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Report Application Development Tools
InetSoft BI products include a number of tools for report application development. We will examine the major BI functions and features in this section, describing their core capabilities.
Available in Style Report and Style Intelligence products, the Designer allows for the creation of dashboard and report templates. A report template represents the markup describing the layout of a report. Using the intuitive visual GUI interface, developing reports is a process of setting up a page layout and placing elements, such as text, charts, sections, or tables on the template.
Using the integrated Data Source and Data Modeler it is possible to bind queries to report elements, so that they are populated with data when the report is executed. It is possible to create dynamic content by using the Scripting facility. The scripting language is based on standard ECMA JavaScript.
The InetSoft Enterprise products' Designer includes controls for server side and web based reporting including parameter handling, hypertext links and interactive form controls.
Style Report Pro/EE and Style Intelligence offer the flexible reporting API. This includes a layout engine, a data binding API to associate data with report elements, and specialized support for client side printing. This feature provides developers with maximum control over report creation and printing.
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“We evaluated many reporting vendors and were most impressed at the speed with which the proof of concept could be developed. We found InetSoft to be the best option to meet our business requirements and integrate with our own technology.”
- John White, Senior Director, Information Technology at Livingston International |
Interactive Server Side Reports
Style Report Enterprise Edition and Style Intelligence provide the ability to create interactive server side reports, which are maintained in a centralized repository and can be viewed in a browser. Also supplied is the Enterprise Manager, an administration tool that allows for easy configuration and management of the report server. A report Scheduler allows batch jobs to execute at specified times or events. When a task is executed, the reports can be sent by mail, delivered to printers, or saved in PDF format in an archive.
The Enterprise Edition also provides a role based security implementation, i.e. the ability to tie security into an LDAP server. InetSoft's role-based security implementation is a robust system designed to provide granular control over access to data and functionalities within its business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform. By adopting a role-based access control (RBAC) model, InetSoft ensures that users have access only to the information and tools pertinent to their roles within an organization. This methodology enhances security by minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, while also simplifying the management of user permissions across large and dynamic enterprises.
One of the key features of InetSoft's role-based security is its flexibility in defining roles and permissions. Administrators can create and customize roles to fit the unique needs of their organization, assigning specific permissions that dictate what data and functionalities users can access. This approach allows for a tailored security framework that aligns with organizational hierarchies and job functions. For example, a data analyst might have access to raw data sets and analytical tools, while a business executive might only see summarized reports and dashboards.
InetSoft's system also supports the concept of hierarchical roles, where permissions can be inherited. This means that higher-level roles automatically encompass the permissions of lower-level roles, streamlining the process of permission assignment and reducing administrative overhead. For instance, a department manager's role could inherit all the permissions of the employees in their department, in addition to having access to higher-level managerial reports and controls. This inheritance structure ensures consistency in access control and simplifies the management of complex role hierarchies.
Another critical aspect of InetSoft's role-based security is its integration with existing identity and access management (IAM) systems. This capability allows organizations to leverage their existing IAM infrastructures, such as LDAP or Active Directory, to manage user authentication and role assignments. By integrating with these systems, InetSoft provides a seamless and centralized approach to security management, reducing the need for redundant user accounts and minimizing the risk of security vulnerabilities associated with fragmented access control systems.
Finally, InetSoft's role-based security implementation includes comprehensive auditing and reporting features. These tools enable administrators to track access patterns, monitor changes in permissions, and generate detailed reports on user activities. Such auditing capabilities are crucial for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and for identifying potential security issues before they escalate. By providing visibility into the security landscape, InetSoft empowers organizations to maintain a robust security posture and ensure that their data and analytical assets are protected at all times.