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Databases SQL Basics Getting Data from a Database Tools We'll be Using

Why do companies use 3rd party tools to generate reports?

Andrew mentioned that companies use 3rd party tools to generate reports using SQL. What is the advantage of having a 3rd party generate reports for a company?

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
230,178 Points

They probably don't have another party generate reports. What he means by "3rd party tools" is that they use software made by a company other than the one which provides the database itself.

Steven Parker : As follow up question to your response, is the typical business application of a company's database then that the company uses SQL Server to house the actual data from the database and another piece of software to interact with the data? Thanks for your help w/ this very obscure(?) question!

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
230,178 Points

That's very likely, since most users are not likely to be skilled with SQL. Plus, users may never have access to the database directly and may only see a web app that access the data behind the scenes.

Bias, credibility. Cross reference checks.