Xcelsius 2008 ?

other Xcelsius - Crystal Dashboard Design
1

Is there a newer version than 2008? I recently downloaded this trial version and hope that there is a newer release out there.

So far this version is so error prone including hanging up the application; then any type of application I took a look at. It is very frustrating, not intuitive at all and I can’t think about bringing this up for purchase to management.

If there is a new version out there, please let me know and is it as cumbersome to use as far as pitfalls. Pitfalls meaning, if you don’t stay on track with how the application wants you to do things; its screw up the workspace; hang indefinitely and produce an error report to be sent out to Microsoft(got this when I tried to import an Excel sheet).

thx.

BIFan (BOB member since 2007-10-31)

2

There are service packs for Xcelsius 2008 (up to service pack 3), each adds some functionality.

The next major release of Xcelsius is due out soon (I was thinking end of this month).

Xcelsius can be frustrating to work with, by my understanding it’s getting better all the time. But the results can be pretty amazing.

Bolandb (BOB member since 2010-06-08)

3

Use Xcelsius 2008 SP3 FP4 (SP = ServicePack, FP = FixPack)
Also for limited customers the new Xcelsius Enterprise, now re-branded as Dashboard Design 4.0 (if I am not mistaken) should be available in ramp-up (part of SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 ramp-up).

Andreas :de: (BOB member since 2002-06-20)

4

Thanks for the update. It is frustrating to say the least, especially when I render(Preview) a report and then when I go back the Properties panel covers the entire workspace. Frustrating and a Nuisance.

As mentioned, I am extermely new with this app so wanted to ask… Once you create and save an XLF report can you simply import it up to Webi or do you need to do something else in order for your user community to view it.

BIFan (BOB member since 2007-10-31)

5

There is an option in Xcelsius, called Export to Business Objects Platform.

That compiles the XLF file into a flash file (SWF), that file can be directly viewed by users from the document list, or put onto a dashboard.

The properties panel you can resize, hide, move to a different monitor. There are options with that.

Bolandb (BOB member since 2010-06-08)

6

I thought Xcelsius is in itself a dashboard? Am I mistaken or is this just a redundant comment about ‘put into a dashboard’.

Also, whent I attempt to Export the Xcelsius report to my Business Objects platform, the option is ‘greyed out’?

BIFan (BOB member since 2007-10-31)

7

  1. BO InfoView has a ‘dashboard’ component. I have been using that to publish Xcelsius dashboards.

  2. Not sure why the export to Enterprise is greyed out. I know that there are at least a couple of versions of Xcelsius and at least one of them does not support exporting to Enterprise (We have the enterprise version of Xcelsius).

I hope this helps.

kevlray :us: (BOB member since 2010-06-23)

8

Thanks Kevlray, I am thinking that it may be greyed out because I downloaded the trial version of Xcelsius.
It would have been nice for me to try so I can convince users of its capabilities.

thanks again,

BIFan (BOB member since 2007-10-31)

9

Andreas,

Do you know if when Xcelsius 2008 gets re-branded dashboard design in BO V4.0 if it is an upgrade to Xcelsius?

Also, any ideas or links related to licensing changes (or not)?

Thank you

tmcd :us: (BOB member since 2005-10-02)

10

I have not officially heard anything. I know in the past (for us) to upgrade to the next version required a new license (and some big bucks). I do not normally get involved directly with the licensing (unfortunately the staff person that has in the past has been out on medical leave for almost a year).

Because of our current budget situation (small county in California), we will not even consider upgrading to 4.0 any time soon.

kevlray :us: (BOB member since 2010-06-23)