There are two types of topics: V1 and V2. V1 topics can't be modified because they’re SQL-based and are created outside of the report designer. V2 topics can be created in Reporting and Analytics > Reporting > Reports when you click Add > Add Report to create a report starting with a blank dataset.
There are some important differences in how you can use V1 and V2 topics and the reports built on them. The Topic Type column in the list of reports in Reporting and Analytics > Reporting > Reports displays whether the report's topic is V1 or V2. The topic type is also displayed in the Add Report from Topic dialog box that opens when you click Add > Add Report from Topic.
| V1 Topics | V2 Topics |
|---|---|
| Created and edited outside of the report designer. |
Can be created by using the Add > Add Report feature in Reporting and Analytics > Reporting > Reports. Can be edited in the report designer. |
| Can be used for multiple reports. Topic updates affect all reports based on that topic. |
If the topic name is blank or has an asterisk before it in Reporting and Analytics > Reporting > Reports, then the topic is specific to that report. Changes to the dataset are specific to that report. If the topic name isn’t blank and doesn't have an asterisk in Reporting and Analytics > Reporting > Reports, it can be used for multiple reports. |
| Can use a custom field in the expression for another custom field. | Cannot use a custom field in the expression for another custom field. |
| Report distribution isn’t supported. | Can be distributed to other employees in your organization. |
| OData supported. | Web Services and OData supported. |