report writer for pension software

[Guest billy bong]

does anyone know of a report writer software that is compatible with different types of pension software, mainly datair and asc. both have their own proprietary report writer software but we are looking for something better, simpler.

thanks

[Guest JohnB10]

It all depends on what database your system uses. If it uses a typical relational database (like Oracle, MS SQL Server, or Sybase), I'd suggest Crystal Reports or MS Access. In either case, you'll need to use ODBC to connect to your database. If your database is Btrieve files or the like, give up. Just kidding. For the latter case, use whatever data export ustility your software has to export flat data files to disk. Then, report off those flat files with any of the MS Office products or Crystal. Although I make the above sound easy, be prepared to put in a lot of effort!

[Guest ClovisJayc]

ASC is Visual Basic, and uses BTrieve, if I recall. Its report writer is very cryptic and very difficult. There is no way to integrate third party reports with ASC. (They will tell you this.) With Datair, there is a little bit more flexibility for reports, but the lack of graphics technology makes for limited options. Datair's stock reports are very comprehensive and accurate, which means easier to administer. I'm hoping Quantec continues to develop good stock report content, I think they are lagging a bit in this department. Crystal reports is great, but with that flexibility, the tradeoff is the time spent fine-tuning it.

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Bill

[Guest JohnB10]

RE: ASC & BTrieve... A company called "Smithware" sells an enhanced version of Crystal Reports that lets you write reports againts BTrieve databases.

[Guest Daily401k]

Small correction to the accurate statements by JohnB10. In order to access Btrieve databases you will need to use Pervasive Software’s Crystal Reports for Btrieve (formerly know as Smithware).

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daily401k@mailcity.com

Now You Know

[This message has been edited by Daily401k (edited 04-15-99).]