Like a view in a relational database, an information object is a named SQL query. An information object can retrieve data using:
Database tables and views
Stored procedures
ODA data sources, including Web Services and XML
Other information objects
An information object can retrieve data from more than one data source.
Report developers use information objects when they access data with BIRT Designer Professional. Business users use information objects when they access data with Report Studio.
Database tables and views