Crystal Report vs. Business Objects

[Liquid Metal]

I know how to use Crystal Report and I know that Business Objects bought Crystal Report from the previous owners. Can't remember who they are - SeaGates and then someone else.

Anyway, is Business Objects the new name for Crystal Report? Are there any other functionalities that Business Objects have beside good for just reporting?

[RobDog888]

Have you checked out the http://businessobjects.com website? Check under the "Products" menu

[Liquid Metal]

I read that a while back.

I just had a discussion with another developer and he said that BO can replace everything, not sure if he meant Visual Studio Suite too.

The last time I remember, Crystal Report is only used for reporting and it does have web base to query data. I am sure that it cannot create assemlies and web services.

Therefore, I posted this question to understand is BO another name for Crystal Report or someone in here actually use it for something else beside reporting.

[RobDog888]

Well yes it has those features and you can use it with many different data sources like the Windows Event log and Outlook. But you can not, AFAIK, use it as a standalone application like an executable since it doesnt compile anything and will require the CR software where ever its installed w/license.

If hes talking about the web version then you can create a web app that is scaleable but again you will need to write html and probably other web language scripts to work with CR web reports versions.

Bottom line is that it is dependant upon some other technology.

[Liquid Metal]

Well yes it has those features and you can use it with many different data sources like the Windows Event log and Outlook. But you can not, AFAIK, use it as a standalone application like an executable since it doesnt compile anything and will require the CR software where ever its installed w/license.

If hes talking about the web version then you can create a web app that is scaleable but again you will need to write html and probably other web language scripts to work with CR web reports versions.

Bottom line is that it is dependant upon some other technology.

There we go. That is the confirmation that I was seeking for. You rock! Thanks!

[RobDog888]

Well maybe someone can double confirm as I havent worked with CR above 9.0 so unless the newer version does something else that 9.0 couldnt do then that should stay true.

[Liquid Metal]

Well maybe someone can double confirm as I havent worked with CR above 9.0 so unless the newer version does something else that 9.0 couldnt do then that should stay true.

That is the last version I left off too.

[rjv_rnjn]

I've heard there are something called Crystal Server Pages (CSP) that provide the user with much more flexibility in pulling up data than the usual Crystal reports. Though have never worked on any such system but seen one where many a reports were created in batch mode and published. It seemed quite flexible. But again, that application used ASP.Net -- though not sure for what!!

[RobDog888]

Yes, thats probably the Web Enterprize version of CR. Its all web based.