We are evaluating a couple mid-size projects and we plan on using Ruby or Python on Linux. The problem is that there is a reporting requirements that matches the .Net Crystal Reports /Dev Express type of reporting tools, designer and previewer. Some of us have used Crystal Reports and strongly disliked it. Others have used Dev Express XtraReports and, although still a little pricey, the team found that it was simple to use with a nice previewer.

The problem is that they are both .Net tools. None of us have done much with these types of report tools in a non-.Net product and we don't have the time to reinvent the wheel or to have a big learning curve. I suggested that we evaluate BIRT and Pentaho, but I'm not really a "reporting tool" developer, and the more experienced "reporting tool" devs feel that those tools are a little overcomplicated for our needs.

We're looking for a report framework with a web based report previewer and a report designer tool (can be windows only, but the more the better) for the less technical. Basically, a Dev Express XtraReport framework for a Linux based environment, ideally free or below $1000.

Maybe my Google skills suck, but I couldn't find a good option. Do you have suggestions? Is Pentaho much less complicated than the team thinks? Are there other options?

Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks.