I have a vb5 program that I want to generate printed reports from a DB
I do not want to use crystal, I do not want to link to word, excel access or
any other
program. The user should only need the VB5 program. I do not want to use the
crystal ocx because I feel that it is too complicated for ordinary users to
use.

I was thinking of using the RTF ocx (Microsoft) but would like to know if
anyone else
has any suggestions. Users should be able to create 'pretty' template
business letters
from the VB5 app. the app would then swap in the database data into the
'template'
letter

....any ideas???

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James

Modern Business Solutions

Remove xxx for email

http://www.datadynamics.com

I don't want to use crystal cause it means teaching
users how to use crystal if they want to create their own
reports

Visit http://www.datadynamics.com

I don't know about your users but my experience with various report writers
that let the end user create their own reports ( I am one of the authors of
FoxFire that purported to be and end user report writer) that the end user
doesn't have enough of a grasp of the nuances of the data to be able to
successfully design a report.

Those that do will not have a problem with Crystal.

Everyone is looking for some magic tool that will automate the work done by
programmers. I have been in this business since 1962 and we are further
away from it now then we were then.

The way I work down here is to allow users to automatically export all data
to Excel.  I use ActiveX automation to transfer the information.

Next, the users utilize a baseline reformatting VBA macro embedded in the
XLS file.  That way, anyone can change the macro settings or format
settings with little change.

You can also use Access, the reporting mechanism in it is pretty darn good.
 The only downside (same goes for XL) is that you need a runtime for each
user.

However, with Access, there should be a free runtime with one of the
packages MS sells (Office resource kit, or add-on or whatever).

Ofer.

I can't help but chuckle at the frequency of Issam's post, given that the
only things Data Dynamics is posting on their Web Site are screen shots and
a very basic feature sheet.  I've left phone messages with Data Dynamics and
have sent e-mails to their support address, simply seeking a yes/no response
to three very basic questions concerning ActiveReports....still no response,
even though I'm a registered ActiveBar user.  While Seagate's support isn't
as great as I wish it were, at least I've never had to wait over 24 hrs for
a response.

Kevin

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James

Modern Business Solutions

Remove xxx for email

On Wed, 4 Mar 1998 16:52:39 -0500, "Kevin S. Goff"

                 Hisham.

Brent Langdon

What were the major bugs you found in ActiveBar?  I've implemented a demo
version and have created some basic toolbar features with no problems.  I'd be
very interested in knowing what your issues were before we implement it.

Also, unless you are a 10 on the scale of VB programmers AND everyone knows it,
I don't think its a good idea to slam people you don't know.  I've work with
Issam at a previous assignment, and though I don't particular like certain
things about him, he is an accomplished programmer.  Most likely, he is one of
the primary developers of Dynacube and ActiveBar....

Frankly, I haven't seen anything else on the market that accomplishes what the
ActiveBar does.  Certainly Microsofts CoolBar tool is not doing it.  I've tried
it and unless you like to reboot your PC a dozen times you better stay clear of
it.

My only complaint is that Issam posted about a dozen items that only
contained a link to Data Dynamics web site and used the email address

and discuss why people should consider one of his products to solve their
problems, then go for it.  He (or anybody else for that matter) should not
be using the general new groups just to advertise their products.  I will
now remember Data Dynamics as "that company that abuses the new groups".

but, hey, that's just my opinion,
Brent Langdon

I posted the link in answer to specific messages that were asking for
functionality which either ActiveBar or ActiveReports provides, such as the
one here "Want to Print Report using an OCX not Crystal".

I thought that just a link where you can find more info is better than
dumping a whole list of features to the newsgroup.  if someone is not
interested they do not have to download a 3 page message.

The page on our web site is very specific to the features of the product.
It is a VB5 only report writer, it works within VB as an ActiveX designer.
It is an ActiveX container so can print charts, calendars, ....

I apologize if the post was out of line and for the delay in responding to
your email requests for info which I hope answered your questions.

Issam

Brent:

I apologize for the excessive posts.  The responses were in answer to
specific questions.

Issam