Dena,

> I recently started researching whether Crystal Reports would be a good thing for me to purchase to implement an easy way for my clients to view their self-created reports. I have downloaded the demo version, and it seems rather nice.
>
> I just wanted to know everyone's opinion on this product, and hear from anyone who has integrated it with their VFP applications. If so, what do your user's think of it? Is it easy for them to use, or does it require alot of effort for them to produce this report?
>
> Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and help me decide whether I should spend the money on this or not.
>

I've been using CR 7 for about a year now and i think it's great. I've nicely intergrated into my personal framework (which b.t.w. wasn't easy). By now I can produce reports almost as easy as VFP reports with the following advantages:

- I can export the report to various formats (Word, Excell, HTML, RTF, and more)
- I've got more control over certain printer properties
- I've got much more control over how to preview the report

There are disadvantages also:
- You've got to distribute dozens of DLLs to distribute the application
- You've got to learn quite a lot of CR 7 before you'll find the best way to implement it in your case.

This is by no means a complete report.

As for the users: They only notice that the previewing capability is extended and they can export the report.

Walter,