Best ASP.NET reporting engine with custom reports creation ability [closed]

Answer 1

Reporting Services is the one I am most familiar with and it is the one most tightly ingrained in SQL Server, which is something that I prefer. I also happen to like the "feel" of RS a lot more than Crystal.

The other two options I am not familiar on at all, and I imagine they have a much smaller market share (and therefore much smaller community when it comes to finding help) than RS or Crystal.

Answer 2

SQL Reporting Services. They have a web tool to build ad-hoc reports that is as good as any other.

The general problem with ad hoc reporting is that the "thing" the user is trying to do is either beyond the tool or beyond the user and you have to do it any ways, and as a programmer SSRS is a better environment.

Answer 3

First off, thank you for the up-front mention of Windward. It's nice to see we're on the default short list :)

It really depends on what report desing approach works best for you. If you prefer a programming type approach inside an IDE, then it's Crystal, SSRS, etc. If you prefer an approach where you can design the reports in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint (which IMHO makes report design and editing fast & easy), then take a close look at Windward Reports. (Disclaimer, I'm the CTO at Windward.)

For general information, I suggest dotnet-reports and reporting-software. The key to a system that works well for you is one where the design tool is a natural fit for your style - so try several.