Does this situation require a CBL? 1

[CrysUser]

Hi,
Could someone help me evaluate this situation to see if this requires a CBL.
20 reports are automatically emailed to 10 people, i.e each of the report goes out to 10 different users and, the recipient list for all the 20 reports are distinct.
Please advice.

 

[rhinok]

The answer is maybe. You need to speak with a Crystal Decisions for a definitive answer because there are a number of variables, including the type of licensing you currently have. Since you're using Crystal Enterprise, you may need to purchase a Report Distribution License rather than a Crystal Broadcast License.

Following is an email I received from my account exect at Crystal:[ul][/li]Crystal Enterprise Report Distribution License

This optional license applies if a customer wishes to distribute reports in any format, outside of the Crystal Enterprise system. To broadcast reports, customers can use the Schedule to Destinations functionality in Crystal Enterprise 8.5 or 9, to run a report and deliver it to a specific destination, such as an e-mail server, network folder or an ftp site.

[ul][li]In a Named User environment, this license applies when reports are sent to customers who do not have Named User licenses.[/li]

[li]In a CAL environment, this license applies when the total number of people who receive reports exceeds 10x the number of CAL purchased.[/li]

[li]In a Processor Environment the RDL must be purchased if customers would like to broadcast reports using the schedule to destinations feature.[/li][/ul]
This license costs $45,000 US for unlimited broadcasting rights for a particular version of product. It is a perpetual fee, not annual, and can have maintenance sold on it. Maintenance would allow the customer to broadcast reports using any new upgrades of the product that may release within a 12 month period. The other key advantage of maintenance is that it protects the customer from future price increases for this license.

If you are not using the Crystal Enterprise Print Engine and instead the Crystal Reports Print Engine, then you would using the Crystal Broadcast License.

Annual fee - $25 K

Perpetual fee - $100K[/li][/ul]Ken Hamady is one of the posters most familiar with this issue. He has corresponded with Crystal Decisions multiple times over the years in an effort to clarify the licensing requirements. Perhaps he can share some additional information?

 

[CrysUser]

Thank you so much for the detailed reply.
Since it is based on the license types I guess we need to talk to Crystal regarding this.

 

[SurfingGecko]

Nice post rhinok

I believe you [CrysUser] should be fine. I suspect you are using a CAL licensing model with CE and probably have a 5CAL. This would allow you to have a recipient list of 50 (5x10).

If you are running a NUL (named user) model, make sure your recipient list are all named users. Not 100% on the costing here, but it may be less expensinve to increase yoru named accounts rather than buy a CBL.

Given you have a list of around 10, you have room. Once you creep up on the 50 recipients, be aware.

Maybe Ken will stop by


Cheers,

SurfingGecko

http://www.surfinggeckosoftware.com

Home of Crystal Ease

 

[CrysUser]

Thankyou all. Yes we have the 5 CAL
Surfinggecko,
Did you mean less than 50 users per report or a total of 50 distinct users for all reports?

I am yet to contact Crystal but saw your post and thought of asking this to you.

Thanks Again.
(I am waiting for Ken too. )

 

[SurfingGecko]

I would still confirm with Crystal on it of course, but my take on the whole thing is an interpretation that in a CAL environment, A CBL license applies when the total number of people who receive reports exceeds 10x the number of CAL purchased.

Of course it is legal ease, but it sounds pretty clear.

In your environment you have a 5CAL and 10 users receiving reports. I can not imagine it being related to the number of reports each user receives.



Cheers,

SurfingGecko

http://www.surfinggeckosoftware.com

Home of Crystal Ease

 

[kenhamady]

I believe that it is related to the number of users served by the distribution system - which in this case would be 200. The problem is that CD has given unclear and in some cases (I believe) contradictory information on the CBL. I have been trying to nail down the definitions in writing for 2 years.

On May 1, probably as a result of my recent articles, I was told that they are having internal discussions on "possible imminent changes" that relate to this issue. For those of you who are interested in this issue, you should read the articles and Email dialogues on my web site:

http://www.kenhamady.com/news0304.html

Ken Hamady, On-site Custom Crystal Reports Training & Consulting
Public classes and individual training.
Expert's Guide to Formulas / Guide to Crystal in VB

http://www.kenhamady.com/

- tek@kenhamady.com

 

[CrysUser]

Ken,

The Information in your site was very helpful.
Thank you.

 

[SurfingGecko]

Thanks Ken, I had completely forgotten about that dialog. Thank you for posting it by the way. Interesting read.



Cheers,

SurfingGecko

http://www.surfinggeckosoftware.com

Home of Crystal Ease

 

[uni1]

Runtime.hlp File

I have CR Professional 8.5 version and I don't think the runtime.hlp file is included so is there anyone out there can tell how can I get this filem or would you be willing to send to me via e-mail if not too large. Thanks!

 

[SurfingGecko]

If you are using CRPro you have no license for deploying runtime and you do not have any runtime to deploy.

What is your understanding of this file and its purpose?

Cheers,

SurfingGecko

http://www.surfinggeckosoftware.com

Home of Crystal Ease