| Feature |
Crystal Reports |
Windward Reports |
| Development Environment |
High learning curve: mastering an original, unfamiliar development environment is time consuming and intimidating. |
Little to no learning curve: using Microsoft Word makes for an intuitive, well-known development environment that any user can quickly master. |
| Data Placement |
Field Explorer allows users to view all tables included from data source, browse actual values in fields (cells in a table), and "drag & drop" placement of field data onto report |
Select attribute imports data into report. Tag Editor tests output and allows viewing of data. |
| Organizing Data |
Non-intuitive sectioning schemes and group sections organize data based on rules for particular fields. |
Select attribute doesn't require special report sectioning -- just place your data wherever you want it to appear in the final report. |
| Record Selection |
Tricky sectioning and grouping schemes must be manipulated through the Group and Details sections in order to do simple for-each record actions or through Parameter and Formula Fields to get the effect of conditional actions. |
ForEach and if tags are explicit, allowing for better cell-level control over table contents. |
| Formula Wizard |
Formula Workshop allows formula building for selection formulas, formula fields, SQL expression fields, etc. |
Xpath and SQL wizards allow for simple selection formula building, but don't allow for comparison of fields. |
| Cross Tabulation |
Grids determine which data will be returned in each cell, based on info entered in row and column heads. Cross Tab option is confusing and makes for awkward report design. |
Simply insert tags into a Word template - natural and simple cell-level control of data placed into tables. |
| Variable Creation |
Paramater fields create special variables. The values of the variables determine appearance and behavior of final report. |
Var attribute creates variables to reference records and fields. |
| Functions |
Many built-in functions allow common computations. |
Function tags allow common arithmetical computations. |
| Subreports |
Subreports let users insert reports into other reports. Useful for combining unrelated reports, presenting different views of the same data, and presenting data that is otherwise difficult to present. Subreports can provide additional automatic record selection and section formating. |
No special support required to present different views of same data. Import tags allow users to include embedded reports andvarious types of other files into current reports. |
| Preview Mode |
Preview Window to view work as it progresses. |
Run Report gives preview of work. |
| Samples |
Extensive samples demonstrate and motivate use of features. |
Includes some samples. |
