Before implementing IBM Cognos 8, decide how you will install and configure it to provide the best possible performance. The installation and configuration choices that produce the best performance depend on your reporting requirements, resources, and preferences.
When you assess your installation options for IBM Cognos 8, you must consider whether you are installing the product for the first time or upgrading. For information about upgrading, see the Installation and Configuration Guide.
When you install IBM Cognos 8, you specify where to install the gateways, Application Tier Components, and Content Manager. You can install all IBM Cognos 8 components on one computer, or distribute them across a network.
You must install Framework Manager, the metadata modeling application for business intelligence. You can choose to install optional metadata modeling applications such as Metric Designer for scorecarding and Transformer for creating PowerCubes.
IBM Cognos 8 is compatible with other IBM Cognos products. If your environment includes other IBM Cognos products, you must consider how IBM Cognos 8 will fit into that environment. For more information, see IBM Cognos 8 with Other IBM Cognos Products.