shipment destination, or the productscountry of manufacture. When you run a query in BUSINESSOBJECTS or WEBINTELLIGENCE, you are also asked to indicatethe correct database path to follow.

Deciding to use an alias or contextYou can use the following rules to help you decide whether an alias or context is appropriate for resolving loops: When you createaliases and you end up with object names that sound very different (Customers Country of Residence, Shipment Destination, andProducts Country of Manufacture), aliases are probably the right solution.If you end up with object names that sound very similar (such as Ordered Products and Loaned Products as well as Ordered

Products Country of Manufacture and Loaned Products Country of Manufacture), you should consider using contexts.

Q. When do you use contexts and aliases? (ITC)

Contexts and Aliases are used while resolving loops.

Q. What are the disadvantages of Alias? (PCS)

Q. What is Fan Trap? (PCS)A one to many join links a table, which is in turn linked by a one to many join. This type of fanning out of one to many joins can leadto a join path problem called a fan trap.The fanning out effect of one to many joins can cause incorrect results to be returned when a query includes objects based onboth tables.

20. What is Chasm Trap?Many to one joins from two fact tables converge on a single lookup table. This type of join convergence can lead to a joinpath problem called a chasm trap.

21. What is LoV?A list of values contains the data values associated with an object. These data values can originate from a corporatedatabase, or a flat file such as a text file or Excel file. In Designer you create a list of values by running a query from theQuery Panel. You can then view, edit, purge, refresh, and even export this file. A list of values is stored as an .lov file in asubfolder of the UserDocs folder.

29. How many types of join are available? (KPIT Infotech, Pune)Designer supports the following types of joins: equi-joins, outer joins, theta joins, and shortcut joins.

What is theta join? (KPIT Infotech, Pune)A join is a relational operation that causes two or more tables with a common domain to be combined into a single table.

The purpose of joins is to restrict the result set of a query run against multiple tables.

A Theta join links tables based on a relationship other than equality between two columns.

Q. What are Equi-joins, Outer joins and Short cut joins?

30. What functions are supported?Designer provides four types of functions: Number, Character, Date and @Functions. Functions beginning with the @character are BusinessObject functions that render the definition of objects dynamic and database-independent.

@Function Purpose@Aggregate_Aware is used to enhance the performance of SQL transactions; i.e. it determines which

tables to use in SQL generation: either aggregate tables or detailed tables.

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@Prompt is used to create an interactive object. In the Query Panel, this type of objectcauses a message to appear that prompts the end user to enter a specific value.

@Script is used to recover the results of an executed macro created with the Visual BasicEditor in the BusinessObjects User module.

@Select lets you re-use the Select statement of an existing object@Variable is used to reference the value assigned to a name or variable.@Where lets you re-use the Where clause of an existing object.

What is meant by object qualification?The qualification of an object reveals how it can be used in multidimensional analysis. An object can be qualified as adimension, a detail, or a measure. In the Universe pane, the symbol beside each object indicates its qualification.

What is multidimensional analysis?Multidimensional analysis is a technique for manipulating data in order to view it from different perspectives and ondifferent levels of detail. In Business Objects, multidimensional analysis involves drill mode and slice-and-dice mode, andis enabled by the Analyzer and Explorer components of the User module. To set up a universe for multidimensionalanalysis, you must define hierarchies and dimensions that determine how users view and analyze the data. A dimensionis simply the object to be tracked. A dimension can be an object such as Country, Region, and City. A hierarchy is anordered series of related dimensions. An example of a hierarchy is Geography, which may group dimensions such asCountry, Region, and City.

31. What are cardinalities? (ITC)Cardinality expresses the minimum and maximum number of instances of an entity B that can be associated with aninstance of an entity A. The minimum and the maximum number of instances can be equal to 0, 1, or N.

Because a join represents a bi-directional relationship, it must always have two cardinalities.

There are two main methods for detecting or editing cardinalities:

the Detect Cardinalities command the Edit Join dialog box

If you selected the Detect cardinalities in joins options in the Database tab of the Options dialog box, Designer detectsand retrieves the cardinalities of the joins. If you do not use this option, you can still retrieve the cardinalities for one or all

joins in the universe.

32. How do you test the integrity of a universe?With the Check Integrity command, you can test the structure of your active universe. This means testing to determine

whether its components are accurate and up-to-date.Check Integrity serves the following purposes:

It detects any inconsistencies in the objects, joins, conditions, and cardinalities of your universe.It detects whether there are any loops in the joins.It determines whether changes were made to the database to which the universe is connected.

33. How do you distribute universes?You can distribute a universe to end users or another designer by:

Moving it as a file through the file serverExporting it to the repository

If you distribute a universe as a file through the file server, any designer or end user can open it unless you have set apassword on it. The repository is a centralized set of relational data structures stored on a database. This device enablesBusinessObjects users to share resources in a controlled and secured environment. The repository is made up of threedomains: the security domain, the universe domain, and the document domain. The Import and Export commands of

Designer let you move universes to and from the universe domain of the repository.

34. What are linked universes? (Designers Guide, 246) (Mascot, MBT, KPIT Infotech Pune)Linked universes are universes that share common components such as parameters, classes, objects, or joins. Among

linked universes, one universe is said to be the kernel or master universe while the others are the derived universes.A kernel or master universe represents a re-usable library of components. Derived universes may contain some or all the

components of the kernel or master universe, in addition to any components that have been added to it.Approaches to linking universesYou can use one of three approaches when linking universes: The kernel approach The master approach The component approach

The Benefits of Linked Universes

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You can link the active universe to a kernel universe, only if the following requirements are met:The kernel universe and active universe were created from the same data account and the same RDBMS.The kernel universe was exported and re-imported at least once.Exported derived universes are located in the same universe domain as the kernel universe.All classes and objects are unique in both the kernel universe and the derived universes. (Otherwise, collisions may

occur.)You are authorized to link the given universe.Note: A derived universe does not recover the lists of values containing personal data from the kernel universe. However,if you need certain lists of values, you can use the following workaround: in the derived universe, create new objectsdefined in the same way as those in the kernel, then hide them. You can then assign them to these objects lists of values,

which you can then modify and export.

Q. How many types of Linked universes are there, and what are they? (ITC)Answered above

SUPERVISOR

35. What are the types of users in Business Objects?General SupervisorSupervisor

DesignerSupervisor-DesignerEnd UserVersatile User

36. What is the Supervisor module used for?SUPERVISOR is the product you need in order to set up and maintain a secure environment for Business Objectsproducts. It provides you with a powerful and easy-to-use structure for distributing information to be shared by all users.

This information is centralized through relational data accounts called repositories.

37. What is a repository? What does it contain? (AG Technologies)It is a relational data account created on a database like Oracle, MS-Access, Informix, DB2 etc when the BO is installed. Itwill have all the BO system tables, metadata about designer, Information about universes, the actual universes, user

documents and most importantly security information.

38. What are repository domains? (AG Technologies)A Business Objects repository is a set of data structures stored on a database. A repository makes it possible to share theresources necessary for client/server architecture. To ensure security and manage user resources, a repository comprises

three types of domains:

A security domain, which contain the definition of the other domains as well as the definition of users

Universe domains, which are meta-models of related databases, containing a description of the data to beaccessed

Document domains, which contain the structures for storing shared documents and for executing tasks according to

a time stamped definition.

39. What are the responsibilities of a Supervisor?Create the Business Objects repository.

Define users and user groups, as well as assign profiles to them. User profiles include user identification (user name andpassword), the products and modules they can work with, the universes they can access, and the documents that they

can share.Control user access to Business Objects products, and manage the exchange and distribution of the universe and

documents of all the users.

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USER MODULE

40. What is a Data Provider?The data source (Query) is called as the data provider.

41. Can one create a report having two Data Provider each pointing to different Universes?Yes.

42. Can I add some html tags in the report?Yes. In the format/properties one has to set the option read as html.

43. Can I drill through from one report to another?Yes. Using some html coding in the parameters to be passed while drill through one can drill thru from one BO report to

another in the same BO document.

44. Can I have cascading prompts in Business Objects report?Yes.

45. Did you do metadata reporting in BO?Metadata reporting of BO is possible. BO provides a separate universe which actually contains repository tables, objects

etc. Using this Universe one can do metadata reporting in BO

46. What is Channel?It is a Website that uses push technology, also known as web casting, to keep subscribers abreast of up-to-date

information.

Each BO channel is associated with a BROADCAST AGENT, itself associated with a user group in the BO repository.

One BROADCAST AGENT can have several channels.

47. How do Channels work?General supervisors and supervisors can create, modify and remove channels using SUPERVISOR.

Each channel uses a Channel Definition Format (CDF) file as an index to the Website.

The first time a document is published in the channel, the CDF file is created based on the template. It is then updated

every time a new document is published in the channel.

BO users can schedule a document to be published in one or more channels by a BROADCAST AGENT.

They can only publish in channels associated with the BROADCAST AGENT of groups to which they belong.

When BROADCAST AGENT publishes a BO document in a channel, it converts the document to HTML format and

simultaneously updates the channels CDF file so channel subscribers via IE4 can view the document.

SCHEDULING/PUBLISHING RELATED

48. How do you publish BO report?

There are 2 ways of publishing BO reports on website1) User who has publishing rights for a document can publish that document for other users.2) Documents can be published via a scheduler for Business Object known as BCA or Broadcast Agent.

49. What is BCA?BROADCAST AGENT provides scheduled or batch processing of BUSINESSOBJECTS and WEBINTELLIGENCEdocuments. All the end user has to do is send a document to BROADCAST AGENT using BUSINESSOBJECTS orWEBINTELLIGENCE, and specify scheduling and distribution information. No understanding of the server configuration is

required.

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BROADCAST AGENT lets users not only automate simple actions such as refreshing and printing documents, but control

processing with conditions which trigger distribution when pre-defined events occur.Users can choose to publish documents to the repository, on a web server or on the server file system. Users with accessto the repository can view documents that BROADCAST AGENT has processed in BUSINESSOBJECTS orWEBINTELLIGENCE. BROADCAST AGENT supports HTML publishing on the web, on channels and on your intranet or

extranet.

50. What is WebI or Web Intelligence?WebIntelligence is a decision support solution designed to meet critical query, reporting and analysis needs over the

World Wide Web and has features very similar to Business Objects.

Like Business Objects, with WebIntelligence, you can access the data in your corporate databases or data warehouses

from within your office, home, or around the world, using your corporate intranet, extranet, or the World Wide Web.

How do you share the information?

You can quickly and easily share the documents you have created with other users in your company, either by sending themdirectly to selected individuals or groups, or by publishing them as corporate documents. When you distribute documents in thesedifferent ways, you use the BUSINESSOBJECTS repository. The repository stores the documents you send so that other userscan retrieve and view them. It also stores information about the documents it stores, such as name of sender, date and time, and

also which users in the company have the right to retrieve and view a document.

What about security?

The repository is set up and administered by the BUSINESSOBJECTS supervisor. All of the rights you have as a user are granted

by your BUSINESSOBJECTS supervisor using BUSINESSOBJECTS SUPERVISOR. The supervisor defines: The parts of the BUSINESSOBJECTS interface you can access. Your supervisor can restrict the availability of

BUSINESSOBJECTS functionality, such as access to certain menu commands. Your database connections The universes you can access for creating and editing queries

Q. What are the different tools in Business Objects 5.1? (AG technologies)

Whats new in BusinessObjects 5.1?

Although not a major release over BUSINESSOBJECTS 5.0, BUSINESSOBJECTS 5.1 has some important new features.

Save as PDF Add hyperlinks to reports

Zero Administration BusinessObjects

BUSINESSOBJECTS 5.1 can be installed in two ways: from INFOVIEW via an Internet browser from the product CD

Q. Explain the Reporting features in Business Objects reporting tool? (AG Technologies)

What data sources are available?

BUSINESSOBJECTS let you access data from a wide range of sources. You can access data from Relational databases (RDBMS), such as ORACLE, Microsoft SQL Server, Informix and IBM DB2. Multidimensional (OLAP) databases, such as Microsoft OLAP Services, Hyperion Essbase, and

ORACLE Express. Text files and spreadsheets Packaged applications such as SAP Virtually any data source using Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) procedures.

How do you access data sources?

BUSINESSOBJECTS lets you access your data through a graphical user interface. You need no technical knowledge of the

underlying data structures to get the information you want. What you do need, however, is knowledge of your business.

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To access a data source with BUSINESSOBJECTS, you build a data provider. The types of data providers supported inBUSINESSOBJECTS depends on whether you install BUSINESSOBJECTS from the installation CD or install

BUSINESSOBJECTS via an Internet browser.

Which are the different types of data providers?

Queries on Universes Stored Procedures Free-hand SQL Personal Data files VBA Procedures OLAP Servers SAP

Can all BusinessObjects users build data providers?

You can build data providers only if you have purchased the REPORTER module of BUSINESSOBJECTS.

Can you combine data from different sources in one report?

Absolutely. With BUSINESSOBJECTS, you can build powerful reports with data from corporate databases which you can access

using queries on universes, freehand SQL, etc., and data from your own spreadsheets, text files etc.

Which data providers can you combine in one report?

You can combine data from any BUSINESSOBJECTS-supported data provider with data from any other BUSINESSOBJECTS-supported data provider in a single report. For example, in a report that displays data from a query on a universe, you can build anew query on a different universe. You can also use a different type of data provider: a stored procedure, a free-hand SQL script, a

personal data file, or an OLAP server.

Linking Data Providers

Linking data providers enables data from different sources to be computed in the same table, crosstab, or chart in a report.

What situations require you to link data providers?

BUSINESSOBJECTS automatically links data providers with a common dimension. Two dimensions in separate data providers arecommon when they belong to the same universe and have the same name. BUSINESSOBJECTS prompts you to link data

providers if there is no common dimension between the data providers.Tip: If you simply want to add columns of data to a report, use the Edit Data Provider command on the Data menu instead of

building a new query. This method lets you add result objects to the initial query; BUSINESSOBJECTS automatically inserts thenew columns of data in the report or creates a new report.

Purging and Deleting Data Providers

Whats the difference between purging and deleting a data provider? Purgingmeans emptying a data provider of its results,whereas deletingmeans getting rid of the data provider for good - an action which cannot be undone. So, why purge or delete a

data provider? Purging reduces the size of a document,so is useful when you want to send the document to other users, or save it on a diskette, for example. You should only delete a

data provider, however, if you are certain that you and other users no longer need it.Tip: You can populate a purged data provider by selecting the Refresh Data command on the Data menu. Note that this command

refreshes all the data providers in the active document.

Building a More Powerful Query

The procedures described in the following sections enable you to build a more powerful query by controlling the data that your

queries retrieve. You can: Define scope of analysis, which means that you retrieve data that you will later use for analysis in the report. Limit the query results to data that satisfies conditions. Sort data, for example alphabetically. Retrieve a specified number of rows of data. Eliminate duplicate rows of data from the query result.

What is scope of analysis? (BO Users guide,65) (Mascot, KPIT Infotech, Pune)

Analysis means looking at data from different viewpoints and on different levels of detail. In reports, you can use scope of analysisto ensure that the data included in your report can be displayed at the appropriate level of detail for your analysis. Setting a scopeof analysis allows you to work in drill mode, which enables you to display data in progressively greater detail. Scope of analysis

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means a subset of data, returned by a query, that you will use for analysis in your report. The data for your scope of analysis does

not appear inthe report until you decide that you want to use it in analysis. The scope of analysis you can define depends on hierarchies in theuniverse. A hierarchy, which the designer sets up when creating the universe, consists of dimension objects ranked from less

detailed to more detailed. The objects that belong to hierarchies are the ones you can use to define scope of analysis.

Applying conditions

A condition is a way of limiting the data that a query returns.

Predefinedconditions

When universe designers build universes, they can create predefinedconditions for you to use. For example, the Island Resort Marketinguniverse contains predefined conditions such as Year 98, which lets youobtain reservations for 1998 only. You can apply one or more predefinedconditions when you build a query. However, you can neither deletepredefined conditions from a universe, nor can you edit their definition.

Simple Conditions Enable you to limit data returned by a result object. For example, youcan find out about certain customers by applying a simple condition onthe Customer object, then selecting the customer names that appear ina dialog box.

ComplexConditions

Enable you to limit the query results by any object in the Universe.

Running a Query on a Different Universe

BUSINESSOBJECTS allows you to run a query on one universe and then run the same query on a different universe. By doingthis, you can test your query on a pilot universe before applying it to your real data.

1. Open the report containing the query.2. From the Data menu, choose View Data. The Data Manager dialog box opens.3. Choose the query you want to use in the Data Providers list, then click the Definition tab.4. Click the button to the right of the current universe name.5. In the dialog box that appears, select the universe you want to use, then click OK.6. Click the Results tab, then Refresh.7. Click OK to close the Data Manager.

Q. What are user objects?

A universe consists primarily of classes and objects, created by the universe designer. If the objects in a universe do not meet your

needs, you can customize the universe by creating your own objects, which are called user objects.

Why create a user object?

Based on one or more existing objects, user objects enable you to: Make calculations at the database level. Apply functions to text, for example to capitalize data. Group data.

What does a user object consist of?

A user object has a name, a type (character, date or numeric), a qualification (dimension, measure or detail) and a formula. The

formula contains a combination of functions, objects, user objects, operators, and text.User objects are end-user personal objects that are not shared with other end users.

What are the restrictions on user objects?You can work only with the user objects that you create yourself, and you cannot move user objects from the User Objects class.

Also, user objects are available only in the universe in which they were created.User objects are not shared. Reports that include user objects can only be viewed by other end-users. This is because user objectsare stored locally in a specific user object definition file. Other end-users, who do not have the same user object definition file arenot able to access the user object definitions. If an end-user tries to refresh or edit a query that contains another users user

objects, the user objects are automatically removed from the query and report.

Note: Scheduling reports containing user objects is not a supported feature. User objects are removed whenthe report is refreshed.

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How can an end-user share user objects with other users?If an end-user wants to share user objects with other users, they should ask the universe designer to include these user objects inthe related universe in order to make them available to all BUSINESSOBJECTS end-users. The universe designer includes the file

UNIVERSE_NAME.UDO in the universes where the user objects are to be used.

Applying Groups of Conditions

You use conditions to limit the data retrieved by queries. A group of conditions consists of two or more conditions (predefined,simple or complex) applied on the same query. You use groups of conditions when a single condition does not enable you to

obtain the data that you need.

A group of conditions consists of two or more conditions applied on the same query. In the Conditions box in the Query Panel,

conditions are linked by an operator (AND or OR).

Building Combined Queries

BUSINESSOBJECTS lets you combine the data returned by up to eight queries as one set of results. These combined queries

enable you to: Obtain a single column of data from multiple objects. Obtain data common to two sets of results, such as customers from a given region and a given age group. Exclude the results of one query from the results of another.Note: Building combined queries allows you to combine or exclude data from the query result by using operators to combine theresults of multiple queries. You can contrast this with using the In list and Not in list operators when you apply a complex condition

on a query. The In lis