.IMR File Extension

Impromptu Report File

Developer	IBM
Popularity	Average rating 4.3 / 5. Vote count: 3
Category	Data Files
Format	.IMR
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an IMR file?

.IMR (Impromptu Report) files are data files associated with IBM Cognos Impromptu, a business intelligence and performance management software suite. These files store structured report data generated by Impromptu, including tables, charts, and other visualizations.

More Information.

IBM Cognos Impromptu was introduced in the early 1990s as a reporting tool for businesses to analyze and present data stored in various formats such as databases, spreadsheets, and flat files. The primary purpose of .IMR files is to facilitate the creation, storage, and sharing of formatted reports containing business insights derived from data analysis.

Origin Of This File.

.IMR files originated from IBM Cognos Impromptu, which was initially developed by Cognos Incorporated. IBM later acquired Cognos in 2008, integrating Impromptu into its suite of business intelligence tools.

File Structure Technical Specification.

.IMR files typically contain a structured format that includes metadata about the report layout, data connections, and visualization settings. They may store SQL queries or references to data sources used to generate the report. The actual report data is often stored in a tabular format compatible with spreadsheet applications.

How to Convert the File?

Windows:

To convert .IMR files on Windows, you can follow these steps:

Open IBM Cognos Impromptu software on your Windows computer.
Load the .IMR file you want to convert by selecting “File” > “Open” from the menu.
Once the file is opened, go to the “File” menu again and choose “Save As” or “Export.”
Select the desired output format for conversion, such as PDF or Excel.
Specify the file name and location for the converted file.
Click “Save” or “Export” to initiate the conversion process.
Once the conversion is complete, you can access the converted file in the specified location using the chosen format.

Linux:

Converting .IMR files on Linux can be achieved using compatibility layers or virtualization software to run IBM Cognos Impromptu.

Here’s a general guide:

Install a virtualization tool such as VirtualBox or VMware on your Linux system.
Create a virtual machine (VM) and install a Windows operating system on it.
Install IBM Cognos Impromptu within the virtual machine.
Follow the steps outlined in the “How to Convert the File – Windows” section to convert .IMR files.
Once the conversion is complete, you can access the converted files within the virtual machine and transfer them to your Linux system if needed.

Mac:

Converting .IMR files on Mac requires running IBM Cognos Impromptu in a Windows virtual machine or using compatibility software like Wine.

Here’s a basic approach:

Set up a Windows virtual machine on your Mac using software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
Install IBM Cognos Impromptu within the virtual machine.
Follow the steps outlined in the “How to Convert the File – Windows” section to convert .IMR files.
Once the conversion is complete, you can access the converted files within the virtual machine and transfer them to your Mac if necessary.

Android and iOS:

Direct conversion of .IMR files on Android and iOS devices may not be feasible due to the lack of native support for IBM Cognos Impromptu software. However, you can convert .IMR files using a computer and then transfer the converted files to your mobile device.

Convert .IMR files on a compatible computer using IBM Cognos Impromptu.
Once converted, transfer the converted files to your Android or iOS device via email, cloud storage, or USB connection.
On your mobile device, use apps compatible with the converted file format (e.g., PDF viewer, Excel viewer) to open and view the converted files.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

.IMR files provide a standardized format for storing and sharing business reports generated using IBM Cognos Impromptu.
They preserve the layout and formatting of reports, ensuring consistency when viewed or printed.
.IMR files can be easily exported to other formats such as PDF or Excel for wider distribution and analysis.

Disadvantages:

.IMR files are specific to IBM Cognos Impromptu, limiting interoperability with other reporting tools.
They may become obsolete as newer versions of IBM Cognos software are released, potentially requiring conversion or migration to newer formats.
.IMR files can be complex and may require specialized software to open and manipulate, which could pose challenges for users without access to IBM Cognos Impromptu.

How to Open IMR?

Open In Windows

.IMR files can be opened in IBM Cognos Impromptu software installed on a Windows system.

Open In Linux

.IMR files can be opened in IBM Cognos Impromptu if running on Linux using compatibility layers or virtualization software.

Open In MAC

.IMR files are not directly compatible with Mac systems. Users can explore options like running IBM Cognos Impromptu in a Windows virtual machine on Mac or using compatibility software.

Open In Android

.IMR files are not commonly supported on mobile platforms directly. Users may need to convert .IMR files to a compatible format like PDF or Excel for viewing on mobile devices using appropriate software or online conversion tools.