business objects & crystal reports * urgent *
04 March 2004, 02:02 PM
#1
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business objects & crystal reports * urgent *
hi all
can anyone tell me if and how it is possible to use these tools to connect to a database (ms sql) residing on a web server to use to create reports?
cheers
steven
can anyone tell me if and how it is possible to use these tools to connect to a database (ms sql) residing on a web server to use to create reports?
cheers
steven
04 March 2004, 02:09 PM
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do you need to install software on the server? we're trying to get through to the sales people but either engaged or voice mail!
ajm - just a brief explaination would be nice
ajm - just a brief explaination would be nice
04 March 2004, 02:12 PM
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So long as you have a full version of SQL server you shouldn't have to install any software on the server. I believe both products just connect to sql server via TCP/IP or named pipes etc. as per any other SQL applications.
04 March 2004, 02:14 PM
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is it really that simple? everyone we talk to says something different. crystal just told us we need crystal enterprise and crystal ad hoc, costing thousands per user, installed on the server?!?
04 March 2004, 02:18 PM
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I think it depends on your application. Are the reports going to be accessed via the web server (i.e. from web pages) or via individual workstations/clients?
Last edited by ajm; 04 March 2004 at 02:21 PM.
04 March 2004, 02:23 PM
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situation;
.NET website has an ASP front end with a SQL Server on the backend. people can enter info into the DB from the website. this is all hosted on a dedicated internet server.
now, someone, somewhere in the world wants to query this database from their local machine and build some reports (using crystal reports and business objects). so, the only connection available is via the web, tcp/ip.
can it be done? do we need to provide a bespoke xml service, buy some software (like this - http://www.dbbridge.com/dbbridge/dbbexamp_crystal2.htm) or is it easier?
cheers
steven
.NET website has an ASP front end with a SQL Server on the backend. people can enter info into the DB from the website. this is all hosted on a dedicated internet server.
now, someone, somewhere in the world wants to query this database from their local machine and build some reports (using crystal reports and business objects). so, the only connection available is via the web, tcp/ip.
can it be done? do we need to provide a bespoke xml service, buy some software (like this - http://www.dbbridge.com/dbbridge/dbbexamp_crystal2.htm) or is it easier?
cheers
steven
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04 March 2004, 02:45 PM
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It sounds pretty simple to me then... they will need TCP/IP access to port 1433 (or whatever) of the SQL server, apart from that all they should need is a local single licence copy of Crystal reports.
I could be wrong but I think Crystal are probably "over interpreting" your needs!
I could be wrong but I think Crystal are probably "over interpreting" your needs!
04 March 2004, 02:50 PM
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puff - cheers. that's what we heard as well, though that link above is only $475 for the same thing?
agrhrghrgrhgrhr seems so simple yet noone, even the suppliers can give an answer!
agrhrghrgrhgrhr seems so simple yet noone, even the suppliers can give an answer!
04 March 2004, 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by midget1500
ajm - now i'm totally confused
can u link to a web database using access?? i thought it only worked with ODBC?
can u link to a web database using access?? i thought it only worked with ODBC?
04 March 2004, 04:00 PM
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Not sure what you mean there... when you create the DSN pointing to the SQL server (assuming you have an SQL login with appropriate access on that server) it should bring up a list of available databases from which you can choose the default.
04 March 2004, 04:06 PM
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we have sql server installed on a machine here on our LAN. we need to try and connect to one over the internet, i.e. a hosted database on a webserver
04 March 2004, 04:18 PM
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I don't know of a SQL server on the internet you can test on to be honest... people don't tend to leave them open to everyone! 
The main challenge will be safely allowing traffic in on port 1433 to connect to SQL server. I don;t know how your web server is set up but I am assuming that the only port that will be open on the web server will be port 80?
The main challenge will be safely allowing traffic in on port 1433 to connect to SQL server. I don;t know how your web server is set up but I am assuming that the only port that will be open on the web server will be port 80?
Last edited by ajm; 04 March 2004 at 04:18 PM.