Crystal Server 2013 Vs Business Objects (BI 4.1) enterprise server

[Former Member]

I have a question on Crystal Server 2013 vs Business Objects (BI 4.1) enterprise server. How are they different from each other? When we go to the CMC both looks same how are they different? I know like Crystal server doesn't come with Universe and Webi etc. Can someone explain the differences?

[abhilash_kumar]

Hi,

CR Server 2013 is a 'stripped down' version of BI 4.1 that is intended specifically for Crystal Reports users.

It would make more sense for a 'Crystal Reports only' shop to use CR Server 2013 due to the lower license costs.

Apart from BI 4.1 offering WebI and Universe services, there aren't any other differences between the two.

-Abhilash

[Former Member]

How to identify if its a Crystal Server 2013 or BI 4.1 if one has to login and check? The look and feel and the version would still be the same, correct?

Also, Is it true that one can go for BI 4.1 enterprise and still just get crystal part and pay for crystal only and choose not to install Universe and Webi? Is there any documentation for comparison?

[abhilash_kumar]

Both CR Server 2013 and BI 4.1 have separate installers, so I'm not too sure if you could install BI 4.1 and use and pay for just the CR Services.

Also, I don't think there is a way to differentiate between the two products from the CMC page however, if you logon to the Server that hosts CR Server, the product's name should be listed under 'Add Remove Programs'.

-Abhilash

[former_member11696]

Hi Abhilash,

There is a difference with CR Server and the full BOE. CRS does not allow you to add other PC's to host BOE Services, it's single PC deployment only so you are limited to the number of Servers and resources available and if you need more then you will need to upgrade once again.

So depending on the scale you plan to support depends on which version you want to purchase and deploy.

And as you noted you don't get WEBI etc...

Don

[abhilash_kumar]

Ahh! This I didn't know. Thanks, Don!

-Abhilash

[Former Member]

Thanks Abhilash & Don for your responses.

Hi Don,

When you say CRS doesn't allow to add other PCS to host BOE Services. What does it mean can elaborate a little more? Also, how do i identify if its a BOE or CR Server running?

[former_member11696]

The keycode limits the BOE Services to one PC, you cannot add a RAS server ( or any other BOE servers ) to another PC.

I suggest contacting Sales and ask them for more info and details about what is what, they will have WIKI's and links handy and can explain about sizing you install etc.

Don

[Former Member]

Thanks for all the inputs. I am little confused on 32 bit and 64 bit for CR Server 2013. The setup file itself is 64 bit but it gets installed on the 32 bit program files. Why is it so?

[former_member11696]

Because RAS is 32 bit and all other CRS Services are 64 bit