Using the information available in the Early Knowledge Transfer (EKT) for BI4.1 SP06 (in the SAP Learning Hub at training.sap.com), I read more about BI variants. These only work with Web Intelligence now - will it work with BEx queries? What about Mobile BI? See below.
First I used the Web Intelligence samples that come with the BI Platform (not BEx queries)
Figure 1
You can see the disk with the + sign to "create prompt variant".
Figure 2
So I create a few BI prompt variants with different saved criteria. These work as expected.
Now Web Intelligence with BEx queries:
Figure 3
So I run the query in Web Intelligence and create a prompt in the query panel (the above shows the Message Priority field)
Figure 4
Figure 4 shows the Message Priority prompt
Figure 5
Figure 5 shows where I create another BI variant
Limitations per the EKT document include that a copy of the document does not copy the variant and "variants cannot be shared between documents or users"
How does this look with Mobile BI?
Figure 6
When I logon to Mobile BI I am notified of the new documents added (which is a nice feature)
I don't think Mobile BI supports BI variants:
Figure 7
I don't see my available variants - maybe this is coming?
Reference
Upcoming ASUG Business Intelligence Community W... | ASUG
ASUG Webcast: Aug. 25 What is New in BI4.1 SP06
ASUG Webcast: Sept. 15 What is Coming in SAP BusinessObjects BI4.2