Question

I am developing a WPF application, and I need your advice.

I have to generate reports in my application. What should I use, Crystal Reports or SQL Server Reporting Services? Which one is better, and why?

Answer 1

I have used both
Although Crystal Reports is very well known and widely used. It can be a hassle at times (Not saying that SQL Server reporting services is not a hassle sometimes.)
Pros for Crystal Reports

• Many people use it and understand how to use it.
• Its ability in the creation of more basic to intermediate reports quickly is a plus.
• Even if you don’t know SQL you can still fiddle with Crystal Reports to get the result you want, and flatten out the data.
• Supports Dynamic Cascading Prompts (version XI and Higher)
• Supports Web Viewer, ActiveX, Java and HTML.

Cons for Crystal Reports

• Crystal’s Report Design Component seems to be full of strange scenarios.
• I believe because the software has
  changed hands so many times.
  Documentation is pretty limited for
  the Report Design Component.
• A beginner can definitely create a
  nice formatted report quickly and
  easily, but when it comes to more
  complex reports where performance is
  needed. Going back to understanding
  SQL is necessary.

Pros for SQL Server Reporting

• Web Based Reporting Server
• Report Rendering Engine supports a
  number of formats (Excel, HTML,
  Image, and more)
• Publishing and scheduling is a part
  of Reporting Services. In crystal you
  need Crystal Reports Server or
  Business Objects Enterprise for
  Publishing and scheduling. Or you
  would need to create your own custom
  app)
• Parameter prompting is nicer in my
  opinion
• Saved Data sources can be accessed by
  excel users.
• User login and permissions are built in.
• Subscriptions are a built in feature

Cons for SQL Server Reporting

• It can sometimes be a pain to implement
• the Report builder feature for building simple reports is somewhat limited
• The best report builder is Visual Studio’s Business Intelligence Studio. This is only a con because for a beginning end user this could seem overwhelming

In all SQL Server Reporting Services is my pick.