Although Christmas was three months ago, today (March 29, 2012) certainly feels like it as SAP delivers updates to its mobile business intelligence applications. SAP BusinessObjects Explorer 4.0.4 and SAP BusinessObjects Mobile BI 4.1 are available for download in the Apple iTunes store. These apps are beginning to show the first signs of how SAP’s “Mobile First” strategy will unfold, with the mobile applications providing new features and functionality rather than simply replicating what’s available from the desktop or web.
The release summary and links to the documentation are below.
NOTE: Both apps only indicate support for iOS 5. I’ve already upgraded my iPad 2 to iOS 5.1, so I hope SAP will quickly test that version.
What’s New in SAP BusinessObjects Explorer Version 4.0.4
- HTTPS support through email bookmark for corporate connection
- Support of iOS 5
- Bookmarks for offline usage
- Save password feature
What’s New in SAP BusinessObjects BI Mobile Version 4.1.0
- Integration with Sybase Unwired Platform
- Support of SAP Crystal Reports content
- Support of SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence functions, like drill, sections, input controls
- Integration with the SAP StreamWork application for improved collaboration
- Annotation capabilities for richer collaboration
- Improved security options, like document time-to-live, and disablement of password and data saving
- Data overlay on Google maps
An in-depth description of the new features and capabilities can be found in the User Guide.
For a brief tutorial, check the SAP YouTube channel.
NOTE: Although BI Mobile works with SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 3.1 SP5, SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Support Pack 2, and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Feature Pack 3, you’ll need to patch your server to the latest patch level to take advantage of new features and functionality. Otherwise, there will be no perceptible difference in the app from its previous version.
You can find all the documentation on the SAP Help Portal – https://help.sap.com/boall_en
or via SAP Notes – http://service.sap.com/notes
User guide: SAP Note 1696768
Administrator and Report Designer’s guide: SAP Note 1696764
Release Notes guide: SAP Note 1696771
Security Guide: SAP Note 1696770
Error Messages guide: SAP Note 1696772
How quickly will you patch your server to start using the new goodies?
Hi Marks, Thanks for the nice article. I am new to SAP BusinessObjects. Just wanted to confirm does SAP BO Mobile BI support development of web intelligence reports on mobile devices ?
Waqar, yes- the mobile app is for Web Intelligence and just recently added support for Crystal Reports. Just be aware that the technology is new and the mobile app doesn’t yet support 100% Webi features, although the percentage grows with each release.
The BI mobile app has its own release schedule independent of the BI platform.
I have installed new version BO Mobile and made a webi report with input controls but it not appears on ipad ? Also Idon’t have the demo reports with geodata card…? why ?
Anyone knows if iphone is supported with BI4.0? If yes then do we have any app for it just like we have it for ipad?
Yes, the latest version of SAP BusinessObjects Mobile BI supports the iPhone and iPod Touch in addition to the iPad. The Explorer mobile app has always supported the iPhone.
Does the Business Objects Explorer Mobile App run on other mobile platforms (e.g. Android)?
Grant, thanks for writing. Presently, Explorer is only available for iOS. I’m not sure about the roadmap – perhaps Explorer won’t show up on Android until it’s integrated into the existing Mobile BI app, as is intended for a future release of the Mobile BI app for iOS.