Finding a program similar to Crystal Reports (used by VB6)

Inkimar 1 Reputation point
2020-09-02T09:13:46.087+00:00

Hi!

Not really sure about all the functionality Crystal Reports brought to the table, but it seems that it was in heavy use during the 90's - I do not know that status of this tool today.
I am taking over an old VB6-application using Crystal Reports, had experience with Java's Jasperreports in the past. My Guess is that you were able to create a PDF-layout and link that to fields in a database and then you have som API to call that template when pressing 'create PDF' / 'print' in your application ....

So is SSRS the way to go , or is one able to continure using Crystal reports ( free or not ?)

best, i

SQL Server Reporting Services
SQL Server Reporting Services
A SQL Server technology that supports the creation, management, and delivery of both traditional, paper-oriented reports and interactive, web-based reports.
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SQL Server Integration Services
SQL Server Integration Services
A Microsoft platform for building enterprise-level data integration and data transformations solutions.
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  1. Monalv-MSFT 5,896 Reputation points
    2020-09-03T01:39:09.603+00:00

    Hi Inkimar,

    SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) provides a set of on-premises tools and services that create, deploy, and manage mobile and paginated reports.

    The SSRS solution flexibly delivers the right information to the right users. Users can consume the reports via a web browser, on their mobile device, or via email.

    That core BI workload still exists today, so we've modernized it. Now you can create modern-looking reports with updated new features, using Report Builder, or Report Designer in SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).

    Please refer to What is SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).

    Best Regards,
    Mona

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  2. Lukas Yu -MSFT 5,816 Reputation points
    2020-09-03T02:07:40.54+00:00

    Hi,
    Based on the description on SAP Crystal Reports website, you need to purchase for it. So I guess it is not free.
    For SSRS , it is the same case , we need to purchase SQL Server license for commercial use. You could try free express version but the features are limited.

    In SSRS , you could use api or other method to call and generate PDF files. See a thread that demonstrate here : how to open a pdf file on the network from a url link in ssrs report

    And I think SSRS could work well within VB or other .Net environment.

    I think SSRS is suitable for your need.

    Regards,
    Lukas

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  3. Tom Phillips 17,721 Reputation points
    2020-09-08T17:55:53.56+00:00

    FYI, Crystal Reports was purchased by Business Objects. Crystal Reports was integrated into the Business Objects platform. Then Business Objects was purchased by SAP and renamed the product.

    https://www.sap.com/products/bi-platform.html

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