Datasheet
Looking around the room, you find a name card with her name on it. You explore the details of this call,
and you find that Julie had asked if you offer a solution comparable to a very expensive product from a
competitor. Checking the competition’s web site, you discover that the competing product Julie had men-
tioned uses older technology, has a smaller capacity than the new system, and costs considerably more. You
save a report with all of the pertinent specifications to your memory card, hand the card to the administra-
tive assistant sitting next to you, and ask that he make printed copies of the PDF file it contains.
Your colleague finishes her presentation and then introduces you. Taking another quick glance at the
new product specs, you begin your introduction (see Figure 1-2).
Figure 1-2
You explain that one of your team’s greatest strengths is your real experience and understanding of how
business can change from day to day. In order to be responsive and competitive, it’s necessary to adapt to
these changes. You show the brochure for the midscale product and explain that this product would be an
excellent solution for a company that just scans documents. But for digital video, a more capable solution
is required. You share the product specification and qualify the product to meet your customer’s needs.
During your presentation, the administrative assistant returns with the printed specification report. Not
missing a beat, you distribute copies to everyone and conclude your presentation. You make brief eye
contact with your colleague, who raises an eyebrow just before your customer’s chief decision maker,
Julie, aggressively shakes your hand and thanks you profusely for your time and extra effort.
Solution Types
Reporting solutions come in a variety of sizes and shapes. These range from the standard Report
Manager web interface to a completely customized application with integrated reporting features. The
types of software solutions that might incorporate reporting include:
ACME
DATA
STORAGE
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What Can You Do with Reporting Services?
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