Running Hyperion Planning on a Laptop

Running Hyperion Planning on a Laptop

Creating a Personal Hyperion Planning "Sandbox" Environment

Author: Jake Turrell

Last Updated: 6/23/2012 1:33 AM

Version: 1.01

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 4

DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 RANDOM TIPS FOR SUCCESS ............................................................................................................................................ 6 WHERE TO GET ADDITIONAL HELP ................................................................................................................................... 6

THE SHOPPING LIST ............................................................................................................... 7

INGREDIENTS ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 COSTS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 8

PREPARING THE KITCHEN ...................................................................................................... 9

DOWNLOADING ORACLE EPMS 11.1.2.2 SOFTWARE ......................................................................................................... 9 ORGANIZING THE ORACLE SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................. 12 INSTALLING VMWARE WORKSTATION ............................................................................................................................. 13

THE GUEST LIST ................................................................................................................... 17

CREATING THE VIRTUAL MACHINE .................................................................................................................................. 17 CONFIGURING THE GUEST OPERATING SYSTEM ................................................................................................................. 22

Initial Configuration ....................................................................................................................................... 22 Disabling UAC ................................................................................................................................................ 24 Mapping a Drive from Guest to Host............................................................................................................. 25 Installing the Microsoft Loopback Adapter ................................................................................................... 26 Taking a Snapshot ......................................................................................................................................... 27

INSTALLING SQL SERVER .............................................................................................................................................. 28

GET COOKING! .................................................................................................................... 35

CREATE APP REPOSITORIES ........................................................................................................................................... 35 Creating a SQL Server User ............................................................................................................................ 36 Creating the Repositories .............................................................................................................................. 37 Preparing the Repositories ............................................................................................................................ 38

INSTALLING PLANNING ................................................................................................................................................. 40 CONFIGURING PLANNING.............................................................................................................................................. 44

Configuring Foundation Services ................................................................................................................... 44 Configuring Essbase and EAS ......................................................................................................................... 49 Configuring EPMA ......................................................................................................................................... 51 Configuring Planning ..................................................................................................................................... 53 Configuring Calc Manager ............................................................................................................................. 55 Configuring Financial Reports ....................................................................................................................... 57 Deploying the App Server .............................................................................................................................. 59 Configuring the Web Server .......................................................................................................................... 62

LA PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE! .................................................................................................... 64

CONFIGURING THE SERVICES.......................................................................................................................................... 64 LOGGING INTO WORKSPACE .......................................................................................................................................... 65 CREATING A TEST PLANNING APP ................................................................................................................................... 68 SUGGESTED NEXT STEPS ............................................................................................................................................... 75

Jake Turrell Page 4 Running Hyperion Planning On a Laptop

Introduction

If you work with Hyperion Planning long enough, you will eventually come to the conclusion that you

need your own personal "sandbox" where you can play around with the software, install the latest

versions, apply the latest patches, and generally do things you wouldn't want to do in a "real"

environment. There are several approaches to creating your own personal Hyperion Planning

"sandbox":

1. Setup a cloud environment.

2. Install a server operating system on your PC/laptop.

3. Install virtualization software on your PC/laptop.

Option #1 - Planning Environments in the Cloud

The Cloud option is very compelling. Users generally "rent" time in an environment by the hour, and

fully configured Hyperion environments are available. Users who want to explore this option should

check out the following links:

John Booth's Amazon Web Services AMI

Cameron Lackpour's Blog Post on John's AMI

Full 360

Amazon Web Services

So why not just go with a cloud option and be done with it? It's the fastest, least painful, and probably

the cheapest way to get up and running with Hyperion Planning. Read on, as this option is not for

everyone.

Option #2 - Install a Server O/S on Your Laptop

I've seen this option used by Oracle pre-sales consultants. With a server operating system installed on a

laptop, users can install the entire EPM stack directly. While this can be a viable option, server

operating systems aren't generally made to run on laptops. There can be issues with driver support.

Some anti-virus vendors require more expensive licenses for server operating systems. In addition, this

option fails to provide a key feature that we will discuss later called "snapshots".

http://www.metavero.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:epm-test-drive-redux&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

http://camerons-blog-for-essbase-hackers.blogspot.com/2011/04/yeah-yeah-11121-is-here-so-what_12.html

http://full360.com/

http://aws.amazon.com/what-is-aws/


Option #3 - Go Virtual

When developers install virtualization software on their laptops, they open a world of options for

experimenting and learning with the Oracle EPM stack. Here are the top reasons why developers

should consider skipping the cloud and install Hyperion Planning right on their laptops:

Good Excuse for a New Laptop

Running virtual machines on your laptop does take a bit of memory, and a CPU that supports

virtualization is required. If your laptop is a dinosaur, this could be the perfect excuse to

upgrade. Remember, you are investing in your career and future earning potential.

Snapshots

While this feature is also available in the cloud, it deserves specific mention. At any point during

the installation on a virtual machine, developers can take a "snapshot" (and should do so

frequently). This feature allows the developer to have a free "do-over" should something go

wrong. Restoring back to a previous snapshot is quick and easy. It's so easy, that I find myself

trying things that might potentially blow up my entire environment, because restoring is a piece

of cake. Snapshots allow developers to experiment free from worries.

Demos . . . No Internet Required

So you're at a conference or a user group meeting, and you're getting ready to give your

presentation. Like all good presenters, you have a live demo. Unfortunately, every member of

the audience has a smart phone, tablet or laptop and they're all using the same wireless internet

connection you are using. If you're using a cloud-based service, you're at the mercy of your

internet connection. No matter how good it is . . . all internet connections eventually go down,

and Murphy's Law clearly states that it will go down during your demo. If you have Planning

installed on your laptop, you avoid this risk.

No Pain . . . No Gain

Installing Hyperion Planning from scratch will give you a much greater understanding of the

overall toolset. Yes, it's mildly difficult. And it isn't the cheapest option. But in the end, you'll

have your own test environment on your own laptop that you installed yourself. Who knows

what that sense of accomplishment might lead to?


Disclaimer

This document is intended to guide users through the process of setting up a personal Hyperion Planning sandbox environment.

This document is not suitable for Production, Test or Development environments. For these types of environments, please retain the services of an experienced EPM infrastructure consultant.

This White Paper is provided for informational purposes only, and is provided "as is" with no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.

Random Tips for Success

This document describes the step-by-step process for building a personal Hyperion Planning sandbox environment. This environment should not require heavy-handed security measures. Keep passwords simple. Store all relevant passwords in a text file on the guest operating system desktop. If the environment is used infrequently, this will come in very handy.

Make use of Task Manager on the guest operating system. This will give the developer a good idea of when individual services have completed their startup, as CPU utilization will drop to zero.

Do not attempt to follow this guide using unsupported software. While success might be possible, every little issue will leave the developer wondering if version incompatibility might be the cause. Using unsupported software is generally a big waste of time.

Don't skimp on laptop memory. 8 GB is recommended.

Where to Get Additional Help

OTN Discussion Forum: Planning and Budgeting

Network54 Essbase User Forum

John Goodwin's Blog

https://forums.oracle.com/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=408

http://www.network54.com/Forum/58296/

http://john-goodwin.blogspot.com/


The Shopping List

As with all recipes, some users may choose to substitute certain ingredients for others. There are a lot

of ways to bake a cake. So if you don't like my particular choice for virtualization software, by all means

try your own. Maybe you prefer Linux over Windows? There is no "right" answer. With that said, the

ingredients below generally offer the "path of least resistance". All examples in this document will

reference the following products:

Ingredients

Laptop running Windows. Preferably Windows 7, 64-bit. Preferably 8 GB RAM or more.

VMware Workstation 8

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2

Oracle EPMS 11.1.2.2 for Windows x64

Costs

The cost of the ingredients above isn't necessarily straight forward. This is because there are multiple

ways to license each.

As of April 17, 2012, the cost of VMware Workstation 8 was $169.17.

Microsoft Windows Server R2 is expensive if purchased individually. There are inexpensive options for SQL Server Developer.

Microsoft offers subscription services for developers. These licenses typically offer usage for testing scenarios only:

o MSDN (More Expensive – Approx. $1200 per year. Different packages available.)

o Technet (Less Expensive – Approx. $200 per year. Different packages available.)

o Note that Microsoft has a specific definition of the testing scenarios allowed under these subscriptions, so make sure these will meet your needs.

Another option is to join the Microsoft Partner Network and purchase an "Action Pack" subscription. These are less expensive than MSDN, but generally more expensive than Technet. The primary benefit is that in addition to licenses that cover testing scenarios, there are some licenses for production use as well. This can be a good option for independent consultants as you must have a “company”.

Total cost of VMware 8 and the least expensive Technet subscription is going to be less than $400. Keep in mind that subscription services need to be renewed each year.

Your mileage may vary. Prices change. Make sure you get the licenses that are appropriate for your usage scenarios.


Other Considerations

Not all laptop CPU's support virtualization, although most modern ones do.

Check the processor compatibility list on Intel’s website to see if your CPU supports Intel VT-x.

Changes to BIOS settings may be required to enable virtualization. If this is the case, VMware will provide a warning and a simple setting change will enable the feature.

http://ark.intel.com/VTList.aspx


Preparing the Kitchen

Downloading Oracle EPMS 11.1.2.2 Software

The required Oracle software can be downloaded from the eDelivery site. Creating an account is easy.

Sign in using your Oracle web account.

https://edelivery.oracle.com/


Accept the Trial License and Export Terms.

Choose the correct Product Pack and Platform.


Start downloading the individual software packages.

The files below represent the requirements for a typical "Planning Plus" environment.

File Contents

V31858-01 EPM System Release 11.1.2.2.0 Installation Documents and Readmes

V31875-01 EPM System Release 11.1.2.2.0 for Microsoft Windows (64-bit) Part 1







V31866-01 EPM System Release 11.1.2.2.0 Client Installers for Microsoft Windows

V31881-01 EPM System Release 11.1.2.2.0 for Microsoft Windows (64-bit) Oracle HTTP Server

V29762-01 Part 1 of 2 Oracle Data Integrator 11g (11.1.1.6.0) for Generic (Part 1 of 2)

V29672-01 Part 1 of 2 Oracle Data Integrator 11g (11.1.1.6.0) for Generic (Part 2 of 2)

V29779-01 Oracle Identity Management 11g Patch Set 5 (11.1.1.6.0) for Microsoft Windows x86 (64-bit)

** The files above should be downloaded directly to the host operating system (on the laptop). When

the virtual machine is created in VMware, a drive will be mapped to this location.


Organizing the Oracle Software

On the host PC/laptop, create a directory for the extracted Oracle EPM software. Extract the zipped files

listed above into this directory using file compression software (WinZip, 7-Zip, etc). Although these files

will exist on the host, the virtual machine will have a drive mapped to this location. Many of the zipped

files contain duplicate files, so ignore any warnings related to overwriting files.

The resulting file structures should resemble the following image:


Installing VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation 8 is one of many virtualization packages suitable for creating virtual clients and

servers (and even networks) on a PC/laptop. It was selected for this demo based upon its popularity,

ease of use and support. Mac users should consider VMware Fusion 4.

Double-click the VMware Workstation executable.

Perform a "typical" installation.


Determine whether the software should check for updates.

Check or uncheck the option to participate in VMware's User Experience Improvement program.


Check or uncheck options to install shortcuts.

Click Continue to install.


When prompted, enter the license key.

Look for setup completion confirmation.

Select Finish.


The Guest List

Creating the Virtual Machine

Start VMware Workstation. If prompted, accept the license terms. Click Create a New Virtual Machine.

Create a Typical virtual machine.


At this point, the developer can decide to:

Install the guest operating system now using VMware's "Easy Install" option.

Create the VM with a blank disk and install the guest operating system later.

Of these two options, the first is the easiest, however it assumes that the developer has an ISO file. An

ISO file for Windows Server 2008 R2 x64 can be downloaded from Microsoft's Technet library.

Alternatively, the developer can create an ISO file from the operating system installation media using

image creation software.

If using the Easy Install feature, enter the Windows Server license key. Next, select the version of

Windows Server to install. Standard is recommended. Enter a user ID and password. Keep these

simple. We aren't securing Fort Knox.


Provide the virtual machine with a name and a location. Be aware that the selected disk will need

approximately 100 GB of free space. Create a directory specifically for this VM.

Start with 40 GB allocated to the VM. This will grow after the operating system has been installed.

Ensure that the option to Split virtual disk into multiple files is selected.


Review the settings, but before clicking Finish, select the Customize Hardware button.

(Don't worry if you clicked Finish, hardware settings can be modified later.)

Give the VM at least 4 GB of memory and two processor cores. Use a bridged or host-only network

adapter. A bridged adapter shares the host Ethernet adapter, so make sure the host is actually

connected to a network, otherwise the host may not be able to access Workspace, etc. A host-only

adapter allows the guest to communicate only with the host.

Select Close.

Select Finish.

VMware will begin the Easy Install process. Once the main installation routine is complete, the guest

VM will reboot and install VMware Tools. VMware Tools is a suite of utilities that enhance guest

operating system performance and management.


Login to the virtual machine with the user ID and password created above. To login, the developer must

click on the VM window and press CNTL-ALT-INS. Note - this is control, alt, insert (not delete).


Configuring the Guest Operating System

Initial Configuration

After logging into Windows Server 2008, the Initial Configuration Tasks window will be displayed.

To stop this utility from running automatically, check the Do not show this window at login check box at

the bottom of the screen. If after checking this box the utility is again required, it can be displayed by

running OOBE.exe.

Ensure that the time and time zone are correct. Leave the network configuration set to assign an IPv4

address by DHCP. Give the guest server a meaningful name. Do not simply change the description.


Select the button circled below in red and change the name.

Restart the virtual machine and log back in. Ensure that the Initial Configuration Tasks utility is again

displayed. Review the following optional configuration steps:

Optional: Add the Telnet Client using Add Features. This will allow a developer to "ping" specific ports,

which can help with infrastructure related trouble shooting.

Optional: Turn off Windows Firewall. Opening and closing specific ports for the EPM stack can be a

nightmare for resources without strong infrastructure skills. Turning Windows Firewall off

will prevent a lot of headaches. This is of course only appropriate in a demo/sandbox

environment where regular backups and snapshots are taken.

Close the Initial Configuration Tasks utility.


Disabling UAC

User Account Control (UAC) is a feature in Windows that limits software to running under standard user

privileges unless an administrator explicitly grants access to run as an administrator via a prompt. UAC

should be disabled when installing Planning.

The following steps should be completed on the guest operating system:

Select Start, Control Panel.

Select User Accounts.

Select Change User Account Control settings.

Move the slider bar on the left side of the window all the way down to Never notify.

Select OK.

Restart the virtual machine and log back in.


Mapping a Drive from Guest to Host

Per the instructions, the Oracle EPM software was previously downloaded and extracted to a directory

on the host PC/laptop. To reference this software from the guest virtual machine, map a drive from the

guest to the host OS following the steps below:

From VMware Workstation, select the menu items VM, Settings . . .

Select the Options tab.

Select Shared Folders.

Select the Always Enabled radio button.

Select the Map as a network drive in Windows guests check box.

Select the Add button.

Select Next.

Browse the Host Path. Select the desired directory and give it a name. Ensure that there are no spaces in this name.

Select Next.

Select the Enable this share check box.

Do not select the Read-only check box. This will enable writing to the host from the guest.

Select Finish.

Select OK. Test the shared drive by opening a file on the host from the guest VM.


Installing the Microsoft Loopback Adapter

An important prerequisite when installing the EPM stack is that the installer should resolve a host name,

and not an IP address. The easiest way to tackle this prerequisite (given the server configuration in this

example) is to install the Microsoft Loopback Adapter. The Loopback Adapter is essentially a virtual

network card. (Many thanks to John Goodwin for illustrating this technique on the OTN Planning and

Budgeting forum.)

The following steps should be completed on the guest operating system:

Select Start, Control Panel.

Select Hardware.

Select Device Manager.

Right-click the Server Name (top-most parent in the hierarchy). Select Add Legacy Hardware.

Select Next.

Select the radio button Install the hardware that I manually select from a list.

Select Next.

Select Network adapters, then Next.

Select Microsoft, then Microsoft Loopback Adapter.

Select Next.

Select Next, then Finish.


Taking a Snapshot

After a significant amount of time has been spent configuring the guest operating system, it is

recommended that the developer take a snapshot of the virtual machine. Should something go wrong

with subsequent steps, the snapshot will establish a recovery point for the developer.

From within VMware Workstation, select the menu items VM, Snapshot, Take Snapshot.

Give the snapshot a useful name and a full description.

Select Take Snapshot.


Installing SQL Server

When installing SQL Server on a virtual machine, the developer can either tell VMware to use the

physical CD/DVD on the host, or to simply point to an ISO file. In this example, we will point the virtual

CD/DVD drive to an ISO file.

Edit the Virtual Machine Settings by right-clicking on the server name and selecting Settings. This can be

done while the VM is running.

Select the CD/DVD (IDE) setting. Under Connection, select the Use ISO image file radio button. Browse

to the SQL Server ISO file. Ensure that the Connected and Connect at power on check boxes are

selected.

Select OK.


Run SQL Server's setup executable. (SETUP.EXE) A warning message may be displayed regarding the

.NET framework. If prompted, select OK to enable the .NET framework core role.

The SQL Server Installation Center should then be displayed.

Select the Installation link in the left pane. Then select New installation or add features to an existing

installation.

Setup Support Rules will then be displayed. Ensure that there are no errors. Select OK.

Enter a product key and select Next.

Accept the license terms and select Next.

Select Install to begin the installation.


Ensure that there are no failures or warnings.

Select Next.

On the Setup Role screen, select SQL Server Feature Installation.

Select Next.


Select the desired features. Note that Integration Services is not required, but may be handy in the

event that ETL work is required.

Select Next. Ensure that there are no errors on the Installation Rules screen. Select Next.

Provide the instance with a name. Ensure that the instance is set as the default.

Select Next.


Confirm disk space requirements and select Next. Select the Use the same account for all SQL Server

services button. Note this user ID and password.

Select Next. Specify Mixed Mode authentication and provide a password for the sa account. Add the

current user as a SQL Server admin.

Select Next.


Opt in or out of Error Reporting. Select Next.

Ensure that there are no errors. Select Next.

Confirm features to be installed.

Select Install. Look for a successful completion notice.


At this point, it may be a good idea to take another snapshot. This snapshot in particular is important as

the next step (although optional) is to apply Windows Updates.

Select the Start menu, then All Programs, then Windows Update. Next select Check for Updates.

Install the desired updates and restart the virtual machine. This will likely take multiple update/restart

cycles.


Get Cooking!

Create App Repositories

Before starting the Oracle EPM application installation and configuration, the relational repositories

required by the apps must be created. These are essentially new, empty databases. Developers have

the option of creating one big database for all of the apps to share. A better approach (even in a

sandbox environment) is to create individual databases/schemas for each app. It is much easier to

explore the underlying tables for each app when they are broken out. The additional work involved in

setting up discrete databases is minimal.

The following databases are recommended:

Database Name Description Initial Size Owner

SS Shared Services 500 MB HypAdmin

WORK Workspace 500 MB HypAdmin

EPMA Performance Management Architect 500 MB HypAdmin

EAS Essbase Administration Services 500 MB HypAdmin

PLANSYS Planning System Repository 500 MB HypAdmin

PLANDEMOAPP Planning App Repository 500 MB HypAdmin

CALC Calculation Manager 500 MB HypAdmin

BIPLUS Financial Reporting and Web Analysis 500 MB HypAdmin

** Note - If ODI is being installed, additional repositories will be required.


Creating a SQL Server User

Before creating the databases in SQL Server, a "native" SQL Server user ID is required. To create this

user ID, open SQL Server Management Studio within the virtual machine.

Login using the sa account created during the installation.

Expand Security.

Right-click on Logins.

Select New Login.

Create the new user ID using SQL Server authentication. Do not enforce password policies. Keep the

password simple, as this is a sandbox environment.

Select OK.


Creating the Repositories

Create the Shared Services repository first.

Right-click on Databases.

Select New Database.

Enter the database name.

Assign the owner to the "native" SQL Server account created in the previous step.

Allocate 500 MB to the database.

Select OK.

Repeat this process for each database in the previous table.


Preparing the Repositories

Each of the SQL Server application repositories requires a series of settings. Execute the following SQL

on each of the repositories.

Within SQL Server Management Studio, select the New Query button.

Update the SQL below to include the database name.

Paste the SQL into the query window.

Select the Execute button.

ALTER DATABASE <Insert Database Name Here>

SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE


SET ALLOW_SNAPSHOT_ISOLATION ON


SET READ_COMMITTED_SNAPSHOT ON


COLLATE SQL_latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS


SET MULTI_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE

** Note - The SNAPSHOT settings above can only be executed with a single active database connection

- the one executing the ALTER DATABASE command. The SINGLE_USER SQL statement

essentially kills all other database connections. Without this command, the query above may

not complete and will appear to run forever.


For additional information on these commands, please refer to the Installation Start Here document.

See the section titled Microsoft SQL Server Database Creation Requirements.

Execute these commands on each application repository.


Installing Planning

Within the VM, navigate to the installTool.cmd file. Use the mapped drive created earlier to access the

host file system. This file will exist in the folder where the Oracle EPM software was extracted. Right-

click the installTool.cmd file and select Run as Administrator.

Select OK.

Verify that all prerequisites are met.

Ensure that each prerequisite has a green check mark.

Select Next.


Select a File Destination.

Select Next.

Select New Installation.

Select Next.


Select the Middleware Location.

Select Next.

Ensure that the following applications are selected.

** Note - If additional applications are selected, additional relational repositories may be required.

Select Next.

Confirm the products to be installed and select Next.


After the installation complete, verify the success of each component.

Select Finish. Taking a snapshot in VMware is recommended before beginning any product

configuration.


Configuring Planning

Within the VM, create a shortcut to the config tool. This tool will be used often. The config tool is

located in: C:\Oracle\Middleware\EPMSystem11R1\common\config\11.1.2.0.

In this example, products will be configured independently instead of configuring everything at once.

This will allow developers to give each application its own relational repository. This is a best practice

(even in a sandbox environment) because it makes the relevant tables much easier to browse.

While each application will have its own relational repository, the web apps will be deployed to a single

managed server (aka "compact deployment"). This will dramatically reduce memory requirements.

Configuring Foundation Services

** Note - Before moving forward, make sure a snapshot has been taken.

Launch the config tool using the new desktop icon. The following screen will be displayed:

Confirm the home directory and EPM instance name. Select Next.


Select Perform first time configuration. Select the SQL Server driver. Enter the database name, user ID

and password.

Select Next.

Uncheck all options in the config tool. This will leave several default boxes checked under Hyperion

Foundation.

Select Next.


Accept the defaults in Configure Common Settings.

Select Next.

Configure the security notification settings.

Select Next. Ignore any warnings regarding security notification.


Set the Shared Services admin user ID and password. Make a special note of this ID and password.

Select Next.

Confirm selections.

Select Next.


Confirm success.

Select Task Panel to continue the configuration process, or Finish. If Finish is selected, simply restart

the config tool to continue the configuration process. This would be a good time to take a snapshot.


Configuring Essbase and EAS

Within the configTool, select the following options:

Select Next.

Select Perform first time configuration. Change the database name to EAS.

Select Next. Accept the defaults.

Select Next.


Review the selections.

Select Next and look for green check marks.


the config tool to continue the configuration process.


Configuring EPMA


Select Next.

Confirm IIS feature installation.

Select Yes.

Select Perform first time configuration. Change the database name to EPMA.

Select Next.


Confirm selections.





Configuring Planning


Select Next.

Select Perform first time configuration. Change the database name to PLANSYS.

Select Next.

Confirm selections.






Configuring Calc Manager


Select Next.

Select Perform first-time configuration. Change the database name to CALC.

Select Next.

Confirm configuration tasks.






Configuring Financial Reports


Select Next.

Select Perform first-time configuration. Change database name to BIPLUS.

Select Next.

Confirm repository directory and ports. Select Next.

Confirm RMI ports.

Select Next.


Confirm configuration tasks.


Select Finish. Take a snapshot.


Deploying the App Server

After starting the Config Tool, accept the defaults for home directory and instance name. Select Next.

Select only the following options:

Select Next.

Deploy the web application to a new domain. The Administrator Password must be complex.

Select Next.


Confirm deployment settings. Make sure to select the option to Deploy the web application to a single

managed server. This setting enables a compact deployment, and dramatically reduces memory

requirements and startup time.

Select Next. Confirm the apps to be deployed.

Select Next. This step may take several minutes.


Look for green check marks.




Configuring the Web Server

After starting the Config Tool, accept the defaults for home directory and instance name. Select Next.

Select only the following option:

Select Next.

Accept the defaults. Select Next.

Select Next. A script will run.


Look for green check marks.

Restart the virtual machine.


La Pièce de Résistance!

Configuring the Services

Many of the services created by the Config Tool will be set to start automatically. I prefer setting these

to start manually. They can then be started by running the pre-built startup and shutdown scripts in the

Start menu.

** Note - Most infrastructure consultants will create custom start/stop scripts for the EPM apps.

To edit the startup type of the services, navigate to Start, All Programs, Administrative Tools, Services

within the virtual machine. Set the following services to startup manually by right-clicking the service

and selecting Manual in the Startup Type list box.

Hyperion EPM Server - Web Application

Hyperion EPMA Server

Hyperion Reporting and Analysis Framework

Hyperion RMI Registry

Oracle Process Manager (EPM_epmsystem1)

Oracle Process Manager (ohsInstance . . . . )

Oraclec_oracle_middle~1 . . . . (very long service name)

After making the above changes, reboot the virtual machine. Give the VM a minute to startup itself,

then launch the Start EPM System script from the VM's Start menu.


Logging Into Workspace

After starting the EPM services, navigate to the following URL:

http://<INSERT SERVER NAME HERE>:19000/workspace/index.jsp

Make sure to update the server name in the above URL. Update the URL with the full physical computer

name (within the virtual machine) and not the virtual machine name. To find the full physical computer

name, within the VM, select the Start menu. Right-click on Computer. Select Properties.


After navigating to the URL above, Workspace should be displayed.

Bookmark the above site. Login with the Shared Services administrative ID. The Workspace HomePage

will be displayed.


At this point, developers may notice that menus in Hyperion Planning are not functioning as expected.

To rectify this issue, navigate to Tools, Internet Options within Internet Explorer. Select the Security

tab. Select the Trusted Sites check box. Select the Sites button. An Add button will be available that

lists the URL to the physical computer name on the virtual machine. Select this button. Select Close

then OK.

Close the browser and re-login to Workspace. Menus should now function as expected.


Creating a Test Planning App

Before a test Planning application can be created there are two prerequisites that must be met.

Planning Application Relational Repository Created

Planning Application Creator User Provisioned

If the developer has been following this tutorial from the beginning, both prerequisites will already have

been met. This is because the relational app schema (PLANDEMOAPP) was created when the

application schemas were created. The Shared Services administrator (created during the Shared

Services configuration) will have the Planning Application Creator role assigned by default.

Planning applications can be created as "EPMA" apps, or as "Classic" apps. For the purposes of this

tutorial, EPMA will be used. Should a "Classic" application be required, Oracle Data Integrator should be

installed for loading metadata.

Sign into Workspace as the Shared Services administrator. Select the menu items Navigate, Administer,

Application Library. An information message will be displayed stating that no applications were found.

Select OK.

Select the menu items Tools, Manage Planning Data Source. Select the menu items File, New,

DataSource. The following screen will be displayed.

Provide a data source name and description. Select Next.


Enter the relevant SQL Server connection information and select the Test Connection button.

Ensure that the Connection successful message is displayed. Select Next.

Enter the relevant Essbase connection information and select the Test Connection button. The Shared

Services admin ID may be used, or a separate user ID may be provisioned.

Ensure that the Connection successful message is displayed. Select Next.


Look for a success confirmation message.

Select Finish.

Return to the Application Library tab. Select the menu items File, New, Application.

Enter the relevant application information. Pay special attention to this screen, as there are several

options which cannot be changed later without having to recreate the application.

Select Next.


Add any required custom dimensions, attribute dimensions, UDA's, etc.

Select Next.

Select the Validate button.

Ensure that there are no errors. Select Finish. The dimension library will be displayed.


Select the Application Library tab.

Right-click the application and select the menu items Deploy, Application.

Verify the Shared Services Project and Data Source. Select the option to Create Outline.

** Note - Do not select Create Outline on an ongoing basis. This will drop and recreate the Essbase

application and may result in data loss. This option is typically only selected during the first

deploy.

Select Deploy.


A confirmation message will be displayed.

Select the link to the Job Console.

Look for a Completed status of 100%.

Select the menu items Navigate, Applications, Refresh.

Select the menu items Navigate, Applications, Planning, Application Name.


The new Planning application will be displayed.

Congratulations!!!!! You have created the first application in your new personal Hyperion Planning sandbox environment.


Suggested Next Steps

Install client software for EAS, Financial Reports, Smart View, etc.

Build out your dimensions in the Dimension Library.

Create some input forms.

Provision some users and groups.

Load some Actuals data into Essbase.

Build some business rules in Calc Manager.

Create some task lists.

Test out the new Approvals process.

Test different Java Heap settings for improved web app performance.

Install Oracle Data Integrator and create a "Classic" Planning application.

URL’s

Reference URL

John Booth’s Amazon Web

Services AMI

http://www.metavero.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=

54:epm-test-drive-redux&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Cameron Lackpour’s Blog Post on

John’s AMI

http://camerons-blog-for-essbase-hackers.blogspot.com/2011/04/yeah-yeah-

11121-is-here-so-what_12.html

Full 360 http://full360.com/

Amazon Web Services http://aws.amazon.com/what-is-aws/

OTN Discussion Forum: Planning

and Budgeting


Network54 Essbase User Forum http://www.network54.com/Forum/58296/

John Goodwin’s Blog http://john-goodwin.blogspot.com/

Intel CPU Virtualization Support http://ark.intel.com/VTList.aspx

Oracle E-Delivery https://edelivery.oracle.com/





http://full360.com/

http://aws.amazon.com/what-is-aws/


http://www.network54.com/Forum/58296/

http://john-goodwin.blogspot.com/

http://ark.intel.com/VTList.aspx

https://edelivery.oracle.com/