Thinking of using Crystal for standard/user-defined reports on WEB

[Betty1]

We are a data center for a variety of research projects that fax data to our image-based data collection software. The research staff then wants to get their data back, which means they want some standard reports and the ability to run ad hoc reports. We'd like to set this up using Crystal on the Web.

I've looked at the forum items and get pieces of info here and there, but am not sure I'm putting all the pieces together properly.

Here are my assumptions of how Crystal works on the Web...PLEASE let me know where I'm right and where I'm wrong:

1. The database (probably MSAccess), Crystal (Reports? CE?), and the set of standard reports go on the Web server.
2. The user (or client) accesses Crystal and runs any of the standard reports via their browser.
3. The user (client) accesses Crystal and writes ad hoc reports via their browser.
4. The client would NOT need any Crystal software on their local computer.
5. Licensing would require the Web installation of Crystal plus licenses for the number of users concurrently accessing Crystal via the Web.
6. CE costs 20 grand? Is there a cheaper way to go? (We're a non-profit!)

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[dgillz]

OK, here goes,

1) You would need CR to develop the reports, and CE to web enable them. So you need BOTH tools. There is no such thing as a "standard" crystal report. You will need to develop every single report from scratch. There are some sample reports on the crystal CD for training purposes, but they are unique to the sample database supplied on the same CD and will not do much for you beyond the training they are designeed for.

2)Again, there are no standard reports. You most likely do not want the clients (users) to have crystalreports to do this, or you will need a very large number of crystal reports designer licenses, again more dollars.

3) and 4) these two statements are contradictory. In general, if they have the ability to do an ad hoc report, they MUST have CR designer. No report creation is possible with just a browser.

5) There is no "web installation" of crystal reports designer. All you can do is web enable your reports with CE and have users run them via a browser. No report creation is possible via a browser.

6) 20 grand is on the low end for what you want to do. There are some alternatives, such as Active Server Pages, which will not require CE, but with the cost of a developer at $100 to 150 per hour it will not take too long to get to the $20K figure.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions. Software Training and Support for Macola, Crystal Reports and Goldmine
251-621-8972
dgilsdorf@mchsi.com

 

[Betty1]

Thanks for the info. By "standard" reports, I meant ones that we would write, but the client could execute, therefore looking "standard" to the client (not ones that come with Crystal).

I was afraid that ad hoc reports would require Crystal at the client's end, but I couldn't tell from the stuff I've been reading.

Thanks again...

 

[IdoMillet]

Betty,
Crystal Enterprise DOES have ad-hoc reporting functionality called "Smart Reporting Technology". You can see more info about it at:

http://www.crystaldecisions.com/pro...e/downloads/ce85_smart_reporting_overview.pdf

Cheers,
- Ido CUT & Visual CUT: e-mailing, exporting, bursting, distribution, and scheduling of Crystal Reports:

http://www.MilletSoftware.com