IBM Information Server FastTrack accelerates the translation of business requirements into data
integration projects that solve strategic business problems
IBM United States
Software Announcement 208-053
March 11, 2008
 ENUS208053.PDF (34KB)
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IBM Information Server FastTrack is a core module in the IBM Information Server integration platform
that:
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Accelerates the translation of business requirements into completed data integration projects.
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Promotes cross-team collaboration, increases automation, and ensures that projects are completed
successfully and on time.
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Simplifies and improves communication between the business analyst and developer. The job of the
business analyst is to translate business requirements into technical specifications; the job of the
developer is to implement these requirements and produce an integrated data application.
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Breaks down traditional barriers to coordination across multiple user roles and products and puts
the emphasis, where needed, on solving business problems.
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative or IBM Americas Call Centers at
800-IBM-CALL
(Reference: YE001).
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IBM Information Server FastTrack accelerates the deployment of data integration projects by focusing
on what historically has been a manual translation of business requirements into technical
implementation. For an enterprise integration project to meet business requirements and be
completed on schedule and within the defined budget constraints, business analysts, data modelers,
and developers must collaborate more effectively.
Valuable development time is often spent not on programming or designing solutions but on managing
and translating differences in languages, skills, working methods, and synchronizing tool output.
In a typical project workflow, the data modeler begins with either the IBM Industry Models or an
internally defined source and target. These structures are then sent to the business analyst who
manually defines the required source-to-target mappings, based on their understanding of the data
structures as a result of profiling with WebSphere® Information Analyzer. These mappings are
often stored in an Excel spreadsheet, which is then printed and sent to the developer to manually
convert into an extraction, transformation, and load job. The lack of automation and audit trails
in these labor-intensive processes slows the project, increases the potential for errors, and
minimizes the possibility of reuse by other staff members on subsequent new projects.
Using IBM Information Server FastTrack, business analysts can:
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Specify business transformation rules, including joins, lookups, data filters, and function logic.
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Leverage the results of profiling with WebSphere Information Analyzer to ensure the most complete
requirements are captured up-front prior to beginning development.
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Perform automated match discovery to aid in the automation of data mappings.
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Create WebSphere Business Glossary terms and define the linkage to physical column structures.
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Apply naming standards for generated data definition language.
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Generate framework WebSphere DataStage® jobs with in-line instruction-specific annotations.
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Optionally, import existing Microsoft® Excel spreadsheets into FastTrack to be converted into
DataStage jobs.
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Store all information in a single, central repository. This allows the business specification to
serve as an audit trail on design decisions made during the development process. It also promotes
re-use by multiple development teams using the Information Server platform.
For enterprises of all sizes, IBM Information Server FastTrack speeds time to value for strategic
initiatives by accelerating the translation of business requirements into completed data integration
projects that solve complex business problems.
Refer to
206-308
, dated December 12, 2006.
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Refer to the
Hardware requirements
and
Software requirements
sections.
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March 11, 2008 (electronic software delivery)
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March 28, 2008 (media and documentation)
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The key to successful development depends on the method used to accelerate and automate the
translation of business requirements into finished data integration applications. All generated
metadata is stored centrally in the IBM WebSphere Metadata Server for leverage across the entire
Information Server integration platform. IBM Information Server FastTrack is designed to minimize
manual effort during design cycles and yet have the maximum impact on downstream development
activities.
Key features
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Ability to capture advanced business rule logic.
Business analysts have the option to use the familiar spreadsheet Excel or the IBM Information
Server FastTrack interface. The ability to document business-specific rules, calculations, joins,
lookups, filtering criteria, and other business transformation logic directly in IBM Information
Server FastTrack facilitates historical tracking and re-use. Analysts can leverage published
profiling results from WebSphere Information Analyzer during this process to ensure mapping rules
are complete.
Benefit: Improves project success rates of strategic initiatives by ensuring that business
requirements are consistently captured and fully incorporated into technical solutions.
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Automated WebSphere DataStage job generation.
IBM Information Server FastTrack automates parallel extraction, transformation, and load job
generation with the option to combine multiple specifications into a single job in support of large
development projects. Specific business rule annotations appear within the context of the generated
job so no requirements are overlooked.
Benefit: Speeds time-to-value for business projects by automating the supporting data integration
processes.
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Customizable spreadsheet view.
Enables you to annotate column mappings with business rules and transformation logic and view
detailed asset properties, including an expandable view of business terms and physical metadata
descriptions.
Benefit: Promotes ease of use with seamless incorporation of business requirements.
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Automated discovery of relationships.
IBM Information Server FastTrack features discovery algorithms to locate exact, partial, and lexical
matches on corresponding column names across source-to-target structures and present the result in a
simple, easy-to-use format.
Benefit: Minimizes risk of data misunderstanding, which often causes rework, missed project
deadlines, and over-extended budgets.
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Ability to import data from Excel spreadsheets and .csv formats.
Allows you to import data from existing spreadsheets to start new specifications. It also enables
data to be exported into .csv formats.
Benefit: Support for common exchange mechanisms aligns with corporate standards and policies.
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Flexible reporting capabilities.
Enables you to view column-level mappings, table-level mappings, and lookups, as well as manage and
track metadata across the integration design life cycle. Common Web-based templates allow the
creation of mapping specification reports for communication with development and management teams.
Benefit: Strengthened governance programs via common reporting supports auditing requirements from
start to finish.
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Table-level mappings.
Enables you to define new joins, filters, and case statements, while also leveraging existing table
joins identified during profiling with IBM WebSphere Information Analyzer.
Benefit: Increases collaboration among business analysts, developers, and data architects by
eliminating manual effort and the risk of misinterpretation by clearly defining what is needed for
each role.
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Lookup support.
Allows you to define lookups that generate the "lookup stage" in the generated integration job.
These lookups are searchable and are designed for re-use.
Benefit: Streamlines communication by eliminating the rewriting of documentation and interpreting
others' requirements.
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Generate Data Definition Language (DDL).
This option allows data modelers and developers to generate a target data model, if one does not
currently exist, either manually or from business terms. It includes the ability to apply naming
standards (for example, customer account mapped to a CUST_ACCT column).
Benefit: Increases productivity of developers by automatically translating business logic into
physical structures.
-
Create and link business glossary terms to assets.
Business analysts can create new business terms and document their relationship to corresponding
physical columns as part of the mapping process. This information is stored centrally in a single
location so other development teams utilizing the Information Server platform have a complete
business view.
Benefit: Improved data governance and auditing capabilities by providing a centralized, managed
location for business terminology, project specifications, and requirements.
Accessibility by people with disabilities
A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) can be requested via the IBM Web
site
IPLA and Subscription and Support considerations
IPLA licenses can be transferred from one machine to another within, but
not limited to an enterprise. You may aggregate the capacity for all the
processors the product is operated on to achieve a more economic price.
This will result in a single Proof of Entitlement (PoE). It is your
responsibility to manage the distribution of Value Units within the
limits of the entitlement of the product license.
Subscription and Support must cover the same capacity as the product
license entitlement. Subscription and Support will be available in the
country in which the agreement is made.
Product description Language GA date
Information Server FastTrack English March 28, 2008
V8.0.1
Trademarks
-
-
WebSphere and DataStage are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or
both.
-
-
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service
marks of others.
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Available training offerings include client on-site training, public
training at IBM facilities, and remote learning via FlexLearning.
Through client on-site training, IBM delivers standard or customized
training to meet the requirements of its clients. IBM can also provide
mobile academies for a rental fee to minimize clients' setup activities.
IBM public training simplifies the process by providing the complete
environment for standard course deliveries and giving students the
ability to learn without the distractions of everyday responsibilities.
Public training is offered on a regular schedule worldwide. For more
information on public instructor-led training, visit
The newly enhanced FlexLearning program enables clients to attend
training on their own schedule at their own location. This program
offers state-of-the-art technology to deliver highly valuable training at
minimum cost. All current courses are approximately three hours in
length and offer a valuable learn-by-doing, self-paced format.
For more information on any of the training offerings, contact
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Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
Also, visit the Passport Advantage® Web site
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Publications provided with the product
A printed Quick Start Guide is provided in the product package. The
Quick Start Guide is also available from the product's Support page on
ibm.com (using the Product documentation link).
Information Center
Documentation for IBM Information Server FastTrack is installed in the
Information Server Information Center when you install the product. The
Information Center is also available at
The IBM Publications Center
Publications for IBM Information Server products are provided on a CD in
the product package. Publications can also be obtained from the IBM
Publications Center at
The Publications Center is a worldwide central repository for IBM product
publications and marketing material with a catalog of 70,000 items.
Extensive search facilities are provided. Printed publications can be
ordered from the IBM Publications Center; payment options for orders are
via credit card (in the U.S.) or customer number for 20 countries. A
large number of publications are available online in various file
formats, and those with order numbers that begin with SC or GC can be
downloaded by all countries free of charge. Books with order numbers
that begin with LC can be purchased by customers with an active product
license for the related product.
The following table includes the title and order number that can be used
to locate the applicable publications on the IBM Publications Center.
Title Order number
IBM Information Server LC19-2416
FastTrack Tutorial
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IBM Information Server FastTrack has the same system requirements as IBM
Information Server.
Hardware requirements
The exact configuration you need to support your environment with satisfactory processing time will
vary depending on multiple factors. Processing times vary depending on server speed, memory, and
network and server workload. The listed minimum recommended configurations listed below need to be
evaluated and adjusted according to your unique requirements. Disk space recommendations are for
the product installation and working space only. The actual hard disk space required varies,
depending upon your installation. Refer to the
IBM Information Server Planning, Configuration, and Installation Guide
for more information. Refer also to the Release notes found on the product media.
The most current and complete information on hardware requirements is available at
The IBM Information Server FastTrack client has the following system
requirements:
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Disk space: 500 MB minimum
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Memory: 1 GB of RAM minimum; 2 GB of RAM recommended
Software requirements
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IBM Information Server with FixPack 1a should be installed.
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The metadata repository and domain layer of IBM Information Server are mandatory.
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WebSphere® DataStage® must be installed if DataStage job generation functionality is to be used.
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WebSphere Information Analyzer must be installed if leveraging profiling results.
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WebSphere Business Glossary must be installed if publishing business terms.
Operating systems supported:
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Server:
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Windows® Server 2003 (SP1 and SP2)
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IBM AIX® 5.3
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Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ AS 4.0
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SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 on Intel® x86
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Client:
-
Microsoft® Windows XP Professional (SP2)
-
Windows Vista®
Refer to the
IBM Information Server Planning, Configuration, and Installation Guide
for more information. Refer also to the Release notes found on the product media.
The most current and complete information on software requirements is available at
Planning information
Packaging:
The IBM Information Server FastTrack software is shipped on a single CD-ROM that includes all
supported platforms. The CD-ROM contains the IBM license agreement and programming code.
Security, auditability, and control
These products use the security and auditability features of the host hardware or software.
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features,
administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
Software Services
Services from IBM Information Platform and Solutions complement the IBM Information Server platform.
You can leverage the deep technical skills and proven methodologies based on years of accumulated
knowledge and experience, gained through hundreds of successful implementations. The IBM
Information Platform and Solutions Professional Services team offers a wide range of
services-related packages that are designed to help you achieve success in the design,
implementation, and rollout of your information integration projects.
To learn more about IBM Information Platform and Solution Professional Services or contact a
services representative, visit
We also extend our IBM Software Services reach through IBM Business
Partners to provide an unmatched portfolio of capabilities. Together, we
provide the global reach, intellectual capital, industry insight, and
technology leadership to support any critical business need.
To locate an IBM Business Partner, visit
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This product is only available via Passport Advantage. It is not available as shrinkwrap.
Product information
Product
Licensed function title Product group category
IBM Information Server FastTrack Information IBM
Integration Information
Solutions Server
Program name PID Charge unit
number description
IBM Information Server FastTrack 5724-Q36 10 Authorized
Users
Charge metrics definitions
Authorized user
An authorized user is one and only one individual (named or unnamed) within or outside your
enterprise. A Proof of Entitlement (PoE) must be obtained for each individual user accessing the
program in any manner. A program licensed under an authorized user PoE may be installed on a single
computer or server, and accessed by multiple users, provided that a PoE has been obtained for each
individual user accessing the program either directly or indirectly (via a multiplexing program,
device, or application server) through any means on behalf of the user.
Passport Advantage program licenses
IBM Information Server
Part description Part number
IBM Information Server FastTrack
Information Server FastTrack 10 E04JSLL
Authorized Users ANNUAL SW MAINT
RNWL
Information Server FastTrack 10 D03JMLL
Authorized Users LIC+SW MAINT 12
MO
Information Server FastTrack 10 D03JNLL
Authorized Users SW MAINT
REINSTATE 12 MO
Passport Advantage supply
Part
Program name/description number
Information Server FastTrack V8.0.1
Information Server FastTrack SUSE Linux Enterprise BY02REN
Server (SLES),Windows V
Passport Advantage customer: Media pack entitlement details
Customers with active maintenance or subscription for the products listed are entitled to receive
the corresponding media pack.
Information Server FastTrack V8.0.1
Entitled maintenance Part
offerings description Media packs description number
IBM Information Server Information Server BY02REN
FastTrack 10 Authorized FastTrack SUSE Linux
Users Enterprise Server
(SLES),Windows V
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The information provided in this announcement letter is for reference and convenience purposes only.
The terms and conditions that govern any transaction with IBM are contained in the applicable
contract documents such as the IBM International Program License Agreement, IBM International
Passport Advantage Agreement, and the IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance.
Licensing:
IBM International Program License Agreement including the License Information document and PoE
govern your use of the Program. PoEs are required for all authorized use.
Part number products only, offered outside of Passport Advantage, where applicable, are license only
and do not include Software Maintenance.
License Information form number
Program
Program name number Form number
IBM Information Server 5724-Q36 L-GMET-77PNRG
The program's License Information will be available for review on the IBM Software License Agreement
Web site
Limited warranty applies:
Yes
Money-back guarantee:
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program and you are
the original licensee, you may obtain a refund of the amount you paid for
it, if within 30 days of your invoice date you return the program and its
PoE to the party from whom you obtained it. If you downloaded the
program, you may contact the party from whom you acquired it for
instructions on how to obtain the refund.
For programs acquired under the IBM International Passport Advantage
Agreement, this term applies only to your first acquisition of the
program.
Authorization for use on home/portable computer:
The program may be stored on the primary machine and another
machine, provided that the program is not in active use on both machines
at the same time. You may not copy and use this program on another
computer without paying additional license fees.
Product name
IBM Information Server No
Usage restriction:
Yes
Refer to the License Information document that is available on the IBM
Software License Agreement Web site
Passport Advantage applies:
Yes, and through the Passport Advantage Web site at
This product is only available via Passport Advantage. It is not
available as shrinkwrap.
Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance:
The following agreement applies for maintenance and does not require
customer signatures:
IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance (Z125-6011)
Other terms
Volume orders (IVO):
No
IBM Operational Support Services — SoftwareXcel:
No
System i™ Software Maintenance applies:
No
Educational allowance available:
Not applicable
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The charges are unchanged by this announcement.
IBM Global Financing
IBM Global Financing offers competitive financing to credit-qualified customers to assist them in
acquiring IT solutions. Offerings include financing for IT acquisition, including hardware,
software, and services, both from IBM and other manufacturers or vendors. Offerings (for all
customer segments: small, medium, and large enterprise), rates, terms, and availability can vary by
country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit
IBM Global Financing offerings are provided through IBM Credit LLC in the
United States, and other IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to
qualified commercial and government customers. Rates are based on a
customer's credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment type,
and options, and may vary by country. Other restrictions may apply.
Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension, or withdrawal
without notice.
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To order, contact the Americas Call Centers or your local IBM
representative.
To identify your local IBM representative, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
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Markham, Ontario
Canada
L3R 2Z1
Reference: YE001
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can add your name to the mailing list for catalogs of IBM products.
Note:
Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trademarks
-
-
System i is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in
the United States or other countries or both.
-
-
Passport Advantage, DataStage, WebSphere, and AIX are registered
trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United
States or other countries or both.
-
-
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
-
-
Windows, Microsoft, and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
-
-
Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other
countries or both.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service
marks of others.
At a glance
