DSS has been using the same version of Business Objects, 6.5, for a couple of years now, and it is no longer a supported version. In addition, ReportMart3, which is also a Business Objects product, is using a later version, called XI (ex-eye) Release 2, aka BOXI R2. We realized we could combine the DSS license with the RM3 license, and save the University about $40,000 per year. But that savings means we need to upgrade to be able to piggyback on the RM3 license.
As is often the case during an upgrade, this means that DSS users will have to perform a new installation of Business Objects to get BOXI R2 on their desktops. We will make this installation available to users starting on January 11, 2010. However, we will give users some time to make the switch. The old version will continue to work until March 1. But by March 1, if you have not upgraded, Business Objects 6.5 will no longer work.
DSS will be giving a demo on December 16, 2009 at 10:30 in Turing Auditorium to show our users how the installation will work, how to get to BOXI R2, and what the new version looks like (actually, it looks just like the old one). We hope you can attend! Please RSVP to Elizabeth Gardiner (bethgard@stanford.edu) if you plan to attend.