SAP has officially started phasing out support, signaling no support for several older versions of Crystal Reports delivered in SAP BI 2025 and pushing organizations toward the latest version and analytics platforms, and or upgrading to the newest version of SAP Crystal Reports in SAP BI 2025.
- Migrate Crystal Reports to Power BI
- Crystal Reports alternatives in SAP BI 2025
- Crystal Reports consulting services
DESSS Crystal Report Consulting
Are all Crystal Reports versions not supported?
The answer is: not completely, but support is winding down for some older versions and is still delivered in SAP BI 2025.
- Crystal Reports 2016: Mainstream support ended in 2022, with full support ending in 2024.
- Crystal Reports for Enterprise: Scheduled to be removed entirely from SAP Business Intelligence in the 2025 release.
- Crystal Reports 2020: Still supported, but only until the end of 2026; can be delivered in SAP BI 2025.
This trend highlights the shift away from outdated reporting systems toward SAP BI 2025 and modern business intelligence (BI) solutions that are faster, cloud-ready, and built for real-time analytics.
Why is SAP retiring the older version of Crystal Reports and delivering it in SAP BI 2025?
There are three main reasons SAP is sunsetting Crystal Reports:
- Product Simplification: Consolidating BI products under fewer, modern solutions.
- Outdated Technology: Limited scalability, poor cloud integration, and a dated interface.
- End of Support Risks: Unsupported systems create compliance, stability, and cybersecurity risks.
With the end of several older versions of Crystal Reports support, businesses need to explore stronger BI platforms or upgrade to the latest version. Popular Crystal Reports alternatives include:
- SAP BI 2025
- SAP Analytics Cloud – SAP’s modern replacement for Crystal Reports.
Other optional systems are:
- Power BI – Best for interactive dashboards and cloud-based reporting.
- Tableau – Powerful data visualization and analytics features.
- Jasper Reports, BIRT, Pentaho – Strong open-source reporting options.
- SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) – A Microsoft-native solution for structured reporting.
Why You Should Start Upgrading Now?
By starting early, you can:
- Avoid last-minute disruptions.
- Redesign legacy reports into modern, interactive dashboards.
- Improve decision-making with real-time insights and cloud integration.
Expert Help with Crystal Reports Migration from DESSS
Migrating from a legacy system can be complex. That’s where expert guidance is essential. DESSS Crystal Report Consulting helps businesses transition seamlessly. Their services include:
- Migrating existing Crystal Reports to SAP BI 2025, Power BI, Tableau, SAP latest version, or SAP Analytics Cloud.
- Modernizing outdated reports with advanced visualization.
- Advisory and consulting to align reporting with future business goals.
Final Thoughtshttps://www.desss.com/sql-server-reporting-consulting-advisory-company.html
The older versions of Crystal Reports are no longer supported, but are delivered in SAP BI 2025. But it also opens the door to better reporting solutions in newer versions. Businesses should see this as an opportunity to upgrade, improve reporting efficiency, and unlock data-driven decision-making. With expert support from DESSS, your migration journey can be smooth, cost-effective, and future-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does Crystal Reports stop supporting all the versions?
No. Crystal Reports are stopped, with no support for only older versions. You can still migrate or upgrade to SAP BI 2025. You can check on the website which version you are using and when support ends. You can either upgrade or change new version of the SAP BI 2025 BI Platform. SAP has ended support for Crystal Reports 2016 (full support ended in 2024). Crystal Reports for Enterprise will be removed in the 2025 release of SAP Business Intelligence. Crystal Reports 2020 remains supported until the end of 2026.
2. What is the Crystal Reports no support date?
- Crystal Reports 2016: Support ended in 2024.
- Crystal Reports for Enterprise: Will be removed in 2025.
- Crystal Reports 2020: Supported until the end of 2026.
To check the exact date, you may check with the SAP website
3. What are the alternatives to Crystal Reports?
The most popular Crystal Reports alternatives include below, but nothing is best, and all depends on your needs and preferences.
4. Why is SAP phasing out Crystal Reports?
SAP is simplifying its product portfolio, focusing on modern BI platforms with better cloud support, scalability, and real-time analytics. Older versions of Crystal Reports have outdated technology and present security risks once support ends.
5. How do I migrate from Crystal Reports to a modern BI solution?
Migration involves assessing your existing reports, choosing the right alternative (Power BI, Tableau, SAP Analytics Cloud, etc.), and redesigning reports for scalability and interactivity. Working with experts like DESSS Crystal Report Consulting ensures a smooth transition with minimal disruption.