Performing Tasks using Parameterized URLs in Cognos 8 4
Cognos Proprietary Information
1 Introduction
Parameterized URLs and bookmark links provide an easy and effective way to perform various
different tasks within an enterprise application. A parameterized URL is an http URL link that
performs a specific task or directs users to a specific portion of the Web user interface (UI). For
example, within Cognos, a parameterized URL can be created to run a report or launch a studio.
These parameterized URLs are commonly used by customers as a way of integrating Cognos 8
into third-party applications or linking a report or a start page to various areas of interest.
Cognos 8 exposes its UI navigation functionality through URLs. Through the use of
parameterized URLs, users can easily jump to a specific report, launch a report within a studio,
perform a search, etc. .
Additionally, users can also customize the UI through URLs either by removing sections of the
UI or alternating styles. There are numerous benefits, including:
• Integrate Cognos into third-party applications without Coding – Parameterized
URLs provide a quick and easy way of integrating Cognos into third-party applications,
like Enterprise Portals. Through simple parameterized URLs, users can view Cognos
within their external Portal. Additional parameters can be set to remove headers and
toolbars to fit Cognos more cleanly within the Portal. The developer, in this case, only
needs to understand the syntax to form these URLs and within a matter of moments,
they can integrate Cognos into their external applications.
• Inherit all Platform Security, Access, and Authorization Benefits –
Parameterized URLs are just an alternate means of navigating through the
• Cognos UIs. These URLs inherit all access, security, and authentication permissions.
• Start Here, Go Anywhere – Parameterized URLs provide an effective means for
navigating to other reports, pages, or studios in one simple click. Users can develop
custom start pages or report using URLs to link to other relevant reports or pages.
Although there are many benefits to using URLs, they do have their limitations and users
cannot use URLs in every situation. These limitations include:
1. The user needs to be familiar with how to construct these URLs. Often times, the URLs
can become quite long and complex for the average end user.
2. Although parameterized URLs provide an easy way to navigate through the Cognos UI,
they cannot be used for automating tasks, creating a custom UI, etc. In these cases,
developers would write custom code using the Cognos SDK
Parameterized URLs are commonly used and an accepted practice for providing links to specific
reports or sections in the UI and for integrating into third-party applications.
2 Working with URLs
李鸿2014-08-29用途很大，非常不错
