JasperReports is Java-based software used as a business reporting tool. Teodor Danciu created it in 2001, but it was Panscopic, which later became JasperSoft, that further developed the software when it acquired the intellectual property rights over JasperReports in 2004. The software takes data from any source, such as MS Excel, and converts it into charts and graphs that can be manipulated and reconstructed on the fly during presentations. The reports can be exported into several formats, including PDF, HTML, RTF, ODT, TXT, CSV, XLS, and XML files. Businesses may download the software's code for modification under a GPL license before integrating it into their system. Meanwhile, companies may buy the software for an out-of-the-box installation for quicker deployment and full-fledged technical support from JasperSoft. This program simply needs an installation of JAVA JDK 1.6 or higher and a JDBC 2.1 driver to run smoothly.
JasperSoft's iReport Designer is the Open Source tool used in creating visually appealing graphics for printing financial reports on paper and rendering the charts on a webpage. Rather than simply printing a text report, users can add images and background designs or change the color scheme based on a theme. Aside from the basic pie charts and bar graphs, iReport also outputs data into scatter, bubble or time-series graphs or creates a multi-layered Gantt chart for project management. Moreover, developers may customize the reports with scripts and enhance their functions with widgets. Reports are exported into popular formats, which include PDF, HTML, DOCX, RTF, XLS, CSV, XML, Text, or OpenOffice files. The pages may be saved as PNG images, too. Lastly, users can easily drag and drop elements into the page, edit colors and shapes, and add text through an accessible tools menu.