>Bob,
>
>Obviously there is some confusion going on as to which version of Crystal Reports we are talking about. As I mentioned in previous messages, I don't know that much about Crystal except what others I know who use it have told me. That also holds true for pricing.
>
>As far as having clients buy Crystal to design reports, no thanks. I doubt the average user could figure it out. Besides, I am looking for a report designer/preview control that becomes part of my app, not something external.
>
>Thanks anyway. Take care,
>Paul

Paul,

That is exactally what I am talking about. The average user of the average developer doesn't edit his own reports. As the developer, you design the reports with Crystal, and you ship them and the runtimes (free) with your application. Report printing and preview using the OCX controls integrates right into your app. The first job you present with reports with charts, graphs, that can export to excel, pdf, etc, you are gonna see their eyes light up.

I don't understand why some people would rather strugle and kludge with the VFP report writer. Those people say 'I shouldn't HAVE to pay for a third party product, VFP is a database ap, and reports are important part.' Well, I agree with that, but I also HATE reports and would rather use one that supports multi-line detail bands, sub-reports, report chainging, OOP access to the report form, etc, than fight with the VFP report tool. When the VFP rw is up to par with VFP, I will re-evaluate my decision.

BTW: The clients of the app I work on usually have IT support to help write/modify reports. As I said, we didn't bother to include the design part in our app, it was much easier to have the clients buy a copy of Crystal.

BOb