Documentation Sections

Reporting Services Architecture

This document provides a detailed overview of the architecture of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). Understanding the core components and their interactions is crucial for effective deployment, administration, and development of reporting solutions.

High-Level Architecture Diagram

A simplified representation of the SSRS architecture.

Placeholder for Reporting Services Architecture Diagram

(Note: A detailed diagram would typically be embedded here.)

Core Components

SQL Server Reporting Services is composed of several key components that work together to deliver reports to end-users:

Report Server

The Report Server is the central engine of Reporting Services. It manages the processing, rendering, and delivery of reports. It consists of two main modes:

  • Native Mode: The traditional deployment model where the Report Server runs as a standalone application.
  • SharePoint Integrated Mode: SSRS integrated with a SharePoint farm, leveraging SharePoint's infrastructure for management and access.

The Report Server includes:

  • Report Server Service: The core Windows service that runs the Report Server.
  • Report Server Database: Stores report definitions, snapshots, user credentials, and other operational data.
  • Report Server Web Service: Handles report processing requests and provides a SOAP endpoint for programmatic interaction.
  • Report Server URL: The web address used to access the Report Server.

Report Designer

Report Designer is a visual tool, typically part of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) or Visual Studio, used to create and modify RDL (Report Definition Language) files. It provides:

  • A user-friendly interface for designing report layouts.
  • Tools for defining data sources, datasets, and parameters.
  • Capabilities to add charts, tables, matrices, and other data visualizations.

Report Builder

Report Builder is a lighter-weight, business user-focused tool that allows users to create or modify paginated reports. It offers a simplified interface compared to Report Designer, with:

  • A more intuitive design surface.
  • Focus on data exploration and report creation for less technical users.
  • Can connect to published data sources available on the Report Server.

Report Manager

Report Manager is a web-based application used to administer and interact with the Report Server. It allows users to:

  • Upload, organize, and manage reports and related items.
  • Configure security settings for reports and folders.
  • Manage subscriptions and delivery extensions.
  • View report execution logs.
  • Set Report Server properties.

In SharePoint Integrated Mode, these functionalities are typically managed through SharePoint libraries and settings.

Data Sources and Datasets

Reporting Services supports a wide range of data sources. A Data Source defines the connection information (server, database, authentication) to a data source. A Dataset is a collection of data that is retrieved from a data source using a query or command. These are fundamental building blocks for any report.

Rendering Extensions

SSRS uses rendering extensions to output reports in various formats. Common formats include:

  • HTML (for web viewing)
  • PDF
  • Excel (.xlsx)
  • Word (.docx)
  • XML
  • Image formats (TIFF, PNG, JPEG)

Delivery Extensions

Delivery extensions are used to distribute reports. Subscriptions leverage these extensions to send reports to users via email, file shares, or other destinations.

Deployment Models

Native Mode

In Native Mode, the Report Server runs as a standalone service, independent of other server applications. This is a common and straightforward deployment strategy.

SharePoint Integrated Mode

When Reporting Services is installed in SharePoint Integrated Mode, it leverages the SharePoint infrastructure for report management, security, and access. Reports are stored in SharePoint document libraries, and users interact with them through SharePoint interfaces. This model provides enhanced collaboration and integration with other SharePoint features.

Interaction Flow

  1. A user requests a report via a browser or application.
  2. The Report Server receives the request through its Web Service.
  3. The Report Server loads the report definition (RDL).
  4. It establishes a connection to the specified Data Source.
  5. It executes the Dataset queries to retrieve data.
  6. The Report Server processes the data and applies the report layout.
  7. A Rendering Extension converts the processed report into the desired output format (e.g., HTML).
  8. The rendered report is sent back to the user.

Key Considerations

  • Scalability: For high-volume environments, consider Report Server scale-out.
  • Security: Implement role-based security for both the Report Server and the data sources.
  • Performance: Optimize queries, use caching, and consider report snapshots.
  • High Availability: Configure Report Server for failover and redundancy.
« Previous: Introduction Next: Installation »