Full-Featured Analytical Reporting from the Browser

You can't replace your client/server DSS applications just yet because you can't deliver the same level of functionality to users in a browser. So, you have been trying to use the Web as a complement - as a way to at least get data to a larger number of users. Right? Web-based DSS applications can be as functional as those that you have been using in client/server.

AOS supports the basic feature-set in its interface to analytical reporting from the browser. These include the ability to pivot the dimensions of report measures, move through multidimensional presentations of data, and drill into detail. AOS also supports advanced query capabilities. Below are some feature highlights of the reporting and analysis applications services available today in AOS:

• Tools - 9 query tools including ranking and exception tools
• Attributes - Ability to select data based on attributes or properties of measure dimensions
• Calculated Members - Create and publish user-defined calculated dimension members and measures
• Formatting - Ability to change colors, fonts, and add graphics to reports and graphs in the system
• Spreadsheet Formulas - Create new measure columns or total rows by adding spreadsheet formulas to reports
• Desktop Integration - Export to PowerPoint, Excel, HTML
• Batching - Print or export entire folders of information at one time
• Publishing - Publish all changes to reports and graphs from the browser.
• Custom Reports - Custom scripts that return data for highly customized report presentations
• Guided Analysis - Ability to share dimension status across reports within a briefing

Scalable Interface and Feature Set

In order for AOS to service the many levels of data access needs within an organization, the user-interface to data, including the set of features available for query and manipulation of data, is driven by a user-profiling system.

For example, three users may access the same report. A casual user sees a static HTML or Microsoft Excel version of the report. An executive sees a live version of the report created in real-time from the database, but the user-interface is locked down. The executive sees only a highly formatted report and cannot query or manipulate data. The third user, an analyst who is responsible for maintaining the report, has a multitude of query, manipulation, and formatting tools that can be used with the report. He also has the ability to publish changes to the report to predefined areas of the portal.