Is Crystal Reports (versions XI or 2008) stil considered a leader

I’m interested in learning and using a data reporting solution for sever business databases (CRM programs, website activity, hardware inventory, etc). I am considering purchasing the latest version of Crystal Reports that offers an upgrade option (0) since I have an older eligible version of Crystal Reports (8.0). Question is, is knowledge of using Crystal Reports still considered valuable as a skill in the workforce, and is the software itself still considered a leader in it’s field, or would I be better off just using the new reporting tools that Microsoft includes in SQL 2005 & it’s upcoming SQL 2008. I haven’t looked into using the included reporting features of MSSQL so I don’t know if it will be worth even paying the paltry 0 to upgrade the Crystal Reports.