Direct access database files, Advantages – HP Intelligent Management Center Standard Software Platform User Manual
Page 717
•
•
•
•
•
•
Each type of data must be accessed using a specific set of Dynamic Link
Libraries (DLLs) and other data access-related files. Once you understand
the process the program uses to access each type of data, you will have a
better understanding of the report creation process and the elements used
to create powerful reports with your data.
Note:
When accessing any type of data, Crystal Reports relies on the database
drivers to provide field names, field types, and field lengths. This information
is provided by either the database engine or the ODBC database driver.
Direct access database files
Crystal Reports can access many of the most common PC database formats
directly. In other words, the program has the built-in capabilities needed to
directly open database files and tables designed in dBASE, FoxPro, Clipper,
Pervasive, Paradox, and Microsoft Access, among others. This functionality
exists as soon as you install Crystal Reports. Once the program is installed
on your system, you can immediately begin creating reports based on these
databases by selecting the appropriate file.
Advantages
Accessing the database directly is the fastest way to read the data. Crystal
Reports only needs to talk to a single data access layer that provides contact
with the data. Report results can be obtained quickly in almost any system
environment.
Crystal Reports 2008 SP3 User's Guide
717
26
Accessing Data Sources
Direct access database files