What is your reporting tool of choice? [closed]

Answer 1

We use Cognos, it's a fairly complex system, but very powerful.

Answer 2

For most reports we use BIRT.

Answer 3

We had used MS Reporting Services, but we was completely unhappy with it. Reasons:

• it is needed to make difficult configuration of server
• it is not possible to embed report editor into our app without buying SQL server license for every user
• it is possible only to use embedded report parameters input form UI or send them from app, but not to create parameters UI by report designer

Now we a using Stimulsoft Reports. It have no such limitations like MS Reporting Services, and we and your users are happy with it.

Answer 4

I am a committer on the BIRT project, so I am biased. BIRT provides a very well thought out report object model (ROM) and appropriate API for the various design and deploy function that is needed. In addition, BIRT provides the best multi-language support and the ability to separate development from design through the use of CSS.

BIRT can be embedded into your application for no license cost through the REAPI or it can be purchased through a couple of commercial offerings.

Answer 5

If you have all the money in the world, go with Cognos. They provide a data cube that essentially makes the reporting "developer free" and the end user can create reports, dashboards, anything they like.

For the "common man", I've grown quite fond of the ComponentOne reports for .NET library/tools. It has a similar feel to Crystal Reports, but has a very friendly XML format that you and edit under the hood and none of the headaches with versioning, keys, and other items that I've had to deal with when making simple updates to either the report or the underlying version.

Answer 6

i have a small reporting set, made in 2 months:

at least 10 times faster than crystal reports;

easy editing;

.net formula;

easy usage;

small code usage;

serialization and deserialization(fast and small);

extreme security;

multi threaded;

no errors;