( Geek2Live.net )

I thought I’d talk a little about my background with Business Objects to give you an understanding of my skill set and experience.

I was first introduced to Business Intelligence in 2001, when I started working for a small engineering company. One of my primary responsibilities was to maintain the existing Crystal Reports (v8.5) and Crystal Enterprise (v8). Mind you, I was only 17, but very eager to learn. I undertook all the Crystal training courses and slowly learnt all I could. We migrated to v9 of both CR and CE, then v10, then finally XI.

I worked a lot with the backend of MapInfo’s GIS product (Access), and also Sybiz Vision (FoxPro – yuck!).

In early 2007, I decided to take the plunge and started employment with Power Business Systems (now CSG), as a Business Intelligence Consultant. By this time, I was totally at ease with both Crystal XI and Crystal Reports Server XI. I quickly upskilled with Webi, Deski, Universes, Data Integrator, and the more advanced administration of Business Objects Enterprise.

Over the past year I’ve handled most of the training for CSG, which includes:

• Crystal Reports XI-R2 Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Desktop Intelligence XI-R2 Beginner and Advanced
• Web Intelligence XI-R2 Beginner and Advanced
• Universe Designer XI-R2
• Business Objects Enterprise Administration (Users and Content, Admin Servers, and Designing and Deploying a Solution)
• Data Integrator XI-R2

I have attained both my Business Objects Certified Professional – Crystal Reports (BOCP-CR) and Business Objects Certified Professional – Business Objects Enterprise (BOCP-BOE) which are the only two currently available certifications for Business Objects Professionals.

I also am accredited to train Webi, Deski, Universe Design and Data Integrator (there are no certifications for these yet).

I was privileged to attend the 2007 Business Objects Insight held in Sydney, where the upcoming release of XI-R3 was announced.

- Josh