Developer End User SSRS Crystal SSRS Crystal

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1 Creating Reports Querying and Data issues Visual Query Tool X X X X We're not big fans of visual query tools so we're going to call it a draw here. Perhaps we're biased as we only called in to work on reports that don't work well with these query tools. Even so, we don't think you're going to be happier one way or the other. Entering SQL X X Easier with SSRS. With Crystal, either you use the visual tool or you enter code with no real help. With SSRS, you can write code but still easily reference table and field names. Sharing queries between multiple reports X X SSRS has the concept of the "Dataset" which is essentially a query which can yused with multiple reports. With Crystal, if you want to share code, you're either cutting and pasting or relying on your database level views and stored procedures. Changing Data sources X X SSRS allows for data source juggling, even after a report is published. With Crystal, this is usually possible, but sometimes sometimes gets messy Connecting to multiple databases in the same report x x Crystal can create one report from different databases within the report itself. With SSRS, this must be done at the SQL Server level where you create a linked server to the other database. Parameters x x x x Both systems allow you to add parameters both in the SQL code and in the report itself.

2 Multiple parameters - same basic report x x SSRS has an option called linked reports. This allows you to use the same report over and over again with different parameters. As parameter creep is often a major problem with reports, we like this function. (see our blog post - parametersshould-you-have-on-a-crystal-report/ Sort Adding x x x x No difference. Multiple sort orders x x x x No differnce Testing - Ability to see changes real time x x SSRS has an annoying habit: any time you make a change, you need to rerun the report to see it. The design/preview tabs of Crystal are easier to use because Crystal does not require you to refresh data to see design changes. Formatting Flexibility of placing fields x x These next two categories are connected. Crystal allows you to place fields pretty much whereever you want them. The SSRS "Tablix" setup is more restrictive (although you can work around it). Creating structured reports (cross tabs vs. tablix) x x SSRS relies on a much more structured format called a Tablix. This makes lining up fields much easier.

3 Formatting multiple fileds x x Changing formatting is generally easier in Crystal, especially for end users. You just highlight the fields you want and right click. In SSRS, if you want to format multiple fields, you wind up using some pretty cryptic fields. This is usually okay for developers, but even developers may like Crystal formatting better. Report drilldown x x x x No difference. Column headings x x Because of the tablix again, it's easier to create structured column headings in SSRS. Headers/footers x x x x No difference. Export to Excel x x SSRS reports export more easily to Excel. In Crystal, you either drop the formatting and lose alignment or you keep the formatting and get a lot of extra rows and columns. Development Ease of Use x x The Crystal Developer edition is easier for super users to master even they don't have much programming backgorund. SSRS has a user- orientated tool called Report Builder but to really do anything you'll need Visual Studio. And Visual Studio is definitley not something a nondeveloper will want to tackle.

4 Creating additional logic for fields x x Crystal uses its own language and Visual Basic to create special calculations for various fields. This code is both powerful and not so great. Powerful because you do alot. Not so great because it can be hard to maintain. SSRS uses an expression wizard which isn't as powerful. If you want to get really complicated with SSRS, you'll end up writing some.net around the code. Understanding code logic Knowledge Base x x x This is a close one. Crystal has the familiar formula workshop, but SSRS has equivalent functionality when using visual studio, with calculated fields and the expression wizard x x Crystal has been around longer. However, as time has passed, the amount of SSRS information avaiable has caught up. File format x SSRS is stored as XML, while Crystal uses a proprietary format that you can't really see. This is irrelevant for end users. But some developers with a lot of experience might like looking at the XML and making mass changes or using it to debug when strange things happen. Distribuition and Deployment Creating multiple versions off the same report Linked reports x SSRS has linked reports. These are simply a set of saved parameters that point to the same report Data Sources

5 Web site x Even the evaluation version of SSRS comes with its own web server, serving reports and integrating into windows security. Costs Software Requirements Hardware Requirements Training x x If you're using an SQL server already, you own software or Microsoft will give you a free copy (with some restrictions). Even if you need to buy the full version, SSRS is still significantly cheaper than Crystal. x x SSRS Express can run on a Windows XP workstation using 500MB of RAM. x x Crystal has been out for years. Lots and lots of people know Crystal (or think they do). It's easier to find resources.