Print to Screen

[coboldave]

A few weeks ago I posted a request asking for the best method to preview reports on screen using RM/Cobol. I recieved several good tips and suggestions, including links to third party software.

My true interest was to write a method into current source and use whatever available method to also have email capabilities as well as printing after preview.

During my search, I was informed of Turbo Reports by Canam (

http://www.canamsoftware.com)

and downloaded a trial version. I also contacted support personnel with Canam to give me an overall preview of their product capabilities. Turbo Reports gave me exactly the features that I had intended for my program, and they are adding more features with a release date of November.

I do not sell nor distribute software or the applications I design, everything is used in-house. So believe me I have nothing to gain from ringing their bell. Just very satisfied with the product and personal service I have recieved from Canam. I urge anyone seeking this type of reporting method to give them a call

 

[k5tm]

coboldave,

Certainly the product has a decent set of features. And the fact that it generates COBOL source is good.

One minor caution on this type of report generator (of which there have been several over the years): Almost all COBOL source generating report tools will have some limitation that can be overcome by modifying the generated code. For example, you might have some unique calculated field that you can put in the data retrieval layer. The caution is: Does the report generator tool bring this type of customization into its own report database, so that you can modify the report layout, regenerate and have the customizations included without your intervention? Lack of this capability can lead to considerable frustration and maintenance headaches down the road. Look for 'user escapes' on virtually every feature of the reporting process -- data retrieval, control breaks, etc. Tom Morrison