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BusinessObjects XI Overview
BusinessObjects is a software tool many Data Warehouse users find valuable in helping manage data relevant to their business processes. We are pleased to offer the options and features included with the current version (BusinessObjects XI) to Data Warehouse users. We believe you will enjoy the tool once you are comfortable with using it.

About BusinessObjects XI R2
With BusinessObjects XI, the company (SAP) shifted focus from a desktop application to a web-based application. We present the differences between the two in more depth below. BusinessObjects XI provides:
  • Better-than-ever query and analysis with Web Intelligence
  • Support for BusinessObjects full client (existing Standard Reports)
  • More performance, scalability, and reliability
  • Support for existing user profiles and reports
  • Availability for everyone to schedule reports
  • Microsoft Vista and Internet Explorer 7 compatibility

Web Intelligence and Desktop Intelligence
Many software tools are making the transition from desktop applications to more robust and manageable web-based applications. SAP is actively supporting this trend and, with BusinessObjects XI, two interfaces are available: Web Intelligence and Desktop Intelligence.
Users can choose whichever tool suits their reporting needs best or even use both interfaces for different reports and needs. It is important to note that SAP is focusing primarily on developing Web Intelligence and may eventually do away with Desktop Intelligence once all its functionality is available in Web Intelligence. For now, though, both options are available to Data Warehouse users.

Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions that are not addressed on this page, please contact us.

General Information

Where can I find information about common issues?
We will update this document regularly as new issues come to our attention.
Common BusinessObjects XI Issues (MS Word document)

Where can I see the slides from the town hall meetings?
Decision Support held a series of "town hall meetings" to preview BusinessObjects XI and answer any questions prior to the implementation. You can download the slides from those meetings here.
Town Hall Meeting Slides (MS PowerPoint slides)

Web Intelligence vs. Desktop Intelligence

Do I need to choose one interface to use?
You do not need to choose one of the two interfaces; you can use whichever interface bets suits your needs or even use both interfaces for different reports and needs.

Should I use Desktop Intelligence or Web Intelligence?
Several features are available with both interfaces.
You may prefer to use Web Intelligence if you:
  • Use a web-based report editor to create and/or modify reports
  • Prefer a web-based application because it doesn't need to be installed locally on your machine
  • View reports through EDDIE (InfoView) and make formatting changes to your view
Additional benefits of Web Intelligence include:
  • Easily copying the contents of one cell to another application
  • Specifying a specific prompt order
  • Shading alternative rows within a report
For more on Web Intelligence, see the specific questions below.

Desktop Intelligence replaces the previous desktop application and includes all the features from the previous version. You may prefer Desktop Intelligence if you:
  • Use a workstation-based report editor to create reports and prefer a local installation of the program
  • Save reports locally on your workstation
  • Import information from spreadsheets
  • Create a query on results received from another query
  • Undo multiple steps
Additional benefits of Desktop Intelligence include:
  • Creating grouped variables
  • Hiding columns in a table
  • Folding breaks
  • Using Print Preview (from within the application)
  • Having complete control over a chart’s appearance
  • Inserting images
For more on Desktop Intelligence, see the specific questions below.

Can I attend classes for BusinessObjects?
Decision Support provides BusinessObjects education in a computer lab environment. Visit our Classes & Workshops page for more information.
The BusinessObjects Training Manuals are available any time.
DS provides additional education through various live webcasts, demos, and practice labs.

Web Intelligence

Can I open my reports from the previous version in Web Intelligence?
Existing BusinessObjects (Desktop Intelligence) documents that you choose to edit in Web Intelligence will need to be converted to the Web Intelligence format prior to first use. Alternatively, you can create the report anew in the Web Intelligence environment. In either case, the original report will remain intact.

How can I print a report from Web Intelligence?
Abbreviated instructions:
  • Select the "View" drop-down menu
  • Select "PDF mode" *
  • The Report will open in PDF format; select the Print icon
  • (To exit PDF mode, select "View in HTML format")
* NOTE: After selecting "PDF mode", some users may see a yellow bar appear above the EDDIE banner at the top of the web page with a message on the left side. If so, click the text of the message and select to activate or allow. Do not click the X on the right side of the yellow bar.

For more detailed instructions, we have prepared PrintingInstructions-XI.pdf (Acrobat PDF file).

Printing instructions are also included in the EDDIE CBT Module. Select "Printing" from the menu (the sixth option from the top). Alternatively, go directly to the EDDIE CBT Module - Printing section. (Bluestem login required.)

How can I get help with navigating Web Intelligence?
If you need help getting around in the Web Intelligence environment, check out the computer-based training module we developed. The module will answer most common questions. Simply select a topic from the module's menu.

What educational options are available for Web Intelligence?
Web Intelligence Demos
Decision Support has prepared several Web Intelligence demonstrations to further illustrate the differences between Web Intelligence and Desktop Intelligence and highlight features of BusinessObjects XI. Please visit the Demos & Tutorials page to learn more.

Computer Lab Training
Computer lab training is also avialable for Web Intelligence. (See above.)

EDDIE (InfoView) CBT
EDDIE (InfoView) is used to access Web Intelligence. Decision Support has developed a computer-based training module for EDDIE (InfoView) that you can review at your convenience. You can access it directly at any time from: Launch EDDIE CBT (Bluestem login required.)
Simply click on the topic name (or the round button next to the topic name) you want to see and you'll get started. You can return to the menu at any time using the Menu button at the top.

Desktop Intelligence

Do I need Desktop Intelligence?
If you only run Standard Reports and do not create your own reports, Desktop Intelligence is not required.
If you previously used BusinessObjects 6.5 (ZABO), you probably want to install Desktop Intelligence.

What educational options are available for Desktop Intelligence?
Desktop Intelligence Demos
Decision Support has prepared several Desktop Intelligence demonstrations to further illustrate the differences between Web Intelligence and Desktop Intelligence and highlight features of BusinessObjects XI. Please visit the Demos & Tutorials page to learn more.
NOTE: Desktop Intelligence replaced the previous desktop tool (BusinessObjects 6.5). These demos were created for the previous version, but the functionality is the same with Desktop Intelligence.

Computer Lab Training
Computer lab training is also avialable for Desktop Intelligence. (See above.)

Desktop Intelligence Installation
The BusinessObjects XI R2 installation of Desktop Intelligence is available for online download. The instructions here are for a complete installation of BusinessObjects XI and the SP5, FP2 update. (For more information on the update or installation instructions for the update alone, see below.)

NEW / COMPLETE INSTALLATION
The installation is avaialable from WebStore.
http://illinois.edu/goto/businessobjectsnewinstall

Installation Instructions: Installation Instructions - New Installation (Includes WebStore instructions).

NOTE: Use the Mozilla Firefox browser (available for free) to download the installation file without any problems. Internet Explorer 7 and earlier may not be used successfully. We apologize for any inconvenience.

You must have administrator level access to your computer to install BusinessObjects XI.If you already have Desktop Intelligence installed and only need to install the update, please see the instructions below.

Can I install both versions of BusinessObjects (6.5 and Desktop Intelligence)?
BusinessObjects 6.5 (ZABO) and Desktop Intelligence can coexist. However, be aware of the following restrictions:
  • Use of VBA is not supported
  • File extension association is crossed; i.e., if you open a report (.REP file) from the web or your computer, it will more than likely open in version XI. If you need to open the report in version 6.5, open that version of BusinessObjects before you open the .REP file.
  • Starting version 6.5 (ZABO) from EDDIE is not supported. However, version 6.5 can be launched from the Start Menu.
  • As of March 10, BusinessObjects 6.5 (ZABO) no longer works as an ad hoc reporting tool.

How do I launch Desktop Intelligence (after it is installed)?
Desktop Intelligence has two options for starting the program: directly from your computer or through EDDIE. We explain the options in more detail in the following document to help you choose which option is right for you.
NOTE: The first time you want to run Desktop Intelligence, please launch it from within EDDIE (InfoView). (See the Launch Options for more information.)

Desktop Intelligence Service Pack 5, Fix Pack 5.2 Update

Decision Support is offering the next update to BusinessObjects Desktop Intelligence (SP5, FP 5.2). We understand the challenges faced and inconveniences caused by updates and have worked to minimize the impact to users.
NOTE: This update is only for those with Desktop Intelligence already installed. For new or complete installations, see the Desktop Intelligence installation instructions above.

UPDATE INSTALLATION
The update is available via WebStore.
http://illinois.edu/goto/businessobjectsupdatesp5

Installation Instructions: Installation Instructions - SP2 Update (Includes WebStore instructions).

Users running Standard Reports through InfoView (EDDIE) and users of Web Intelligence do not need to perform the update. Only users who have Desktop Intelligence on their machines need to install the update.

The update may be installed at any time. To avoid potential issues with future changes and updates (including security protocols), we highly recommend installing the update as soon as possible.

This update resolves the following issues:
  • Data abnormalities and extra rows when running a report
  • Unhandled exception errors when saving reports as a PDF file
  • Inability to refresh Desktop Intelligence reports

If you have any questions, please contact us.