One of the most commonly used report-writing programs around the world; Crystal Reports have been in use for more than 10 years, though many did not realize they were using it. Not specified by name and commonly grouped with other programs, this innovative reporting tool has only recently begun to garner the attention it deserves. Taking dull, flat reports and turning them into exciting visual displays, Crystal Reports are a must-have for any contentious business.

The job of Crystal Reports is to take basic data and change it into a report which is not only easily-understood, but pleasing to the eye. By allowing the user to call upon almost all types of charts, maps and graphs, this program grants a new level of freedom to report generators. Also capable of entering texts, tiles, columns and diagrams, users are able to generate personalized charts and maps, as well as allowing them to save their reports and enter new data fields, at a later date, saving a great deal of time and work. Crystal Reports opens the business to a wide variety of options, allowing information to be sent to all networking computers, to be placed on the Web, or making printer-friendly versions that can be used in presentations.

At first glance, Crystal Reports may seem very intimidating to the new user, especially when one encounters Crystal Reports boot camps and high-priced schooling that is advertised on the Web. Fortunately, a large portion of this program relies upon drag and drop technology, simplifying what others would have you believe to be very complex. Additionally, many publications offer step-by-steps and how-to guides on using this popular program. With patience and a willingness to explore, Crystal Reports are easy to use and provide high-quality work with very little expertise.