why do we use universe, instead of directly creating a report on top of database?

[Former Member]

Hi experts,

I have one doubt regarding the universe, why do we prefer universe for generating the report.

we can directly create the report from database. What is the specific reason for using the universe can any one explain that plsss.

[JYOUSAF]

Universe is a semantic layer which is created to hide database technicalities from the end user.  Running and creating an ad-hoc report off an existing data source defined for the end users is much simpler than creating a new report directly on database level.  Universe is considered to be the bread and butter of BusinessObjects tools.  You can manipulate data on a smaller scale, tailor it to your end users' requirements without having the need to make global changes on db level that would affect the whole database and a larger audience. 

[amitrathi239]

Hi,

With BO you can't connect directly with the database.Purpose of universe is to define the joins between tables once and use for standard  or adhoc reporting.For end user prospective they will not bother about the joins and they can simply drag & drop the objects and can generate the reports.

If same thing you have to do with database then you need strong knowledge of SQL.

Amit