JReport 11 Brings New Dashboard, Mobile Options

May 8, 2012 Alex Woodie

Jinfonet Software last month unveiled JReport 11, the newest version of its Java-based reporting software, which can run on the IBM i server. Version 11 introduces new data visualization capabilities, new dashboard options, and the capability to view reports on iOS devices.

JReport is a lightweight suite of business intelligence tools that, up to this point, included three core modules, including a drag-and-drop report designer, a report distribution and management tool, and an ad-hoc reporting and multi-dimensional module. The software runs on any Java-based Web application server, and is typically utilized as an embedded reporting tool for other Web applications.

With JReport 11, the company has added a new JDashboard module. This module provides another way for users to interact with JReport features. Users can drag and drop any existing reports created with JReport onto their Web-based dashboards, or make use of any of the 40-plus pre-defined charts that ship with the product’s component library. Users can also create mashups with JDashboard, and include third-party widgets, such as Google‘s Maps widget, in their dashboards.

JReport 11 also includes new data visualization capabilities that will change how users interact with reports. The so-called “live charting” feature lets users view data trends by “auto-playing” chart parameters. For example, this will let a user put a chart in motion to see how a piece of reported data changes over the course of a year, Jinfonet says.

The reporting suite’s new “real-time” charting capability can be used to create charts that are continuously updated from Web services feeds. Real-time charts are scroll-able. The company says this feature can be used to monitor applications, such as system performance or stock charts. The live charting and real-time report types can also be used in the JDashboard feature.

The new version also includes also includes support for viewing dashboards on Apple‘s iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. The JReport 11 iOS app is free and can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store.

Jinfonet’s reports have been deployed using both HTML and Flash technology. With version 11, Jinfonet is supporting the new HTML5 standard. The Rockville, Maryland, company says support for HTML5 will boost performance, simplify integration, and minimize cross-platform issues.