Changing the version of Java used by IBM Cognos Analytics components

IBM® Cognos® Analytics components require a Java™ Runtime Environment (JRE) to operate.

You can change the Java version in situations where you want to use IBMCognos Analytics components with an application server that requires a specific JRE version or you already use a JRE version with other applications. You change Java versions by setting the JAVA_HOME environment variable.

JAVA_HOME

Set a JAVA_HOME environment variable if you want to use your own Java.

Ensure that the JRE version is supported by IBM Cognos products.

On Microsoft Windows operating systems, if you do not have a JAVA_HOME variable, the JRE files that are provided with the installation are used.

To verify that your JRE is supported, see the IBM Software Product Compatibility Reports page (www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/735235).

Unrestricted JCE Policy File

JREs include a restricted policy file that limits you to certain cryptographic algorithms and cipher suites. If you require a wider range of cryptographic algorithms and cipher suites, unrestricted (unlimited) policy files are now provided by default. They can be found here:

  • install location/ibm-jre/jre/lib/security/policy/unlimited/US_export_policy.jar
  • install location/ibm-jre/jre/lib/security/policy/unlimited/local_policy.jar

In addition, for Java that is provided by IBM, the unrestricted JCE policy files are also available here.

Steps

  1. Launch Cognos Configuration.
  2. Click File > Export As... and export the configuration to a text file such as export_cogstartup.xml in the configuration folder. Exit Cognos Configuration.
  3. Backup the following files and folders:
    • Files
    • install_location/configuration/cogstartup.xml
    • install_location/configuration/caSerial
    • Folders
    • install_location/configuration/csk
    • install_location/configuration/certs
  4. Remove the folders and files you backed up, except the folder install_location/configuration/certs/mobile. Remove all of the other files in the install_location/configuration/certs folder.
  5. Rename the configuration backup file you created in step 2 to cogstartup.xml.
  6. Set the JAVA_HOME system environment variable to the JRE you want to use.
  7. Launch Cognos Configuration, save the configuration, and restart the server. As an alternative, use the command line from the install_location/bin64 folder, and run this command: cogconfig.bat -s.

    This will regenerate the keys for the new JRE.