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Verify System Requirements

Use the following table to check the minimum hardware and software requirements to install and run IBM Cognos 8 components on one computer. Additional resources may be required for distributed or production environments.

Requirement

Specification

Operating system

Windows

UNIX

Linux

Some IBM Cognos 8 components are not supported under Linux.

RAM

Minimum: 2 GB

Operating system specifications

File descriptor limit set to 2048 on UNIX and Linux (recommended)

Disk space

A minimum of 2.5 GB of free space is required to install the software and 4 GB of free space on the drive that contains the temporary directory used by IBM Cognos components.

For all databases, the size will increase over time. Ensure that you have sufficient disk space for future requirements.

Web server

A Web server must be installed and started.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

An IBM JRE is installed automatically with IBM Cognos 8 on Windows.

If you are using an application server, use the JRE that is installed with it, if it is supported in IBM Cognos 8.

Database

Cognos Content Database can be installed and configured as the default content store database.

If you want to use another database, you must have one of the following databases available to store IBM Cognos data:

  • Oracle

  • DB2

  • Microsoft SQL Server

  • Sybase

For IBM Cognos 8 Metrics Manager, the following databases are supported for the metric store:

  • Oracle

  • DB2

  • Microsoft SQL Server

TCP/IP connectivity is required for all database types.

Web browser

For all Web browsers, the following are enabled:

  • cookies

  • JavaScript

For Microsoft Internet Explorer only, the following are enabled:

  • Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins

  • Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting

  • Active scripting

  • Allow META REFRESH

Other

On Windows, Microsoft Data Access Component (MDAC) for use with product samples

If you want to email reports, the ability to use a mail server

SAP BW

The following SAP Front-End components installed on each IBM Cognos 8 server computer:

  • SAP GUI

  • BW Add-ons