Ad Hoc Reporting is a powerful feature of the report server which allows even unexperienced users to quickly create meaningful reports. As the operator of an server, you're able to specify the Ad Hoc layouts and datasources or dataviews available to the users as well as the appearance and features of the Ad Hoc user interfaces.

Depending on the selected ad hoc layout the user can use the easy-to-use interface to set datasource, filter, grouping and data for charts or crosstabs. If enabled in the ad hoc configuration the user can save the result as ad hoc report or .rpt file.

There are several terms which have a special meaning in the context of Ad Hoc Reporting with i-net HelpDesk.

An ad hoc layout is the basis for any report in Ad Hoc Reporting. The layout defines the style of a report and the elements, which can be set and modified by the user. Layouts can be created and modified using the i-net Designer application.

The ad hoc report is what the user creates by selecting an ad hoc layout and setting up it's elements. The ad hoc report does not refer to the result which is generated when then users renders the ad hoc report!

A Dataview defines a view on a data source. Dataviews hide away the complexity of database access, filtering and formula definitions and will present only a plain list of fields to the user. Data Views are very useful to increase the usability and security of your ad hoc service. Dataviews can be tailored to specific users or groups, to prevent sensible information from being provided to the wrong users.

The Ad Hoc Reporting swing- or remote interface presents the properties of an ad hoc layout in form of several pages. Each page has a special purpose like selecting an ad hoc layout, defining the fields to display or setting up a chart.