What is IBM TM1? | TM1 for Dummies

BI2run - What is TM1

In today’s business world, data is a key success factor. But what use are large amounts of data if they cannot be analyzed and used efficiently? This is where TM1 comes into play. But what exactly is TM1 and what is the difference between TM1 and planning analytics?

In our blog article series “TM1 for dummies” you will find helpful explanations, tips & tricks and much more about the world of TM1. 

TM1: The basis for real-time analyses

TM1 is a powerful multidimensional OLAP database that enables companies to analyze and manage complex data volumes in real time. The name itself originally stands for “Table Manager 1” and has been synonymous with fast, flexible and robust data analysis solutions for almost 40 years.

The use of TM1 enables companies to model and analyze data efficiently and create reports. An important component of this is the TM1 server, a multidimensional OLAP database server that can process huge amounts of data and convert it into a form that can be used for decision-making processes.

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From foundation to takeover

TM1 was developed by Manny Perez back in 1983 and has since established itself as a reliable solution for complex data analysis. In 2008, it was then acquired by IBM, which developed it into one of the leading in-memory online analytical processing systems (OLAP) for database management (DBMS).

This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for TM1, which continued in 2016 with the introduction of IBM Planning Analytics, a solution based on TM1. Here, too, the central component was the multidimensional OLAP database server. 

TM1 vs. IBM Planning Analytics: What has changed? 

With the introduction of IBM Planning Analytics, TM1 has evolved, particularly in terms of its user interface. While TM1 was based on the traditional TM1 clients, such as TM1 Perspectives and Architect, these have been replaced in IBM Planning Analytics by modern tools that enable even more efficient and user-friendly data analysis.

These new tools include the web client Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW), the Excel client Planning Analytics for Excel (PAfE) and the developer tool PAW Modeling with Workbench, which offer users a more comprehensive and intuitive working environment.

Read also: End of support for TM1 Perspectives & Architect on April 30, 2025.

Bi2run - IBM Planning Analytics

Stay up to date 

TM1 has been an integral part of the world of data analysis for over 30 years and continues to evolve. Even today, it is still an indispensable foundation for companies that want to manage and analyze their data efficiently.

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