Dear All,
For all report developers and users that currently are using Desktop Intelligence and especially the well beloved Freehand SQL (FHSQL) function, there is some good news around the corner..
Today, the only option to adopt Web Intelligence, while using a Freehand SQL would be to convert your Desktop Intelligence document using a (automatically) generated Universe. This universe would then contain a derived table containing your FHSQL statement from the Desktop Intelligence document. Many users are not preferring this approach as it increases the time to enhance/maintain the SQL Statement as well as increases the complexity of the solution.
The great news I can share is that we have received approvals for the development of the FHSQL Function within Web Intelligence. With Freehand SQL in Web Intelligence it would enable you to (finally) convert your Desktop Intelligence documents with a FHSQL Data Provider to Web Intelligence. The implementation of the FHSQL function will be staged (so do not expect all features of DeskI FHSQL straight away)..
The current planned release of FHSQL for Web Intelligence will be as in the diagram below:
For the initial release of the Freehand SQL Data Provider, the following features are planned
- Report Conversion Tool, will be enriched to convert FHSQL DeskI documents into Web Intelligence reports using the FHSQL Feature
- Web Intelligence Documents containing FHSQL can be refreshed within the WebI Clients
- A sample Extension Point will be provided to enable report developers to create New WebI documents containing an FHSQL data provider or remove a Freehand Data Provider (NO EDIT). This sample Extension point needs to be deployed manually after the installation of the BI4.1 Service Pack 05.
- Support of @Variables for FHSQL Data Providers
The Freehand Extension Point sample embedded in Web Intelligence would go into the direction as shown below
After BI4.1 SP05, FHSQL will be further enhanced with additional features to close the gap between the DeskI Freehand SQL option including an integration into the UI.
Once more details become available, I will update my blog post with the latest changes.
Kind Regards
Merlijn