| Chapter 1 Introduction |
PTReportCom is a solution that generates reports using Microsoft PowerPoint. Using Microsoft PowerPoint and PTReportCom, you can create all kinds of reports quickly and easily. PTReportCom includes an ActiveX DLL and an executable file that can be used to develop your applications. It will significantly accelerate your application development.
PTReportCom is a template-based solution. To create a report, you need to create a report template file first. The report template file is a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation that defines the layouts and formats of a report. PTReportCom retrieves data from data source and fills data into PowerPoint presentation.
PTReportCom includes the following features:
Just use Microsoft PowerPoint as your reporting tool. You design reports like layouts, formats and styles directly using Microsoft PowerPoint. And you will get reports in Microsoft PowerPoint spreadsheet format as a result. Microsoft PowerPoint is powerful, flexible and familiar. You do not need to buy and learn extra reporting tools.
The main advantage of using PTReportCom is based on the fact that all formatting is done directly in Microsoft PowerPoint. You can take full advantage of Microsoft PowerPoint including text formatting, tables, charts, pictures and graphics, drawing, headers and footers, preview and printing, VBA, macros, and more.
PTReportCom executes SQL statements to extract data from database. Supports all type SQL: DML, DDL and DCL. Multiple SQL statements can be executed in one report building process. You can perform queries on databases, insert data into databases, and create database objects like tables. The power of SQL can be harnessed for maximum efficiency in reporting.
Using ADO, PTReportCom can access and manipulate a wide variety of data sources such as Oracle, DB2, Sybase, Informix, Microsoft SQL Server, Teradata, MySQL, Microsoft Access, dBase.
PTReportCom includes an ActiveX DLL for building application. Developers can save time and meet their users' needs by integrating the report processing power of PTReportCom into their applications.
PTReportCom includes a command line program PPTReport.exe. You can use the program to create reports too. It does not require programming. It is enough if you know how to use Microsoft PowerPoint and how to write SQL.
PTReportCom provides various reporting capabilities including sorting data, grouping data, subreports, totaling and summarizing data, formatting, charting and pictures. It is easy to create simple reports, and, you can create complex reports.