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Databases · head to head

Apache Solr vs SAP BusinessObjects

Apache Solr logo

Apache Solr

Databases

Enterprise search platform built on Apache Lucene

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SAP BusinessObjects logo

SAP BusinessObjects

Business Intelligence

Enterprise business intelligence suite

From
$400/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apache Solr has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apache Solr xML-heavy configuration and a developer experience that feels dated beside newer engines; SAP BusinessObjects sAP BusinessObjects Private Cloud Edition is listed on UK G-Cloud 14 as a Cloud software service by SAP (UK) Limited titled 'SAP Business Objects Private Cloud Edition', alongside a reseller listing from NTT DATA Business Solutions; the G-Cloud search results describe it as subscription-based but show no per-user or per-month figure in the listing summary
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, SAP BusinessObjects covers Crystal Reports.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Solr and SAP BusinessObjects actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Solr and SAP BusinessObjects differ
AttributeApache SolrSAP BusinessObjects
Starting priceFree$400/month
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hostedWeb, Desktop, Mobile
CategoryDatabasesBusiness Intelligence
FoundedUnknown1972

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Solr

  • Lucene-based indexing
  • Faceted search
  • SolrCloud
  • Schema control

Only in SAP BusinessObjects

  • Crystal Reports
  • Web Intelligence
  • Lumira
  • Analysis for Office
  • Live Office
  • SAP HANA
  • SAP ERP
  • Oracle

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Solr

  • Library, archive and catalogue search where faceting is centralnot SAP BusinessObjects
  • Long-lived enterprise deployments valuing stability over noveltynot SAP BusinessObjects
  • Search requiring precise, explicitly configured relevance tuningnot SAP BusinessObjects

SAP BusinessObjects

  • Enterprise reportingnot Apache Solr
  • Executive dashboardsnot Apache Solr
  • Regulatory compliancenot Apache Solr
  • Strategic planningnot Apache Solr
  • Operational analyticsnot Apache Solr

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Solr

  • XML-heavy configuration and a developer experience that feels dated beside newer engines
  • SolrCloud depends on ZooKeeper, adding a component Elasticsearch removed years ago
  • Smaller mindshare now, so newer tutorials, hiring and integrations favour Elasticsearch
  • Considerably heavier than a purpose-built application search engine

SAP BusinessObjects

  • SAP BusinessObjects Private Cloud Edition is listed on UK G-Cloud 14 as a Cloud software service by SAP (UK) Limited titled 'SAP Business Objects Private Cloud Edition', alongside a reseller listing from NTT DATA Business Solutions; the G-Cloud search results describe it as subscription-based but show no per-user or per-month figure in the listing summary

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Solr

Free
  • Apache SolrFree
    • Full functionality
    • No usage limits
    • Community support

SAP BusinessObjects

$400/month
  • Standard$400/month
    • Core BI Tools
    • Web Intelligence
    • Crystal Reports
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Full Suite
    • Advanced Features
    • Premium Support

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Solr if

  • You need lucene-based indexing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted.
  • You also want faceted search.
Apache Solr review

Choose SAP BusinessObjects if

  • You need crystal reports.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
  • You also want web intelligence.
SAP BusinessObjects review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Solr or SAP BusinessObjects better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Solr starts at Free and SAP BusinessObjects at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Solr or SAP BusinessObjects?
Apache Solr has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apache Solr and $400/month for SAP BusinessObjects.
Does Apache Solr or SAP BusinessObjects run on more platforms?
Apache Solr runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted. SAP BusinessObjects runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Can I use Apache Solr for free?
Yes. Apache Solr has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SAP BusinessObjects starts at $400/month.
What is Apache Solr best used for?
Apache Solr is most often used for library, archive and catalogue search where faceting is central, long-lived enterprise deployments valuing stability over novelty, search requiring precise, explicitly configured relevance tuning. Of those, library, archive and catalogue search where faceting is central and long-lived enterprise deployments valuing stability over novelty are not what SAP BusinessObjects is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Solr do that SAP BusinessObjects cannot?
Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, Faceted search, SolrCloud, Schema control. SAP BusinessObjects covers Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, Lumira, Analysis for Office.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Solr: Is Apache Solr free?

Yes, open source under the Apache Software Foundation.

Apache Solr: Solr or Elasticsearch?

Both are built on Lucene. Elasticsearch has the larger ecosystem and a friendlier API; Solr is very mature and strong on faceted search, and remains common in library and catalogue systems.

Apache Solr: Is Solr still maintained?

Yes, actively, as a top-level Apache project.

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