Can Crystal Reports be controlled via url access?

Question

Hi.

I'd like to know whether crystal reports allows url access to render reports? I know we can create webpages that host a reportviewer object. However, I plan on using C# windows service to access the report, i.e. through a url.

The report I wish to generate needs to be in MHTML/HTML and PDF format. So if I could do something that URL access that RSSQL can do, with Crystal Reports. That would help immensely.

Regards, Shameegh

Answer 1

SQL Server Reporting Services allows you to access reports via a URL. You can select various options for the report (Excel, PDF, etc...). Then just have a hyperlink on your page to pass parameters or use as a web service behind the scenes. You could have the same report show PDF or HTML based upon the query string option.

To learn more about Reporting Services see: http://alexduggleby.com/2008/07/18/sql-server-reporting-services-2008-tutorial-in-5-minutes-or-how-to-send-my-boss-a-report-from-a-view-quickly/

Answer 2

If you report has been deployed to BusinessObjects Enterprise, you can use Url Reporting. If not, you will need to write your own interface.

If you write your own interface, base it on the Url Reporting interface and add the project to code.google.com. ;)