Opinions on an updateable database reporting option

I’m working with a client that needs the ability to pull from multiple databases into different report formats/templates and ultimately into an Excel format that their clients can use. I’m trying to sway them towards Crystal but they do not have the staffing to maintain CR. Any ideas with other reporting formats that can export to Excel templates? Or has anyone created an Excel report with database parameters (date ranges, vendor ID, PO#, etc.)? I’m looking at Pivot Tables but they seem to be not as “flexible” as CR. Thanks!