Publish Reports to a Report Server
This document guides you through the process of publishing reports from SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) or Report Builder to a SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) report server. Publishing makes your reports accessible to users through a web portal or embedded in applications.
Prerequisites
- A functional SQL Server Reporting Services report server installed and configured.
- Appropriate permissions to publish reports to the target report server. Typically, this requires membership in the Browser, Content Manager, or My Reports role assignments on the report server.
- SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) installed for Visual Studio, or SQL Server Report Builder.
Methods for Publishing Reports
1. Publishing from SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
This is the most common method when developing reports using Visual Studio.
Open your Reporting Services project in SSDT.
In Solution Explorer, right-click on the report project name.
Select Properties.
In the project's Property Pages, navigate to Reporting Services.
Configure the TargetServerURL property. This is the URL of your report server. For example: http://YourServerName/ReportServer or https://YourServerName/ReportServer.
You can also specify the TargetReportFolder. If this is left blank, the report will be published to the root folder of the report server.
Click Apply and then OK.
To deploy all reports in the project, right-click the project again in Solution Explorer and select Deploy.
To deploy a single report, right-click the specific report file (.rdl) and select Deploy.
2. Publishing from Report Builder
Report Builder offers a simpler interface for creating and publishing reports, especially for business users.
Open your report in Report Builder.
Click the Run tab to preview your report.
Click the Report menu button.
Select Save As.
In the "Save As" dialog box, choose Report Server as the location.
Enter the report server URL (e.g., http://YourServerName/ReportServer) and navigate to the desired folder, or create a new one.
Provide a name for your report and click Save.
Post-Publishing Steps
- Configure Permissions: Ensure the appropriate users and groups have read access to the published report on the report server.
- Set Report Properties: Configure report parameters, subscriptions, and caching settings via the report server's web portal or management tools.
- Test Access: Verify that users can access and view the report successfully through the report server's web portal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Connection Errors: Double-check the
TargetServerURLfor typos and ensure the report server is accessible from your development machine. Firewall rules might also be a cause. - Permission Denied: Verify your user account has the necessary role assignments on the report server.
- Report Deployment Errors: Check the build output in SSDT for detailed error messages. Ensure all data sources and datasets are correctly configured.