Hi there,
After researching the forums, I still have a bit of confusion regarding the following. I am hoping if somebody could please clear up the air.
Case 1
In “BO 4”, you can create the WEBi report on the top of the BEx query by using BICS connection, which is not possible in BO XI (meaning BO XI 3.x, etc.) .
Similar is the case with “Crystal Reports”. If you have BO 4, Crystal Reports can directly connect to the BEx Query, using BICS connection.
In both the above cases, BEx Query is used as your back-end data source.
Case 2
In the “BO 3.x” (BO R3 / BO R4), you have to pull the data off of the cube. The data comes from the back-end InfoProvider. You then create a “Universe” on the top of the InfoProvider, and then you create BO reports using the “Universe”.
If you have BO 3.x (BO R3 / BO R4), Crystal Reports can directly connect to the BEx Query using “MDX Query Driver”. This driver directly connects to the BEx Query.
In both the above cases, BEx Query is used as your back-end data source.
Then, the question is :
What is the role of “Crystal Reports” if you have BO 3.x or BO 4. If you have BO 3.x or BO 4, then there is no need to have "Crystal Reports" since Crystal Reports is also a front end reporting tool (just as BO 4). A company would have either "BO 3.x or BO 4" or "Crystal Reports" installed as a front end reporting tool.