By default, when you install Cognos/Flexera Analytics, it communicates using ODBC drivers. In some environments, this may not work as effectively as expected. For these situations, it is recommended to install and set up the SQL Native Client. This will improve the reporting performance and dashboards in Cognos. You will need to download SQL Server 2012 Native Client from Microsoft's website and then follow the instructions below to configure the data sources to use the SQL Native Client drivers.

Instructions:

1. The screenshots below are from FlexNet Manager for Engineering Applications 2023 R1, where the Cognos Reporting UI has been updated. For version 2022 R2 or older, you will see Manage > Administration Console in the lower left corner. You must be logged in with an account that has the Cognos Web Administrator role. From Step 2 onwards the steps and tabs are identical.

2. In the Administration Console page, click on the Configuration tab and then the data source we are modifying. For this example, we are updating the reporting server's data source (FNMReportDS). Click the data source name to move to the next stage.

3. On the next screen in the top right corner click on the New Connection button.

4. Enter a name for your data source. "SQL Native Client" was used in this example to make it clear what this data source is.

5. In the drop down select Microsoft SQL Server (Native Client), then tick the checkbox for Configure JDBC connection and click Next.

6. Enter the DB server name and Reporting server's DB name. Under Sign-on enter the account details used for accessing your Reporting DB. Then, click Next.

7. Now you'll be prompted to configure the JDBC connection. This requires the same information as the previous section, with the addition of the port information and SQL Instance name. Then click Test the connection... to verify the configuration is correct. Once confirmed, click Next and then Finish to complete the setup.

8. You should now see two data sources in the FNMReportDS. Currently, both data sources are active. The old data source must be disabled so Cognos will default to the new SQL Client. To do this, click the More option on the right and select Set Properties, then Disable this entry. Then click Save.

When checking the data sources, you should now see a padlock on the original data source to indicate it is disabled.

9. Repeat these steps for the FNMAdminDS exchanging the reporting DB information for the admin DB information.

           
Once complete, your Cognos/Flexera Analytics environment will be configured to use the SQL Native Client. If you need to contact Support for Cognos/Flexera Analytics after configuring the client, please ensure to include this information to speed up any troubleshooting required.