This solution fit the best as we are a Colleague/Unidata Client - Ellucian was not providing the reporting tools needed by the clients. We attend SEDUG and was convinced it was the solution we needed after attending a vendor session.

We evaluated Safari and MITS. Our options were limited because our database runs on UniData but Informer was easily the best of our options.

Yes, we looked at creating an in-house datawarehouse using Microsoft products to create reports. We also looked at using Business Objects provided by Ellucian's Colleague.

Not really, what we needed, a solution to report against our Unidata DB backend (multivalued) just wasn't available at the enterprise level we wanted. Informer was not chosen by default, however. Informer brought an impressive tool that exceeded our expectations and needs.

Can not comment on this piece of the product. I work for the Community College Systems office and all parts of application purchase and installation performed by upper management.

iStragegies, Crystal Reports

Yes, Ellucian's CROA.

Before me.

SRSS