Cognos moves closer to pervasive performance management software

Key developments include richer business intelligence and financial performance management functionality for general users, supported by new best-practice solutions and updated consulting, training and support. For example, there is a range of companion performance management capabilities for ERP, forecasting and budgeting, Microsoft Excel-based exploration and analysis, as well as consumer modes that let users interact with business intelligence content using familiar applications or devices, such as BlackBerrys, Microsoft Office application and browsers. “With compression in order lead times, manufacturing and supply chain cycle times, time to market and product lifecycle, business success increasingly depends on timely decision-making based on operational and financial performance,” says John Hagerty of analyst AMR Research. “Pervasive PM [performance management] is a journey that organisations can and should embark on now to empower timely, comprehensive decision making and insight into the effect these decisions have across the ecosystem of the organisation.” Says Rob Ashe, CEO of Cognos: “This continued innovative evolution of our performance management system provides our customers with an unparalleled portfolio for turning data into actionable performance information to improve financial and operational visibility and overall business performance.”