WebViewerFx. Part 1.

In previous articles we have already reviewed the Stimulsoft Reports component, enabling you to perform certain actions with reports directly in the Internet. Undoubtedly, StiWebViewer is very simple and easy to use; however, it is slightly limited in some of the features. Of course, its functionality is more than enough for everyone, but if you want more, then ..., for such people, Stimulsoft Company provides a special component StiWebViewerFx... read more

WCF Server Support Updated. Recent Changes.

We have already announced in our news on January 18, 2011 support of WCF in Stimulsoft Reports.Silverlight reporting tool. Our developers have made some improvements and corrections in this direction:

1. Improvements for the RequestFromUser variables:
Now if StiVariable.DialogInfo.ItemsInitializationType == StiItemsInitializationType.Columns and properties KeysColumn or ValuesColumn are set then the request to the server for getting required fields from the data source will be sent.
2. The new event is added: Stimulsoft.Report.StiOptions.Silverlight.WCFService.WCFPrepareRequestFromUserVariables

Updated samples of using WCF server can be downloaded here.

Stimulsoft Reports Product Line: Version 2011.2 is Released.

We are glad to announce the immediate availability of Stimulsoft Reports product line version 2011.2. This line includes the following products: Stimulsoft Reports.Net, Stimulsoft Reports.Web, Stimulsoft Reports.Wpf, Stimulsoft Reports.Silverlight, Stimulsoft Reports Designer.Web, Stimulsoft Reports Designer.Silverlight and Stimulsoft Reports.Ultimate (inlcudes all products specified above).In this version we have added support for the Report Checker tool and globalization in Reports.Web, ability to store reports in the Google Docs service, redesigned the Installer tool and the chart engine, improved filters and queries, added new chart types and great many more. Please read the description of not all but the most significant improvements and features added in Stimulsoft Reports.

Report Checker for Web

The desktop versions of our product come with a unique module for testing reports - Report Checker. It is available either as a separate utility or as an integrated tool in the report designer. Now you can check your reports for errors in Web applications. Since version 2011.2 the Report Checker is available for report designers Designer.Web and Designer.Silverlight. This utility not only checks the report for errors, but also describes in detail the reason or their appearance, and offers suggestions to correct them by pressing a single button.

Applies to: Web, Silverlight, Designer.Web, Designer.Silverlight

Save a Copy

A new option to save a copy of any item in the data dictionary is added. A button to save a copy is available in the edit item dialog. This feature will significantly speed up the process of creating new elements in the data dictionary. On the current moment, the feature is available in the WinForms report designer.

Applies to: Net, WPF, Silverlight

Filters and Queries

In version 2011.1, as well as in all previous versions, filtration was processed mostly by the report generator. In the new version, users choose themselves how to filter - using the report generator or using an SQL query. If you are using the SQL query, report generator will make changes of the SQL query text using a special algorithm, based on the specified filtration options. Filtration options are specified in the data band. This new feature can be used to optimize the exchange of data between the application and database.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

New Importing Tool

Despite the fact that Stimulsoft Reports understands a lot of third-party file formats, we decided not to stop on it. A new one is added into the importing utilities list - imports from the Report Sharp-Shooter format. This tool will help you to get started with Stimulsoft Reports much quicker. The utility supports the main elements of the product.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

Sorting and Filtration of Business Objects

Sorting and filtration is now possible for business objects! You can setup sorting and filtration using a standard editing dialog of the Data band. Configuration interface is exactly the same as for data sources.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

Collapsing Hierarchical Reports

Earlier interactive collapsing was only available for groups and master-detail reports. Now you can expand and collapse hierarchical bands. All that is necessary is to change one option of a band. Using collapsing function it is possible to save the user reports from the contemplation of redundant information in the report and, at the same time, provide this information only if needed.

Applies to: Net, WPF

New Installer

The Installer utility is delivered as a part of Stimulsoft Reports pack. This utility helps you to install or remove Stimulsoft Reports assemblies in GAC. The tool is also a great helper in using the NGEN utility in conjunction with the assemblies of our product. The new Installer has redesigned appearance and updated programming stuffing.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

Google Docs and Storing Reports

All report designers of Stimulsoft Reports can keep their reports in the Cloud from Google Company. All you need is a GMail account. You can save a report in your office and open it at home. It is simple - just a few mouse clicks. We are confident that the new feature will simplify the storage of report templates for our users.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

Multiple Monitors

Our company can claim that all our applications are fully adapted to work on two or more monitors. At the same time, you can open several applications and display them on different monitors. Before closing the application, all information about the location of the application will be remembered. Next time, when the application is run, the user will find it on the same position in a monitor where it was last time before being closed.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

New Functions

A new feature is added to the data dictionary - ToWordsFa. The function converts a number to string in words in Persian. This feature is available in all versions of the report generator and expands already a big list of possibilities for creating international reports.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

Support for Dirhams in ToCurrencyWords

To the list of supported currencies of the ToCurrencyWords function support for another currency DHS (Dirham) is added.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

New Chart Types

We are constantly working to expand the list of supported types of charts. In release 2011.2, our team is glad to announce four new chart types - Bubble, Radar Point, Radar Line, and Radar Area.

Applies to: Net, WPF, Silverlight

New Assistant - Options Helper

The new tool Options Helper is available in this release. This tool helps to understand many options of the report generator and create a list of changed parameters. This list can be loaded in your program to quickly initialize the report generator properties. Also, the list can be used for the report designer. For this purpose it is enough to place it in the same folder as the report designer.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

Parameters in Web

In previous versions of our products we have added support for new parameters in the desktop and Silverlight applications. Now the parameters are supported in Reports.Web. New parameters can be changed in Designer.Web. They can be used using WebViewer.Fx. Using parameters greatly expands using reports and their interactivity. It supports not only simple values but ranges of values and values lists.

Applies to: Web, Designer.Web

Border.Topmost Porperty

In version 2011.2 the report developers have a new feature to build reports - the Border.Topmost property. If to enable it for the border, the border side will always be drawn on the top of components. This feature expands the visual abilities of reports. It is also like a workaround for some limitations in designing reports.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight, Designer.Silverlight

Page Order

Now you can change the order of the pages in the report designer for Web. It is as easy there as in the desktop report designer. This can be done using the context menu of the page tab.

Applies to: Web, Designer.Web

Globalization in Web

In the previous version of the report designer for Web, expressions editor when globalizing reports are not delivered. In the new version we have eliminated this annoying omission. Now you can fully globalize your reports using the report editor for Web, without using the desktop version of the report designer.

Applies to: Web, Designer.Web

Printing to PDF File from WebViewerFx

We have added support for printing into the Adobe PDF file to enhance printing from the Web application that uses the WebViewerFx component. If you need to print the report using the PDF file, you must set the Print to PDF option in the print dialog of the report. Printing to a PDF file allows you to send perfectly accurate copy of the report to the printer.

Applies to: Web

Optimization

We have done a great work of optimizing the report designer when working with very large reports. Optimization was done in WPF, WinForms and Silverlight versions of the report designer. The performance of many dialog boxes for editing items is greatly increased. We have reduced delays in carrying out of many operations in the report, optimized many algorithms.

Applies to: Net, WPF, Silverlight

Interacting with Charts

The new version of our products comes with a new chart builder engine. We completely redesigned it. All this was done to make the charts in our reports more interactive. Now you can interact with elements of the diagrams on report pages in full force, as well as with other components. You can use the tips, hyperlinks, dynamic transitions, scrolling, etc. for chart elements.

Applies to: Net, WPF, Silverlight

Database Adapters Silverlight

External data adapters are now supported in the client-server version of the report generator for Silverlight. You can find all possible external data adapters on our website in the Download section.

Applies to: Silverlight

New Types of Labels for Charts

The chart has three new types of Labels - in the center of the series, on the left and on the right side of the series. New types of series will more accurately show the chart information necessary for the user.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight

Applying Style to Chart

Later, when selecting a style for a chart, it was applied to all elements of the chart. You can now use the AllowApplyStyle property, which has any chart item. Using this property, you can disable using a style in a particular element and set its own appearance values.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight, Designer.Web, Designer.Silverlight

Report and Page Setup Dialogs in Web

Dialog boxes for configuration the report and page parameters are completely redesigned in the report designer for Web. Now they fully comply with their analogs of the desktop version. New dialog boxes allow you to quickly and visually change the basic parameters of the report and the current page.

Applies to: Web, Designer.Web

RefCursor and Oracle ODP Provider

RefCursor as a parameter is now supported in the Oracle ODP Provider. In order to use RefCursor as a parameter, select the Stored Procedure type of the query, add a parameter with the RefCursor type and then you can use a query in the report. This new feature is available since version 2011.2. It is also required to download the new version of the Oracle ODP Provider adapter from our site.

Applies to: Net, Web, WPF, Silverlight, Designer.Web, Designer.Silverlight

Stimulsoft Reports.Fx Product Line: Version 2011.2 is Released.

We are glad to announce the next this year release of Stimulsoft Reports.Fx product line version 2011.2. This line includes the products Stimulsoft Reports.Fx for Flex, Stimulsoft Reports.Fx for PHP, Stimulsoft Reports.Fx for Java. In this version we have added support for parameters, export to Word 2007 and CSV format, globalization, new functions etc. Now it is possible to check reports on errors and fix them quickly. Please read the description of not all but the most significant improvements and features added in Stimulsoft Reports.Fx.

Parameters

To extend the functionality of reports in the new version, we have significantly improved the work with the RequestFromUser parameter of variables. Now, using this option, the process for data request from a user can be greatly expanded. The user can specify not only simple values, but also lists of values and value ranges. In addition, we have significantly expanded the functionality of the variables that are used as parameters. You can add lists of values for the subsequent selection by the user; specify the date and time separately; prohibit the direct editing of parameters by the used; and many more other things. We also added a new button to the toolbar, which allows you to hide or show the parameters panel.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Export to Word 2007

Export to Word 2007 is now available in Stimulsoft Reports.Fx. With this export you can create in the viewer a Word 2007 file on the base of a rendered report. You can start the export process from the Save menu of the report viewer. Before exporting reports, you can configure basic settings with the export settings dialog.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Report Checker

A unique opportunity to test the report for errors is integrated into our product. Now, if you have problems with displaying or rendering reports, you can see a list of errors with detailed information of the problem. In addition, the report generator will offer solutions for the problem, if it is possible to be done automatically. The Report Checker is available from the main menu or from the bottom panel of the report designer.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Exports of Components, New Opportunities

We worked hard on improving the existing export of reports. Now all exports support export of reports in which the following components are used Bar-code, Flag, Chart, and all types of Shapes.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Cross Reports

In the new version we have added full support of cross-reports. In the report designer you can find the Cross-Tab component, with which you can create very complex cross-reports. Cross-table is setup with a special graphical editor that can be invoked double-clicking the component.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Double Pass

Now you can create reports in two passes. Control of number of passes is executed using the NumberOfPass report property. Using two passes allows making, in the first pass, the calculation of important parameters that can be used in the second pass, for calculations or displaying.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Multiple Monitors

Our company claims that all our applications are fully adapted to work on two or more monitors. At the same time you can open multiple applications and place them on different monitors. Before closing the application, all information about the location of the application will be remembered and the next time the application will take that very position in a monitor where it was closed last time.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

New Functions

New functions such as Switch, Choose, StartsWith, EndsWith, and IndexOf are added to the data dictionary. Switch and Choose function are used to select values by the index from the list of values. These functions are available from the data dictionary panel for using in expressions. Functions StartsWith, EndsWith, and IndexOf and are designed to work with strings.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Dynamic Sorting

We have expanded interactivity of our report viewer. In the new version you can re-sort the data directly in the viewer. All you need to do is to setup several properties of the component.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Page Order

Now you can change the order of pages in the report designer. This can be done using the context menu of the page tab. In the context menu you can also delete the current page of the report.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Globalization

The new version of the report generator provides full functionality for reports globalization. Using a special editor of the GlobalizationStrings report property, you can create international resources for your report. Then, with only one line of code before report rendering, the report can be globalized to the specified culture.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Conditions

Do you need to change the color of component by a condition? It is no longer a problem. Use the Conditions component property. Add a new condition of formatting, specify the parameters and use it!

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Exporting Reports to CSV Format

CSV (Comma Separated Value) format, used mainly for data exchange between applications. Beginning with version 2011.2 you can convert rendered reports into this format. The export process is run from the Save menu of the report viewer.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Levels of Complexity in Properties Panel

In order to reduce the number of properties in the Properties panel, you can configure it. There are three configuration modes: Basic, Standard and Professional. Depending on the type of the selected mode the number of visible properties is changed. In the Basic mode only basic properties are displayed. In the Standard mode all the properties except the most complex are visible. In the Professional - all the properties are visible.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Reports and Page Setup Dialogs

Dialog boxes to configure report and page parameters are completely redesigned in the report designer. New dialog boxes allow you to quickly and visually change the basic parameters of the report and the current page.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

PrintOnAllPages Property

The report generator is now able to work with the new property - PrintOnAllPages. This property is available in components Header and Footer Bands.

Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java

Using Stimulsoft Reports in Microsoft Visual Studio LightSwitch.

This article unveils an entirely new programming environment LightSwitch, but to be more precise the interaction between LightSwitch and Stimulsoft Reports... read more

Seven Days

Viewing reports in NET. StiWebViewer. part 3

The RenderMode property specifies how will StiWebViewer render and display a report. The categories of modes for the component StiWebViewer use caching of a rendered report and do not use caching of a rendered report... read more

Viewing reports in NET. StiWebViewer. Part 2.

When working with StiWebViewer, remember the principle of how the component works. To display a report,
StiWebViewer exports it to the HTML format, where the resulting HTML text is displayed in the StiWebViewer,
specially designed to display the report... read more

Viewing reports in NET. StiWebViewer. Part 1.

The World Wide Web has fully embraced the life of a contemporary man, gave him a huge flow of information.
And foolish a man is, who tries to watch from the sidelines for the tireless proliferation of the Internet web.
This is particularly critical concerns of business area. Who owns the information - owns the world. Now, this
statement can be rephrased as: Who uses the information - rules the world. Only using the power of the Internet
business one can keep afloat in competitive fighting and also stay as a leader. Now we will talk about one facet
of the World Wide Web and how to use it. Each case, word, event has its logical conclusion. If we are talking about
business and any form of earnings, then reporting thoroughly takes this niche. Stimulsoft Company, a leading manufacturer
of software for data processing and analysis, like no one else knows the structure and principles of reporting;
understands the importance of displaying reports in the open waters of the interactive ocean. This article covers
the possibility of locating reports in the Internet and work with them, but, to be more precise, a component of
Stimulsoft Reports - StiWebViewer... read more

Reports Globalization.

If your firm is forced to create many similar reports, but in different languages, this article will definitely help you.
You have probably already used to that if it comes to the crunch Stimulsoft is always happy to help. This issue is no exception.
Stimulsoft Reports for solving such problems offers the Globalization Editor. With this editor it becomes possible to localize
the report in several languages... read more