Value-Add Features of Actuate BIRT Designer Pro

If desired, the Eclipse Workbench Plug-in can add the functionality of the Eclipse IDE such as creating and manipulating Eclipse projects, working with source code control, and invoking other tools such as Java development tools. JavaScript, Java and Eclipse-like IDE capabilities can be used to further control report layout, data access, data transformation and report rendering. BIRT Designer Pro is available through a standalone Windows installer or as a plug-in to your existing Eclipse IDE.

Web 2.0 Style Reports and Data Visualization
Support for Flash with a library of pre-defined Flash charts, gadgets and maps; HTML buttons and automatic suggestion of report parameter.

Extensible, Flexible Data Access and Handling
Adds direct drivers for databases; using a report as a data source, metadata layer; and user- and role-based security within a report.

Meta Data Layer Builder
BIRT Designer Pro includes a visual development tool used to create an optional metadata layer of information objects that represent controlled, business user-appropriate views of data for inclusion in BIRT reports and accessible from BIRT Studio for ad hoc reporting by end users.

Actuate-Specific Extensions
Includes easy installation, additional documentation and quick report publishing to BIRT iServer.

Shared Features with Eclipse BIRT Designers

Web 2.0 Style Reports and Data Visualization
BIRT Designers produce rich, highly interactive and navigable reports with formatting, graphic, and conditional display options to meet complex requirements.

Web-based design metaphor
BIRT Designers use the drag and drop, design paradigm of familiar development tools such as Web-page designers, and web-band desktop publishing products for easy report development.

Wizards, editors and builders
BIRT Designers offer task-specific editors, builders and helpers such as wizards and cheat sheets that make it easy for developers of all skill levels to create reusable templates and reports.

Component-based model for reuse
BIRT Designers support component and design template reuse.

Extensible and flexible data access and handling
BIRT Designers efficiently integrate data from multiple data sources, transform the data and manipulate the data based on business logic.

Standards-based programmability
BIRT Designers offer programmatic control using standard languages and interfaces for nearly every aspect of report layout, data access, data transformation and report rendering.

Localization and i18n
BIRT Designers can create reports in a variety of languages and are available in different languages.