Business Objects Launches Beta Of Next BI ReleaseBusiness Objects Launches Beta Of Next BI Release

Business Objects announced the beta version of Business Objects 11, the next major release of the firm's business intelligence product line. The product began shipping to beta customers early this month.

In a statement, Business Objects chairman and CEO Bernard Liautaud said Version 11 will integrate the firm's BI technology "across the product line." The firm indicated the platform will make business intelligence capability available to a broader set of individuals within companies, which continues a general trend among BI tools from several vendors.

"This is a significant milestone that demonstrates that Business Objects continues to execute on its product roadmap," Liautaud said.

Business Objects has spent a great deal of time and effort on integrating its own technology with that of Crystal Decisions, the enterprise reporting vendor that it acquired almost a year ago. The combined line includes software for reporting, query and analysis, performance management and data integration.

A company spokeswoman said it was too early to disclose pricing for Business Objects 11.