A data object is a collection of the following BIRT objects:

A data object can include any number of data sources, data sets, data models, data cubes, and report parameters. Although it is possible to create a single data object that contains all the data that dashboard users or report developers could possibly need, a data object that provides too much data can be confusing for users. In addition, the amount of memory that a data object uses increases with the number of data rows returned by data sets and the number of aggregations calculated by cubes.

If creating data objects for diverse groups of users or reports, evaluate how best to organize data into data objects and how much data to include in each data object.

The objects to include in a data object depend on which item—dashboard or BIRT report—is using the data object. Table 10‑1 lists the objects that you typically include when creating a data object for a dashboard and for a report.

The following topics describe in more detail the guidelines for designing data objects for dashboards and reports.