I know there have been several discussion threads over the years on this topic, but I'm looking for a, hopefully, clarifying answer.

Is this still the official position:

• Link to report: If the email contains a link to the report on the Cognos server, the recipient will need a license, such as an Analytics Viewer license or higher, to access it.
• Burst reports: All recipients of a burst report, even those receiving a static file, require a license because the server automatically generates and sends a personalized report to each one, according to this IBM community discussion. 

I know there have been several discussion threads over the years on this topic, but I'm looking for a, hopefully, clarifying answer.

Is this still the official position:

• Link to report: If the email contains a link to the report on the Cognos server, the recipient will need a license, such as an Analytics Viewer license or higher, to access it.
• Burst reports: All recipients of a burst report, even those receiving a static file, require a license because the server automatically generates and sends a personalized report to each one, according to this IBM community discussion. 

Hi Adam,

that topic has been around long time ago and has been clarified: It depends on your Cognos Analytics Version!

I can't tell you the exact version, but at least for CA 11.1.x each recipient of an attachement generated by the bursting feature needs a license. See IBM Terms

"Bursting Feature Requirement - Each person who is provided an output(s) of the Program through the Bursting feature or who authenticates to the Program must be covered by an appropriate entitlement."

I've checked the same document for CA 12.1 (and I know it applies to CA 12.0.x as well): IBM Terms

"Bursting Feature Requirement - Licensee using the Bursting feature must ensure that they have sufficient capacity entitlements to send the burst output to all recipients."

That means: you do not have to buy licenses for recipients of bursted emails anymore, but you need to have the capacity (of hardware) to run those bursting method (as it may require quite some work load).

Hope that helps.

I know there have been several discussion threads over the years on this topic, but I'm looking for a, hopefully, clarifying answer.

Is this still the official position:

• Link to report: If the email contains a link to the report on the Cognos server, the recipient will need a license, such as an Analytics Viewer license or higher, to access it.
• Burst reports: All recipients of a burst report, even those receiving a static file, require a license because the server automatically generates and sends a personalized report to each one, according to this IBM community discussion. 

I know there have been several discussion threads over the years on this topic, but I'm looking for a, hopefully, clarifying answer.

Is this still the official position:

• Link to report: If the email contains a link to the report on the Cognos server, the recipient will need a license, such as an Analytics Viewer license or higher, to access it.
• Burst reports: All recipients of a burst report, even those receiving a static file, require a license because the server automatically generates and sends a personalized report to each one, according to this IBM community discussion. 

As others have said its a question that went round and round for years. Thankfully Rachel Su put it to bed in 2023.

This was the response that Rachel Su gave on the subject 

"IF you are the sender (bursting) lets say, and you are licensed on a AU basis, you need the appropriate license to connect into Cognos and execute.

IF you are the sender (bursting) lets say, and you are licensed on a PVU basis, you need the appropriate PVUs licenses which are utilized by the dispatcher to connect and execute. 

IF you are the receiver of the report and you are logging into Cognos in anyway shape or form (Direct/API etc.) to access/use/view anything you need to have the appropriate AU licenses or PVU licenses associated to that user License.

IF you are the receiver of the report and you are accessing the report from a shared folder/email of sorts (Box folder for example and viewing a PDF or Excel output or attachment via Email) and are NOT accessing Cognos in anyway shape or form (Direct/API etc.) to access/use/view anything you do not need a Cognos license."

We then also got confirmation from IBM Product management that this change to the licencing terms, was for all versions ( an email i retain) 

I know there have been several discussion threads over the years on this topic, but I'm looking for a, hopefully, clarifying answer.

Is this still the official position:

• Link to report: If the email contains a link to the report on the Cognos server, the recipient will need a license, such as an Analytics Viewer license or higher, to access it.
• Burst reports: All recipients of a burst report, even those receiving a static file, require a license because the server automatically generates and sends a personalized report to each one, according to this IBM community discussion.