Competitive comparison: Oracle Reports vs. Jaspersoft

Reporting and embedded analytics platforms provide a wide range of tools for making data-driven decisions, including comprehensive reporting and scheduling functionalities.

However, finding the right reporting and embedded analytics platform can be challenging due to the glut of choices on the market. Fortunately, understanding the similarities and differences between Oracle Reports and Jaspersoft — two of the most popular options on the market — can help companies locate the best fit.

The Current Status of Oracle Reports

Oracle Reports has long been recognized as an award-winning enterprise reporting tool. Numerous businesses have used it to give immediate access to data to all levels outside of and within the company in a scalable and secure environment.

However, the future of Oracle Reports future is uncertain. As of Fusion Middleware 12c Release 2 (12.2.1.3.0), Oracle has officially deprecated the software, which means that no further development of Oracle Reports is planned. Even if there are future releases, Oracle will not be planning any functional enhancements for the program other than critical changes to ensure compatibility with newer technology stacks.

Oracle's decision to deprecate Oracle Reports represents a strategic effort to encourage users to transition to other tools in its suite, such as Oracle BI Publisher. BI Publisher provides a range of functionalities that Oracle Reports lacks, including a built-in scheduler, web service, non-Oracle databases, and a centralized data model. Jaspersoft also provides these features.

Key Similarities Between Oracle Reports and Jaspersoft

As two of the most established reporting and embedded analytics solutions in the marketplace, Oracle Reports and Jaspersoft share many similarities. These include:

• Comprehensive reporting capabilities: Both programs include dashboards that display real-time data to help users make data-driven decisions. They also let users visualize data and design pixel-perfect reports.

• Data source connectivity: These programs enable seamless connection to various data sources, including cloud services, relational databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs). This ensures reports are always based on up-to-date and accurate data.

• Report design tools: End users can create engaging, user-friendly reports for diverse audiences. They also provide customization options to ensure reports align with company branding.

• Parameters and interactivity: Users can use parameters to add interactivity to reports and dashboards. Interactivity involves users interacting with real-time data by changing values that drive calculations and visualizations.

• Scheduling and distribution: Users can leverage these programs to automate the distribution and scheduling of reports. This way, reports will get to stakeholders on time and in the right format.

• API for integration: Oracle Reports and Jaspersoft leverage API integration to ensure streamlined access to critical insights, which enhances productivity and reduces errors.

Key Differences Between Oracle Reports and Jaspersoft

Despite their similarities, Oracle Reports and Jaspersoft have several key differences. Here's what sets them apart.

Licensing and Cost

Oracle Reports is a commercial product and part of the Oracle Fusion Middleware Suite. As such, it requires a larger initial investment and higher licensing fees than open-source software.

On the other hand, Jaspersoft Commercial Edition runs on an open-source model, which means costs are determined by usage metrics, such as an Independent Software Vendor basis or the number of cores. This means it is generally more cost-effective than proprietary solutions like Oracle Reports.

Technology and Architecture

Oracle Reports is proprietary and tightly integrated with the Oracle ecosystem. As such, it can be challenging to integrate with, say, Java applications.

Meanwhile, Jaspersoft is built on Java, making it platform-independent and well-suited for integration with Java applications. It is often embedded within other software solutions.

Modernity and Updates

Oracle Reports has been deprecated since Fusion Middleware 12c Release 2 (12.2.1.3.0), which means Oracle will not be planning any enhancements for the program. 

In contrast, Jaspersoft releases new versions regularly.

Reporting Style and Features

Oracle Reports focuses on producing highly formatted, pixel-perfect reports. 

Meanwhile, Jaspersoft emphasizes modern reporting features like interactive dashboards, ad hoc reporting, and data visualization. It is geared towards web-based reporting and provides a more contemporary user experience.

Development Approach

Oracle Reports leans towards a declarative development style, where users define report layouts and data sources through visual tools and property settings. While this can simplify development for some users, it may offer less flexibility for complex customizations.

Jaspersoft offers a more flexible development approach, allowing for both visual design and programmatic customization. Developers familiar with Java will find it easier to extend and customize Jaspersoft reports.

Summary of Oracle Reports Versus Jaspersoft

• Oracle Reports: A mature, robust, and enterprise-grade tool, well-suited for Oracle-centric environments and pixel-perfect reporting requirements

• Jaspersoft: A modern, flexible, and cost-effective solution, ideal for organizations seeking open-source technology and interactive reporting features

What To Consider When Making the Move Between Tools

Once team members grasp the differences and similarities between Oracle Reports and Jaspersoft, they may consider transitioning from Oracle Reports to Jaspersoft or another platform.

Here's what organizations should do to prepare for the move to a new reporting and embedded analytics tool:

• List all data sources and review current access controls and security measures.

• Ensure the new reporting and embedded analytics system supports all required report formats, data sources, and functionalities.

• Create a data migration plan by considering the scope of the data to be migrated and how users will extract the data.

• Build a project team for the transition. Make sure to identify required roles and allocate required resources.

• Create a test plan covering all aspects of the migration.

These questions are only the first step when preparing to move to a new tool. Use the Jaspersoft Pre-Migration Checklist to further guide the migration process.

Why Jaspersoft Is a Good Replacement for Oracle Reports

Since Fusion Middleware 12c Release 2 (12.2.1.3.0), Oracle Reports has been deprecated. In other words, it will no longer receive functionality updates. 

One of the best replacements for Oracle Reports is Jaspersoft commercial edition. This budget-friendly open-source BI tool is platform-independent and well-suited for integration with Java applications. Jaspersoft also emphasizes modern reporting features like interactive dashboards and offers a more flexible development approach.

To learn more about Jaspersoft Commercial Edition, download our 30-day free trial. You can also contact us to learn more about our solutions.

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