Where to start learning Business Objects

Hello All,

I am a SAS Programmer working in Pharmaceutical Industry of lately
developed Interest to learn new Database OALP tools and I thought
Business Object would be best for my field. As I know nothing about
this tool/language I want your advice from BO gurus where I can start
transaction from. I hear lot of things like Crystal reports Web
reports BI . So any can help me where I can start and what should I
start (Something like Start Crystal reports then BO ). Any good books
for absolute beginners and if there is Place for tutorials and Place
of software download Please.

I know it is one of the most mundane and stupid questions to ask but
I would really appreciate a detailed response with Links.

Thanks
Kumar