Web Intelligence 4.1 SP3: Applet (Java) vs. HTML

[Former Member]

Introduction

Web Intelligence documents can be created, edited or consumed via three different interfaces:

1. HTML
2. Applet (Java)
3. Desktop (Rich Client)

The following blog post is a feature comparison of the two web-based modes (HTML & Applet) on the latest version currently available (BI 4.1 SP03).

Select a Data Source

Data sources specific to Applet (Java): Excel, BEx & Analysis View.

Document Linking Wizard

• HTML is the only interface that offers a "Document Linking Wizard" within the [Report Elements] tab.
• Leveraging OpenDocument syntax is still possible in the Applet (Java) interface but must be entered manually.
• Note: While Web Intelligence documents based on BEx must be created in Applet (Java) mode, developers can still leverage the HTML specific document linking feature by viewing a Web Intelligence/BEx report and switching to "Design" mode.

Conditional Formatting

Only Applet (Java) can create new formatting rules.

Data Source Management

Features specific to Applet (Java):

• "Data" mode (in addition to Reading & Design).
• Ability to add a "New data provider" directly within Design mode (Data Access > Data Providers).
• Ability to "Change Source" directly within Design mode (Data Access > Tools).
• Ability to Delete, Rename and Change Source within Data mode.

Number Formatting

Only Applet (Java) can apply Custom number formats.