Re: Advice on Reporting Tools

Thanks Mark,

The problem I am having here with regard to the SQL is that this Reporting tool (whatever it may be) is really for non computer people who on the whole have zero knowledge of SQL. While it would be great to have em all use Oracle Reports as I do they are more concerned with the point an click data selection and making things pretty than power and efficiency.

I am concerned that pushing the Oracle product will actually create more misery for them and in turn us than the current ReportSmith solution.

--

James Starritt

"MarkyG" <markg_at_mymail.tm> wrote in message
news:ab87195e.0106280101.712e6a82_at_posting.google.com...


> Tools such as Oracle Reports and Crystal Reports are ideal, Oracle


> reports especially since is it directly 'coupled' with the Oracle

> suite.  Getting to grips with moving frames around may seem like a

> challenge at first but you'll get used to it.  Also Oracle reports

> supports triggers on its objects so you can do more advanced stuff.

>

> Haven't had so much experience with Crystal, although it seems pretty

> good.  Didn't like the SQL it produced from its wizards though.

>

> A bit concerned though that you said 'Something that does not require

> SQL statements, but will allow their use'.  All reporting tools

> generate SQL in the background (even if you dont decide to view it).

> To do more advanced queries using outer joins, decodes, sub queries,

> inline views and other functions, you will have to edit the SQL anyway

> since the wizards do not use these functions on their own.

>

> Also, Business Objects may be ideal for what you want.  The database

> tables may need to be set up in a special way, 'Universes' i think is

> what they call it.  Helps to support drill downs.

>

> HTH,

>

> Mark

>

>

> "James" <james_at_jamesstarritt.com> wrote in message

 news:<9hcpq5$d876g$1_at_ID-68406.news.dfncis.de>...


> > Reporting is really becomming a drag.  I was wondering if I could poll

 the


> > group and see what tools people are using to report.  I have been

 through


> > Infomaker, ReportSmith and MS Access and they all have their flaws.  The

> > bottom line is that is has been it has been about 4-5 years since we

> > evaluated any new reporting tools frankly I simply don't know what other

> > options I have.

> >

> > I need something that can handle jpg images

> > Something that does not require SQL statements, but will allow their use

> > A nice point and click interface would be grand - this is for

 distribution


> > (hopefully)

> >

> > Any imput would be appreciated.  Any reviews or resources that have a

 URL


> > that I can hop over to would also be good.

> >

> > Gimmie a clue, what are you using and what do you like and dislike about

 it?


> >

> > J