CR Scheduler 1

[rhoneyfi]

OK,
I know this question has been bought up a 100 times, but I am having a heck of a time getting a scheduler for Crystal Reports 9.0. I have about 5 reports that get emailed to 20 people on a daily basis in PDF format. We were looking at using Enterprise, but by the time we got the distribution license and spent the additional $200 per email recipienct, and got a server... it didn't seem cost effective. We are looking at getting Christian Stevens CRD..but even that is at least $1000 with annual maintence fees. Business Objects tells us that even if we got Christian Stevens software, we still have to purchase the 20 $200 licenses from them in order to be in compliance. Isn't there a simple software program out there that I can run as a service on my desktop computer to email out a couple reports in PDF format and be OK with the licensing requirements (very important since we are a Bank)? Seems like such a red tap nightmare just to automate these reports. We could hire a part time employee to sit and click a button for a hour each day and that would still be cheaper than finding an automated solution. Any ideas???? Thanks

 

[synapsevampire]

Check with Ido Millet, his email is here:

http://www.milletsoftware.com

-k

 

[rhoneyfi]

I actually just found an note on Ken Hmady's site:
"I mentioned this in a previous newsletter but I recently confirmed my suspicion with the folks at BO. The license for Crystal Reports v10 does not contain any restrictions on the automated distribution of static report output. No more CBL or Broadcast License as long as you are using Crystal Reports without Crystal Enterprise. "

So if I upgrade to version 10 and buy the Chrsitian Stevens software, that should be it? No license fees?

 

[synapsevampire]

I read Ken's blurb on that a while back, and I'd believe it, but to be safe, confirm it with BO. I never give licensing advice to anyone as it's frought with potential litigation.

As a backup, check with your vendor (Christian Stevens), they should understand the licensing.

-k

 

[kenhamady]

I am a bit confused by Christian-Steven's approach. They seem to be trying to follow the license model for a server based application. Maybe they have created a server based application, although I don't know why you would need to run your stuff on a server.

Since you are looking for a simple app on your PC I would pick another tool. There are many other aplications listed on my LINKS page that do what you want, and most do not require you to buy licenses from BO. Client apps have much less licensing overhead than server based apps - especially with v10.

If BO still tells you that you need to license your recipients under a v10 "client based" application that does automated distribution, please ask them to refer to a specific clause of the license and post the response here.

Ken Hamady, On-site Custom Crystal Reports Training & Consulting
Public classes and individual training.
Expert's Guide to Formulas / Tips and Tricks / Guide to Crystal in VB

http://www.kenhamady.com/

- TEK2(AT)kenhamady.com

 

[rhoneyfi]

Hello all,
I dedcided to use Visual Cut. It is a very powerful, easy to use program. I am using it with Autotask 2000 ($50) so that I can run the reports while I am logged off my computer. Excellent products. The customer service and technical support is top notch. When I chat with my BO rep later this week, I will be sure to question him if he insists I need a license and post his response here.