Business Views vv Universes (multiple data sources)????

Our customer has a number of databases but they would like to have a single point of reference for reporting. They currently have BOE XI R2 with Business Intelligence, Crystal Reports, Business Views and Universes.

I gather that the latest recommended products are Universes and Business Intelligence. However the customer is used to Crystal Reports and all the literature and advice we have received is that Universes cannot support multiple databases even though they are supposed to be a replacement for Business Views!

So what are the problems with going for Business Views instead of Universes?

Will Universes support multiple database connections in the near future?

Will Crystal Reports be updated to fully support Universes? Will there be a simple migration path from Business Views to Universes once Universes gain multiple database support?

How long will Business Views continue to be supported for?

I can't find any information to answer any of these questions.

--- Alistair.