Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for transferring data from a specified spreadsheet, having a name, rows and colunms, to a relational database table. The method includes the steps of receiving the spreadsheet at a given location, assigning a name to the relational database table that is derived from the spreadsheet name, and creating names for colunms of the table from the contents of a first row of the spreadsheet. Data types for respective colunms of the table are derived from the contents of a second row of the spreadsheet. After creation of the table, data is loaded into locations of the table from respectively corresponding cells of the specified spreadsheet.

Abstract: An improved solution for generating a custom report is provided. A tagged file is obtained, which comprises data and graphic information for the custom report. Image data for the custom report is generated based on the tagged file. The custom report is generated based on the image data, the tagged file, and a report definition for the custom report. In one embodiment, a computer infrastructure is provided for generating a custom report in multiple report formats based on content received from one or more diverse data sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for loading data from a spreadsheet into a dynamically created relational database table, based on conditions provided by a reference table. Alternative types of transmission links, such as E-mail, FTP and Internet web interface, may be used to send a spreadsheet to a location for processing, and security measures are provided for each type of transmission. One useful embodiment is directed to a method for transferring data from a specified spreadsheet, having a name, rows and columns, to a relational database table. The method includes the steps of receiving the spreadsheet at a given location, assigning a name to the relational database table that is derived from the spreadsheet name, and creating names for columns of the table from the contents of a first row of the spreadsheet. Data types for respective columns of the table are derived from the contents of a second row of the spreadsheet.

Abstract: An improved solution for generating a custom report is provided. A tagged file is obtained, which comprises data and graphic information for the custom report. Image data for the custom report is generated based on the tagged file. The custom report is generated based on the image data, the tagged file, and a report definition for the custom report. In one embodiment, a computer infrastructure is provided for generating a custom report in multiple report formats based on content received from one or more diverse data sources.