McLeod Software, Birmingham, Ala., has added two new tools to its Business Intelligence Framework, the company's open, scalable framework that helps customers develop and produce custom business reports.

Since these reports are platform independent, customer executives and managers can now view the reports on any device that supports a browser, including on Blackberry or an iPhone.

The first new tool, Business Requirements Life Cycle, was designed to bridge the gap between the request for business information and the resulting report. The BRLC process takes users through a step-by-step process beginning with the initial information request, through an effective series of questions to ensure that the correct data is gathered and analyzed in order to deliver the most appropriate and accurate reports and information.

The company also rolled out a Data Marts (data stored in report-ready format) tool, which includes metrics, reports, graphs, charts and gauges, which customers can modify and customize according to their needs. Using Data Marts, customers can immediately create relevant reports customized to their business requirements, McLeod says.

"Having the right information at the right time is crucial to competing effectively in today's marketplace," said Tom McLeod, president and CEO. "A company cannot reach its profit potential without insightful reporting that is specific to its operating characteristics. Our Business Intelligence Framework and our workshops are structured to allow users to harness the power of the data in our system."

More info: www.McLeodSoftware.com