Easy to use web-based reporting tool [closed]

Question

I'm looking for recommendations for an easy to use reporting/business intelligence tool that can interface with an sql server or access database. It can be web-based or a desktop tool.

Ideally it would be freeware or low cost, and easy to use for users who are not that technically savvy (below the level of someone who can generate reports and complicated queries in Access).

Any tools I've seen so far (such as Crystal Reports) are either too expensive or too complicated to use for non-power users.

Answer 1

I think the two most well known open source alternatives are:

• Pentaho Reporting
• JasperReports

I've been looking at them previously, but honestly haven't tried any of them as my company at the time decided to go for a commercial (expensive) alternative.

Answer 2

Your requirements are very unspecific. You are searching a simple tool. Do you mean an ad-hoc reporting tool such as i-net Clear Reports?

Answer 3

Pentaho reporting (from the Community edition of the Pentaho BI Suite) might be worth a look.