Crystal Reports XI provides for dynamic and cascading prompts. This means that
report designers can base report prompts on dynamic values. They no longer need
to maintain static prompt value lists within individual reports and they can reuse
existing prompts stored in the repository.
The new RTF export format is excellent for report export editing. This complements
the existing RTF export of optimized accuracy and forms processing. The result
is that the end user is now able to enhance and expand a report in standard word
processing applications.
Pictures and graphics can now be placed in a report through a link in the database
so that it is no longer necessary to store images within the database. This supports
the common practice of storing images on the web server and storing references
to those images in the database.
New drag-and-drop charting and cross-tabs allow for intelligent charting approximates
variables when a chart is dropped into a section. Chart design is now faster and
easier because charts will be updated automatically when new variables are added.
The iterative report design/view process is streamlined, with a new HTML preview
that allows report authors to see how reports will look when published to the
web.
Use the Dependency Checker to instantly find broken links, formula errors, and
dependency issues before reports are published and distributed.
Using the Workbench and the Repository Explorer, users can easily browse, build,
and publish object packages. With object packages, users can schedule, manage,
and secure a group of reports together rather than just one report at a time
The Workbench allows users to keep projects organized by grouping reports according
to preference.
The new Repository Explorer simplifies navigation within the BusinessObjects Enterprise
system and reporting components can be easily shared among users within the Crystal
Reports Designer.
Designing reports is easier with the Getting Started page that appears each time
you open Crystal Reports. The updated Visual Report Designer allows you to point
and click so you can create reports without the need for intensive coding.
Crystal Reports XML, JDBC, IBM DB2, and Exchange data drivers have been updated
to give you an incredible range of data access options.
New Patch Installation feature means that all customers will have the most up-to-date
version of Crystal Reports XI because they will automatically receive the latest
hot fixes and service packs.
Single sign-on is a new feature. Now Crystal reports can be integrated into an
existing security infrastructure.
Report export configuration information can be saved with the report so that end
users forgo the time and trouble of reconfiguring the export each time a report
is run.