The DSCallards' Guide to the Universe!

The Universe is business-friendly. 

As it is based upon business terminology that is familiar to the business user and shared throughout the organisation, the Universe allows you to create queries and get information using your own every day terms.

Essentially, a Universe maps to the data in the database, but uses every day terms to describe your business environment. This means that you can select exactly the data that interests you using your own business terminology.

Understanding the Semantic Layer

The SAP BusinessObjects Universe is the semantic layer that isolates you from the technical complexities of the databases where your corporate information is stored.  It essentially hides the typical database structure from the user.

This layer takes care of the translation of tables and columns to meaningful business terms in such a way that business users do not need to know any query language - such as SQL - towards the database. The semantic layer contains metadata about the table columns and their relationships within the underlying database. This layer is presented in a Universe by the use of classes and objects.

Advantages of Universe or Semantic Layer

1.    The Universe places a layer between database and business users and presents database/data warehouse in business terminology which makes it easy for them to create a report.

2.    The Universe allows the user to have no knowledge of SQL or database terminology.  Only the developer needs to know the SQL. The business user can simply drag and drop the objects and the tool will generate the required query to fetch the data.

3.    All types and security can be applied on the Universe making it data secure and only available to related person.

To understand how the Universe can help your company, why not enrol on our SAP BusinessObjects Universe course? This one-day virtual course is designed to introduce you to the principles of the Universe and to get you up and running with your Universe project.  Click here for more information.

Why SAP Crystal Server 2013? Top Ten Reasons According to DSCallards

SAP Crystal Server 2013 is said to deliver market-leading software at an entry-level cost.  But what does this really mean to you, the user?  In this blog, DSCallards has summarised what we believe are the top ten features and functionality delivered with SAP Crystal Server 2013.

1. SAP BusinessObjects Explorer:  SAP Crystal Server 2013 includes Explorer, which is a web application whereby you can ‘point-and-click’, search within your data to perform data discovery.
2. Crystal Reports for Enterprise.
3. Mobility:  You can view your BI content anywhere, anytime on the move via your table or your phone.
4. Version Management and Promotion Management now supports SAP BusinessObjects Design Studio content.  
5. Design Studio enables application designers to create analysis applications and dashboards based upon SAP NetWeaver BW, SAP HANA and Universe data sources - for browsers and mobile  devices (Pads, for example).
6. SharePoint Integration:  You can now re-use your existing content management system MS Sharepoint to view, create and run BI content.
7. Configuration Manager for Server Optimisation:  You can optimise your server's performance by using the new configuration wizard to ensure your server is sized correctly.
8. Enhanced User Interface.
9. The new version is very stable.
10. Session Management Tool:  You can now kill user sessions which may be hanging or stuck, via an administration console without any hassle at all.

So there you go! 

If you'd like to discuss any of these features with a member of our Crystal Solutions team, call us on 0800 652 4050 or visit our website at www.crystalreports.co.uk.