Very confused. As a former Cognos developer, the Business Object options are eluding me.

I would like to build rather simple reports against Oracle that are launched from other applications via a call. I would like to only have one copy of the development software, but allow all users to access the reports from called parameters. Ideally the object would reside on main server, much like the existing .RDF report.

Currently, we are using Oracle Reports, but the original code is so bad, modifications are very time consuming. If the report has imbedded parameters prompts for invoice range that is fine.

Do I need Crystal XI and Developer XI, Enterprise, Web … just confused.

Thanks in advance.

SQLSilverSurfer

The version you need has a lot to do with the volume of reports you will be processing. If you're hosting reports for a large number of users then you will probably want to use Crystal Reports Server. This is a dedicated server with the sole purpose of processing a large number of reports to users.

If you have a small volume of reports then you can get CR Developer and integrate it into web apps in whatever way you are comfortable with. You will have to build your own web pages, but if you are comfortable with that then you can add Crystal Reports without much problem. This works with ASP pages, ASP.NET, or Java.

The BusinessOjbects website had 30 day trial versions you can download to get a feel for how Crystal works.

Yeah, try designing some reports and see how it goes. Make sure to read through my free online chapters. There are tutorials that will walk you through various tasks so that you learn how the report designer works.