Abstract: Hosted business service applications are provided enabling users to download and run plug-in modules associated with scorecard operations. Plug-in modules are launched from context-based links provided by the service or by third parties providing users the ability to work with the hosted application with a substantially same responsiveness and reliability as a natively installed application, to continue working while disconnected from the core service, and to have services upgraded without significantly disrupting their work. Client shell can be billed by the service or by third parties for the use of the business service by tracking activities associated with the downloaded module.

Abstract: Data ranges (domains) for statistical analysis of performance metrics are determined automatically based on user inputs for ending and starting periods. User interfaces are provided with allowances for addressing missing data in a consistent manner and for creating analyties over different time domains such as fiscal and Gregorian calendar measurements. Previews of analysis may be provided for visualization of data range parameter selections. Selections may be made explicitly or dynamically using textual or graphical user interface elements.

Abstract: Users are enabled to use statistical prediction algorithms to set key performance indicator targets based on a variety of considerations allowing them to take into account more quantitative factors in prediction, increase return-on-investment of data assets, increase consistency, and save time and cost in the target setting process. Upon selection of a scorecard, users are provided with a series of user interfaces enabling them to select metrics and data ranges, as well as to set and/or modify configurations associated with prediction algorithms for the selected data and report presentation parameters. Data mining may then be performed based on the selected data and configuration settings resulting in rendering of reports based on the data mining result set(s).

Abstract: User interface that enables a user to manipulate visual representations of non-linear business logic to define and run data-centric “what-if” simulations. The visual interface models non-linear calculations based on the mapping of an input value in a non-linear domain to a score range, which score range can be continuous or non-continuous. The interface presents variable graphical indicator representations, as well as proximity and sensitivity visualizations. Different models can be developed and tested using live data feeds and aggregated dependent data feeds. The visual interface employs recursive scoring, and facilitates collaborative interface interaction.

Abstract: An extensible client-server application platform. Execution of functions may require interactions between client-side and server-side components. Extensions may be provided as pairs of modules, one for the client and one for the server, that interact when performing an extension function. To ensure that the client-side and server-side interact appropriately, extensions modules may be initially supplied to the server and downloaded as appropriate, to the client. An enterprise business intelligence application is used as an example of the extensible client-server application platform. To enable use of third party extension modules, the server-side components may execute on a virtualized server.

Abstract: Architecture for accessing a repository of information and recursively processing the repository information for relevant information for output as a spreadsheet. Once the relevant information is returned, portions of the relevant information are used to develop and execute one or more queries against data sources for information related to the relevant information. A report is then generated in the form of a spreadsheet that includes the relevant and related information presented as one or more of text, a chart, a graph, matrix, and other combinations of visualizations and perceivable information (e.g., audio data). Moreover, the spreadsheet can include a hierarchical organization of sheets based on relationships in stored metadata definitions. The one or more queries can be processed against backend data sources under a centralized security regime optimized for rapidly aggregating data from across heterogeneous data sources.

Abstract: An object model and a user interface (UI) enable users of a scorecard application to define an order and categorization of elements including header and row components to break out the scorecard data for effective presentation of multidimensional scorecard views combined with data from non-multidimensional sources. Users are provided options to select individual or sets of members, or to provide queries that select sets of metrics for the scorecard view. Header components are defined at predetermined depth of layers enabling the user to view categorized metrics.

Abstract: Report views offer a user the ability to specify ancillary data views and also view that data in a scorecard viewing experience. A report view definition may be implemented as a metadata-based mapping of logical reports to physical reports for scorecards and KPIs. Reports are categorized based on their presentation size and/or type. Categorized report attributes included in the report view metadata are managed by a configuration UI. The report view metadata further includes schema, ordering capabilities, and mapping UI such as re-use of report views in multiple areas.

Abstract: Data from sources without a current time designator is consumed in scorecard applications by automatically detecting an appropriate time slice based on a last non-empty member in a given level of dimension. Lag values are assigned depending on a level of time dimension members and the last non-empty member. Once the current time value is determined, corresponding values are used for dimensions that are fully loaded with non-empty values. Negative lag values may be used to retrieve data for future members.

Abstract: Data retrieval from data sources associated with elements of a scorecard is optimized by combining the queries for the same data sources into a single query. The querying process is further optimized based on an attribute and/or condition of a data source. Query parameters and execution schedule may be adjusted based on the elements, data sources, or subscriber identity. Retrieved data is cached at element, combination of elements, data source, or scorecard level for rapid and efficient building and maintenance of scorecards.

Abstract: Groups of subordinate report definitions are determined for selected scorecard metrics based on suitable report type and layout features. A list comprising the available reports is assigned to each source metric enabling association of the groups across metrics. A context of the scorecard is passed to a physical instantiation of the group of reports to affect their behavior. Report presentation, queries, and the like may be performed using the assigned definition list(s).

Abstract: An interactive dashboard providing scorecard presentation with subordinate reports is automatically generated and configured based on centrally managed metadata definitions. The dashboard may be customized based on subscriber credentials, past preferences, and the like. The dashboard may be deployed to one or more locations to be consumed and further customized by end users.

Abstract: Persistent annotations are created on a scorecard that combines multi-dimensional as well as fixed value data. The annotations uniquely defined by the scorecard view definition and by the retrieved scorecard data, are independent of the data's dimensionality enabling persistence of the annotations with the data and definition even when the scorecard is reconfigured. The annotations may include a “bubble-up” feature, where a hierarchical structure of the scorecard is inherited by the annotations. Threaded discussions and updated document lists are enabled around the annotations with appropriate permissions and/or credentials.

Abstract: Disconnected authoring of business scorecards is enabled. Subscribers are enabled to author scorecards adding new elements, removing existing elements, and modifying content and/or properties of existing elements while disconnected from a server application managing the scorecards. Upon transitioning to a reconnected phase, configuration data for modified elements is compared to the original configuration data and differences resolved. New configuration data for the elements is then created based on the resolved differences. Modifications may be accepted based on time of change, permission attribute of the subscriber, and the like. Modified elements may be flagged in the scorecard presentation.

Abstract: Updates to multiple reports are centrally managed in a business logic system. A scorecard application provides a scorecard presentation and determines a report parameter associated with the presentation based on user selection, user credentials, and the like. Data that includes content and/or metadata associated with the report parameter is provided to a target application through a framework manager. Scorecard calculations and presentation may also be updated based on data received from the target application.

Abstract: An approach and a data structure for inheriting reporting metrics in a business logic system are provided. A scorecard structure includes a top level metric (scorecard) that receives aggregated scores from hierarchically structured lower level measures such as KPI's and objectives. Each KPI may be assigned target values and each target a status indicator. Upon selecting elements of the scorecard such as measures, targets, data sources, and the like, data associated with the elements including content and property information is retrieved. Elements are ordered according to the scorecard hierarchy and scored based on the order.

Abstract: Application independent rendering of scorecard metrics is provided. A hierarchy for scorecard metrics, such as KPI's, KPI groups, and objectives, is determined and data associated with each scorecard metric is retrieved based on the hierarchy. Scorecard calculation is performed based on the retrieved data and the hierarchy. A scorecard representation may then be generated based on the calculation and transformed into a format such that application independent reports can be generated based on the scorecard representation. The transform may include generating a document using Report Definition Language (RDL). The RDL document may then be forwarded to an application for report generation.

Abstract: A constrained user interface for selecting and creating categories (e.g., folders, properties) is provided in such a way as to prevent the creation of empty categories, or categories which are not associated with any underlying object or file. The user interface selectively enables and disables a remove category button, and also selectively enables and disables existing categories for selection.

Abstract: Score-based alerting is provided in a business logic application to provide summary status information on heterogeneous measures such as KPI's and Objectives, which are derived from aggregated KPI's, for monitoring organizational performance. Criteria for alerts are based on comparison of raw data to threshold values, trends of aggregated scores, and comparisons of aggregated scores to threshold values or ranges. Alert criteria are dynamically modified when score calculation parameters are modified. Alerts can be selected from a template by a subscriber across different levels of aggregated scores, scoring methods, and user-defined criteria.

Abstract: A user interface is provided for visual feedback to a user in a business logic application for generating summary scores from heterogeneous measures for monitoring organizational performance. The user interface includes presenting selections for a scoring pattern, a banding type, and an indicator scheme. In response to the selections, icons, labels, indicator ranges, trend diagrams, and band diagrams are generated. The graphic representations are modified dynamically in response to user adjustment of boundary values using sliders and numeric entries. Scorecards including Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and rolled up KPI scores are created based on user interaction with the graphic user interface.