IBM i2 ibase IntelliShare

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1 IBM i2 ibase IntelliShare Contents 1 Introduction 2 Who should read this white paper 2 ibase IntelliShare - A Multi-Tier System 3 Dedicated Modules 3 Exclusively available through IBM i2 Consulting Services 3 Potential benefits of ibase IntelliShare 5 Key features of ibase IntelliShare 13 Additional features now available in ibase 18 For more information and contacts Introduction IBM i2 ibase IntelliShare enables the information stored in an ibase repository (IBM i2 ibase or IBM i2 Analyst s Workstation deployment) to be shared with and improved by a wider community of users in a safe and security-rich environment. ibase is an analytical intelligence repository designed to support the needs of analysts in capturing, controlling and analyzing multi-source data in a security-enhanced environment through its rich functionality and tight integration with IBM i2 Analyst s Notebook. Historically, intelligence stored within an ibase repository has only been accessible through a standalone desktop application; augmented, analyzed, and disseminated by core users, usually analysts, who understand the underlying data schema. ibase IntelliShare extends the accessibility of this valuable intelligence to users with more varied skill levels through lightweight intuitive Web-based dedicated modules. This enables the wider community to utilize a subset of core ibase functionality to contribute to, explore, and be automatically presented with rich intelligence stored in the ibase repository at the point of need and to work alongside the traditional analyst user group.

2 Who should read this white paper This white paper has been written for users and business managers who wish to leverage and extend the value of intelligence stored in an ibase repository to the wider operational team through an intuitive task-oriented Web interface. This document refers to ibase IntelliShare ibase IntelliShare A Multi-Tier System ibase IntelliShare is a multi-tier system that is split into three distinct components: the ibase repository on which the solution is deployed, a Web service component, and the dedicated user modules. Consequently, this powerful addition to ibase facilitates collaborative working practices by allowing analysts and operational teams access to the same data. This unity increases productivity and situational awareness across the organization, leading to faster, more informed decision-making. This is achieved in a security-rich environment by using the flexible ibase security layer, allowing data access to be controlled and managed and activity audited for comprehensive traceability. Intelligence Repository ibase, which sits at the heart of ibase IntelliShare, enables commonality of features from desktop to Web application to confirm that information accessed and utilized is derived through similar techniques. This also ensures that the administration of ibase IntelliShare is controlled by the correct personnel. Should inter-organizational access be required, a single ibase repository can support multiple ibase IntelliShare deployments. Web Service The Web services component is the data interaction layer and the only component that requires access to the underlying ibase repository. Data access is controlled by this layer so that the ibase IntelliShare user has access to this information when required. A single Web service can serve more than a single ibase deployment, enabling users to gain access to high value intelligence located in multiple repositories. 2

3 Dedicated Modules ibase IntelliShare provides two separate dedicated modules: Data Entry Module The wider operational team can create or augment intelligence in a single ibase repository through controlled, security-rich, and standardized forms. Principles adopted in this module help ensure that any data collection bottlenecks are alleviated whilst promoting the highest level of accuracy. In addition, users can upload documents and images providing further supporting material where appropriate. As this information may be provided from unknown sources, organizations can adopt a workflow to help ensure that information is vetted and qualified before it is acted upon. Find and Explore Module Users can choose to search the ibase repository by performing either a comprehensive full text search exploring each record, document, and charts stored within an ibase repository; or a more targeted property based search returning a more controlled and focused set of results. Regardless of the search method employed, pertinent results are presented back to the user in a clear, prioritized list based on contextual information. Results are faceted by type allowing sorting and filtering techniques to be applied which provides a clearer view of more relevant information. Alternatively results can be visually expanded to discover relationships, pathway, and networks. Exclusively available through IBM i2 Consulting Services Briefing Module The Briefing module is dedicated to the creation, presentation, and management of a concise summarization of intelligence held within an ibase repository, delivered exclusively through IBM Consulting Services. The end product is one that is focused and tailored to an individual s or group s needs containing the latest intelligence stored within an ibase repository, supported by available external knowledge. The data is presented to the wider operational team members through interactive widgets providing a number of alternative views designed to ensure that information can be quickly assimilated and appropriate actions taken. Potential benefits of ibase IntelliShare Real-time access to intelligence in a security-rich environment Intuitive, task-oriented, dedicated Web-based modules that can be used across the operational team so that valuable intelligence is available immediately. The right information, at the right time, in the right place, in a format that all members of the operational team are able to use to effectively support action oriented decision making. Networked information can be created or augmented to assist with identifying commonality, clusters, or associations. Discover more intelligence pertinent to an inquiry by utilizing either Search 360 technology, so that all possible intelligence is returned and scored, or ibase queries, providing a focused and controlled set of results. Pin-point, save, and share relevant results with greater efficiency. Present views on key information depending on users requirements and in a format that is more easily assimilated, helping to eliminate potential misinterpretations. 3

4 Enhance monitoring and assessment of current situations for faster, more informed decision making Help ensure information is available for the bigger picture through the elimination of interdepartmental information silos. Leverage and extend the value of intelligence held within a single ibase repository to the wider operational team whilst maintaining control over data access. Provide up-to-date intelligence while removing the need for costly repetitive tasks from ibase data feeds. Facilitate efficiency savings through real-time delivery of verified, actionable intelligence to the wider operational team. Empower operational team collaboration and co-ordination Increase support for analysts and decision makers by supplying real-time data from those members of the wider operation team working in the field. Alleviate bottlenecks as all members across the operational team can access information at the time of need. Drastically reduce duplication of effort as intelligence can be shared and reused across the operational team including the analysts. Intelligence is available when needed and to the broader organization, helping everyone to see the big picture, supporting and empowering them to make informed decisions. Publish concise summary of facts tailored to an individual s request in a security-rich environment. Boost efficiency and effectiveness by allowing the wider operational team to retrieve relevant information supplied by the analyst, based on the individual s needs. Analysts can also receive information from the wider operational team in near real time and in a structure that complements their working environment. This facilitates operational team member s action processes in a more timely manner and frees analyst s time to continue producing intelligence products for the team with the most up-to-date intelligence. Extend and leverage investment of existing ibase and Analyst s Workstation A subset of ibase functionality is extended to the wider non-analytical community in a more easily digestible Web-based modules so that the valuable end product of the analysts work is available at the right place, to the right people, and at the right time. The intuitive dedicated modules require no training, allowing the operational team to be up and running in a short space of time. Organizations can leverage the flexible and security-rich features from ibase to help compliance with enterprise rules, where required, facilitating smooth access across Web and desktop clients. Organizations can choose flexible validation processes to meet specific security needs. Permissions within ibase can facilitate data entry by presenting team members with forms that are relevant to their role. 4

5 Key features of ibase IntelliShare Data Entry Module Enrich the ibase Repository Single records, associations, or more comprehensive networks can be created or augmented through intuitive, security-rich Web-forms reflecting the forms and datasheets used within ibase. This standardized method of data entry across desktop and Web application allows newly acquired information to be added in real-time, enabling it to be assimilated and utilized with greater efficiency organization wide. No knowledge of the ibase schema is required as the Web form is presented in an instantly usable format that promotes confidence in its users. Web forms honor default or mandatory values helping to ensure that important information is entered; data types assisting data quality; link strength validates that related information is entered with the right level of integrity. Information Retained in a Single Environment ibase IntelliShare is not simply another form of storage that requires managing, rather it extends the reach of intelligence already stored in an ibase or Analyst s Workstation repository. New or updated information can be entered by the wider operational team and pushed in near real-time to the analysts through standardized security-rich Web forms for greater efficiency. To honor the fact that members of the wider operation team have particular areas of interest or expertise, data entry forms of little or no interest to those individuals can be hidden, creating a more tailored environment. This provides the analysts with an enriched single environment reducing intra-organization data silos and facilitating informed decision making. Identify Potential Duplication Prior to entering new information ibase IntelliShare users can search the ibase repository to detect records that potentially match. This capability employs the exact and fuzzy matching capabilities of Search 360, helping to ensure that potential duplicates are returned for assessment in a prioritized list. Should a duplicate be found, it can be leveraged and repurposed, enabling information pertinent to the record or network to evolve organically. 5

6 Information Holding Area The quality and accuracy of data is the foundation for the conversion to actionable intelligence; the dedicated Data Entry module can support a staging area to assist with the qualification or grading process before the information is disseminated to the wider user community. Find and Explore Module Comprehensively explore records, documents, and charts within an ibase repository The exact and fuzzy matching capabilities of Search 360 help ensure users do not miss pertinent intelligence when searching. Search 360 is IBM i2 solutions most comprehensive search technology. Both structured and unstructured information is searched in unison and results are prioritized based on the context of a search. Fuzzy matching capabilities include sounds-like, spelled-like, and synonym matching, delivering all potential results for further assessment. Targeted property based searching Perform more focused property based searches across records stored within the ibase repository as an alternative searching mechanism to Search 360. Through the exposure of ibase queries, users can confidently question the repository without the need to understand the underlying data structure. ibase queries can be presented with pre-defined values, or permit the user to enter values to tailor the results to their needs. Additional descriptive information relating to a query provides a greater level of understanding. Search results can be further refined and prioritized by using complex search terms. In addition, the results contain highlighted search terms and document excerpts to provide additional context to the user. 6

7 Pin-point relevant information Results pertaining to a search are grouped into facets. These facets present prioritized results based on the context of the original search in a clear grid format. This, in turn, can be drilled into through sorting and/or filtering; zeroing in on key pieces of information. Those results with linked data can be expanded to provide additional intelligence that can assist in the elimination or confirmation of matches or hypotheses. Selecting a result activates a detail pane allowing users to see more of the information relating to an ibase record; including access to available pictures or documents. Collaborative analysis and exploration Analysts and the operational team access the same ibase repository in unison. Analysts still benefit from the feature rich, desktop application ibase, whereas the wider operational team has access to a subset of ibase functionality through a light weight Web application, ibase IntelliShare. Intelligence is pushed to the wider community from the analyst allowing ibase IntelliShare users to pull required information on demand. Key pieces of information discovered by the analysts within ibase, or by the wider operational team using ibase IntelliShare, can be saved, shared, and visualized through the use of user created datasets. Visualize Identify association paths, clusters of communication; see facts, events, and associations. Results can be selected as required and in a single click passed to the in-built visualization tool and controllably expanded for investigation. Charts created within ibase IntelliShare can be printed directly from the visualization tool; alternatively a chart can be sent to Analyst s Notebook or IBM i2 ChartReader by a single click where it can be saved or combined with other existing intelligence. Single entity data entry Newly acquired information can be entered into the ibase repository through intuitive Web forms. This securirty-rich data entry capability provides the wider operational team a controlled environment to push real time information back to the analyst, facilitating knowledge transfer. Input is limited to single record entry; more capability is provided with the dedicated Data Entry module. 7

8 Briefing Module Exclusively available through IBM i2 Lab Services Creation and administration of tailored briefings Through an intuitive Web based user interface, briefings can be created to present valuable, focused intelligence directly from an ibase repository with the added ability to include supporting external knowledge. Once created, these briefings are published to the necessary sections of the wider operational team in a security-rich environment. Through a single click, briefings can be archived; for those briefings that have a distinct shelf-life, they can be auto-archived. Obtaining intelligence and knowledge To help ensure all pertinent data is not missed in a briefing, intelligence and supporting knowledge can be provided in two distinct ways: User populated data feeds designed to enable general information, inferences, conclusions, or imagery to be added. Automated data feeds providing real-time, security-enhanced intelligence, tailored to a user s profile, to be served up directly from an ibase repository. Clear unified view The dashboard provides a single and unified view of intelligence from an ibase repository and external data in the form of text or imagery. The dashboard is designed for ease of use, providing the wider operational team members with an interface to search for and access a pertinent briefing and navigate the information presented therein. 8

9 Presentation Pertinent information is presented through elements with their own unique properties and purpose, referred to as widgets. There are five interactive widgets shipped as part of the Briefing module, these being: Text designed for displaying general information, inferences or conclusions. Rich formatting options provides emphasis to be placed key pieces of text. Image - providing a means to support, or replace, descriptive information through the inclusion of imagery. Map plots relevant geo-coded information through ibase GIS Interfaces onto your organization s existing mapping server; efficiently identifying problematic areas tailored to the user s geographical remit. Table pertinent intelligence stored within an ibase repository can be communicated in a grid, presenting users with the details of each record. Statistical helps enable users to more easily identify patterns and trends from intelligence stored within ibase. Data can be presented in bar or pie chart depending on an individual s preference. User Profile Each Web based user is presented with a tailored briefing based on their pre-defined user profile. User profile values enable automated data feeds to present the right information to that individual, whether that be priority based, time, and/or geography specific; alleviating the need to create a separate end product for each individual. System administrators are provided with a dedicated Web based user interface to create and manage user profiles, along with the creation of the aforementioned workgroups. Security, accountability, and traceability ibase IntelliShare independent of module, honors the flexible and robust security-rich layer within ibase and can comply with an organization s specific security needs. In addition, Security Classification Codes (SCC) control the accessibility of desired entities, links, or their fields. Activity and location of an ibase IntelliShare user is tracked and recorded in the audit log for comprehensive accountability and traceability. 9

10 Technical description Product architecture ibase IntelliShare is a multi-tier client/server system, split into three distinct components: the ibase repository on which the solution is deployed, a Web service component, and the Web application on which the user interface executes. ibase Repository ibase IntelliShare is compatible with ibase 8.1 or later where deployed in conjunction with Microsoft s SQL Server technology. Utilizing Microsoft s SQL Server 2005 or later provides a scalable, stable, organization-wide data sharing environment, minimizing both initial deployment and ongoing costs of ownership. In addition, it also confirms that: ibase IntelliShare users are presented with powerful exact and fuzzy search technology, Search 360. All actions performed are audited to the highest level. Access to sensitive information can be limited controlled to those that need to know. Web Services Component To help ensure that scalability, stability, and low cost of ownership continues, the Web services component is hosted through a JBoss application server. Supporting both Microsoft s Active Directory service and the flexible security model inherently provided by ibase, this is the only tier that requires direct communication to the underlying repository. The Web services component can be tailored in a variety of deployment modes to support your organizations needs. For instance, there may be the requirement for multiple Web services to access a single repository; this would allow for a tailored working environment where data access may be different for inter- / intra- organization users. Alternatively, your organization may require a single web Service to access multiple ibase repositories so that users can perform their tasks against different data stores without leaving the Web environment. Web Application Component Utilizing Microsoft s Silverlight technology, the Web application provides the ibase IntelliShare user with a visually rich and intuitive environment. It runs entirely within the user s Web browser and houses the dedicated modules. Visualizations created within the ibase IntelliShare Find and Explore module can either be printed or sent directly into Analyst s Notebook, taking advantage of the comprehensive analytical tools available to the user. Product security As ibase IntelliShare is Web-based, it was designed specifically to address and minimize risks around Internet security at the application level. For instance, the designers analyzed the top ten risks published by the Online Web Application Security Program (OWASP), and designed the system in such a way that the vast majority of Web attacks either do not work or have no effect. In addition, ibase Intellishare was designed according to industry standards to minimize opportunities for attack and to protect the Web service component and underlying systems. 10

11 What prerequisites are required to install the product? ibase IntelliShare requires an ibase 8.1 (or later) repository utilizing Microsoft s SQL Server technology, either standalone or part of Analyst s Workstation. This can be in place before the deployment or purchased together with ibase IntelliShare. Depending on how the repository is configured and which ibase IntelliShare modules are licensed, it may be necessary to modify ibase before installing the solution. To extend the visualization of geo-coded information, the Briefing module s Map widget requires a third party mapping server and a license for ibase GIS Interfaces. For more information on ibase please refer to the ibase Product Overview white paper. What documentation is provided? Within the ibase IntelliShare Web client there is comprehensive, example based online help to support the end-users of the software. In addition, the following documentation is available on request from your supplier: ibase IntelliShare Release Notes ibase IntelliShare Deployment and Administration Guide ibase IntelliShare Upgrade Guide Supporting Structured Search through ibase Query Design Is ibase IntelliShare available in languages other than English? ibase IntelliShare Find and Explore and Data Entry modules are available in English and a number of other languages throughout Western Europe. For a full list of available languages, plus those in development, please contact your IBM i2 representative. How does ibase IntelliShare integrate with other IBM i2 products? ibase IntelliShare has a dependency with ibase 8.1. (or later), either standalone or as part of Analyst s Workstation. ibase IntelliShare can work alongside Analyst s Notebook and IBM i2 Chart Reader. Within the Find and Explore dedicated module there is the ability to visualize information; this visualization can be dragged and dropped into either Analyst s Notebook or Chart Reader for further analysis, augmentation, or dissemination. Can I upgrade from other IBM i2 products? Upgrade options are available from earlier versions of ibase IntelliShare. Consideration needs to be made to the underlying ibase repository; Organizations upgrading from ibase IntelliShare version 1.0 or version 1.1 must upgrade ibase to version 8.1 or later. Implementation and training When purchased, the ibase IntelliShare implementation is managed through consultation between your organization and IBM i2 Consulting Services (or an accredited Partner organization). IBM i2 Consulting Services will help ensure that each aspects of the multi-tier environment is correctly configured so that ibase IntelliShare is set up according to your organizational needs and enabling your organization to achieve immediate benefits from the new system. It is the intention that the ibase IntelliShare Find and Explore and ibase IntelliShare Data Entry modules will require no formal training. Customers may require some informal training around the creation and administration of briefings; if this should be the case training will be delivered via IBM Professional Services and/or the accredited Partner Organization at the time of implementation. The Briefing module is currently only available in English. 11

12 For more information To learn more about IBM i2 ibase IntelliShare, please contact your IBM representative, or visit: ibm.com/i2software To learn more about all of the IBM Smarter Cities solutions, visit: ibm.com/smartercities Copyright IBM Corporation 2012 IBM Corporation Software Group Route 100 Somers, NY U.S.A. Produced in the United States of America November 2012 i2, Analyst s Notebook, COPLINK, IBM, the IBM logo and ibm.com are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, other countries or both. If these and other IBM trademarked terms are marked on their first occurrence in this information with a trademark symbol ( or TM), these symbols indicate U.S. registered or common law trademarks owned by IBM at the time this information was published. Such trademarks may also be registered or common law trademarks in other countries. Other product, company or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. A current list of IBM trademarks is available at Copyright and trademark information at: ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml The content in this document (including currency OR pricing references which exclude applicable taxes) is current as of the initial date of publication and may be changed by IBM at any time. Not all offerings are available in every country in which IBM operates. The performance data discussed herein is presented as derived under specific operating conditions. Actual results may vary. THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED AS IS WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF NONINFRINGEMENT. IBM products are warranted according to the terms and conditions of the agreements under which they are provided. Please Recycle 12 ZZW03179-USEN-02