Legacy to Modern: Transitioning SQR Reports To Advanced BI Platforms

SQR (Structured Query Reporter) is a scripting language designed for generating reports from database systems. It was widely used in the past, especially with PeopleSoft systems. PeopleSoft acquired SQR, or Structured Query Reporter, in the late 1990s. Later, in 2005, Oracle Corporation acquired PeopleSoft, and as a result, Oracle became the owner of all PeopleSoft assets, including SQR. However, over time, SQR has become considered somewhat outdated for several reasons:

1. Advancements in Reporting Technologies:

Modern Tools: Newer and more sophisticated reporting tools and Business Intelligence (BI) platforms have emerged, offering greater functionality, user-friendly interfaces, and advanced analytics capabilities. Tools like Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, and QlikView provide more robust and visually appealing data visualization options.

Integration Capabilities: Modern tools offer better integration with various data sources and systems, making them more versatile and efficient.

2. Shift to More Advanced Programming Languages:

Versatility: Languages like SQL, Python, and R have gained popularity for data manipulation and reporting due to their versatility, extensive community support, and wide range of applications beyond just reporting.

Advanced Analytics: These languages support advanced analytics and machine learning, which are increasingly important in today's data-driven decision-making processes.

3. Emergence of New Databases:

The rise of new database technologies, including NoSQL databases and cloud-based solutions, has led to a shift in how data is stored and managed, sometimes rendering SQR less compatible or efficient.

Performance: Newer technologies often provide better performance, especially with large, complex datasets.

4. User Expectations and Trends:

Dynamic and Interactive Reporting: There is a growing demand for dynamic, interactive reports and dashboards, which SQR is less equipped to provide than newer tools.

Self-Service BI: The trend towards self-service BI means that users now prefer tools that only require a little extensive technical knowledge to generate reports.

5. Maintenance and Support Challenges:

Decreasing Support: As technology evolves, support and updates for older technologies like SQR may decrease.

Skill Availability: Finding new talent proficient in SQR might be more challenging as the workforce tends to be trained in more current technologies.

6. Web and Mobile Reporting:

Online Accessibility: Modern reporting needs often include web-based and mobile-accessible reports, areas where SQR may fall short.

While SQR still has its uses, especially in legacy systems, these factors contribute to its perception as outdated compared to newer technologies, offering broader capabilities, greater efficiency, and better alignment with current data processing and reporting trends. For organizations still using SQR, considering a gradual migration to more modern solutions might be beneficial in the long term.

Using SQR (Structured Query Reporter) in modern computing environments, like any legacy technology, comes with its set of risks and challenges:

Compatibility Issues:

As new database technologies and updates are released, SQR may need to be fully compatible, leading to integration problems.

Limited Functionality:

As an older technology, SQR might need more advanced features and functionalities offered by newer reporting and data analysis tools.

Scalability Concerns:

With data's increasing volume and complexity, SQR might not scale as efficiently as modern tools, potentially impacting performance.

Security Risks:

Older technologies may need to adhere to the latest security standards or receive regular security updates, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats.

Maintenance Challenges:

As new database technologies and updates are released, SQR may need to be fully compatible, leading to integration problems.

Compatibility Issues:

Maintaining legacy systems can be challenging and costly, especially if there is a declining number of experts proficient in SQR.

The cost of maintaining compatibility with newer systems can be high.

Talent and Knowledge Gap:

Finding new IT professionals skilled in SQR can take time, as the focus has shifted to more current technologies.

This gap can lead to a dependency on a shrinking pool of experienced personnel.

Inefficiency in Reporting:

SQR may not provide the efficiency required for modern reporting needs, such as real-time analytics and interactive dashboards.

Integration with Modern Systems:

Integrating SQR with modern platforms and systems can be problematic, requiring additional layers of interface or middleware.

Limited Data Visualization:

SQR's capabilities in data visualization are likely limited compared to contemporary tools, which offer more dynamic and interactive visualization options.

Depreciation and Phasing Out:

As more organizations move towards newer technologies, SQR might become increasingly obsolete, potentially leading to its phasing out.

Resource Intensive:

Running and managing legacy systems like SQR can be resource-intensive regarding hardware and operational costs.

While SQR may still function adequately in specific legacy environments, these risks highlight the importance of evaluating the feasibility of migrating to more modern, robust, and secure reporting and data analysis tools. The decision to continue using SQR should be balanced against these potential challenges and the specific needs and capabilities of the organization.

SQR reports are currently being deprecated by various customers across the world. One of the main concerns in moving the legacy SQR reports to a modern reporting system is understanding the logic embedded in it. The complex SQR reports take months to understand and transfer to newer dashboards. DataTerrain, with a unique automation tool and experience in delivering SQR migration to the latest dashboards (BI Tools), makes the transition at unparalleled accuracy and speed. Typically, customers upgrade to modern Business Intelligence tools such as OBIEE/ OAC/ OAS or Jaspersoft.