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SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) Overview

Last updated: October 26, 2023  |  Author: Microsoft Docs

Introduction to Reporting Services

SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based report generation software application by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft SQL Server suite of services. SSRS provides a comprehensive platform for creating, deploying, and managing paginated, mobile, and interactive reports in an organization, as well as a platform for developing reportable data. It allows users to create reports from various data sources, including relational databases, OLAP cubes, and XML data.

SSRS enables users to access reports through a web portal or to embed them in applications. It offers a rich set of tools for report design, data retrieval, and report formatting, making it a powerful solution for business intelligence and data visualization needs.

Key Components of SSRS

SSRS is comprised of several key components that work together to deliver a complete reporting solution:

  • Report Designer: A visual tool, integrated into SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), used to create and edit reports. It provides a drag-and-drop interface for laying out report items, defining data sources, and creating datasets.
  • Report Server: The core component that manages and serves reports. It hosts reports, processes report requests, and renders reports in various formats. The report server can be configured in native mode or integrated SharePoint mode.
  • Report Server Web Service: An API that clients use to interact with the report server. This includes submitting report requests, managing reports, and subscribing to reports.
  • Report Manager: A web-based application for managing reports, data sources, and subscriptions on the report server. (Note: In recent versions, this functionality is largely integrated into the Report Server web portal).
  • Report Viewer Controls: Components that can be embedded in applications (e.g., ASP.NET, Windows Forms) to display reports directly within the application's user interface.
  • SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): The integrated development environment (IDE) for creating SSRS projects, including report definition language (RDL) files.

Key Features

SSRS offers a wide array of features to support your reporting requirements:

  • Paginated Reports: Create highly formatted, pixel-perfect reports suitable for printing or exporting to formats like PDF, Word, and Excel.
  • Interactive Reports: Enable users to interact with reports by drilling down, expanding/collapsing sections, and filtering data.
  • Mobile Reports: Design responsive reports optimized for consumption on mobile devices.
  • Data Visualization: Incorporate charts, gauges, maps, and data bars to visually represent data trends.
  • Multiple Data Sources: Connect to a wide range of data sources, including SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Oracle, Analysis Services, and more.
  • Report Subscriptions: Schedule reports to be delivered automatically to users via email or to a network folder.
  • Report Caching: Improve performance by caching report snapshots.
  • Role-Based Security: Control access to reports and data based on user roles and permissions.
  • Report Parts: Create reusable report components that can be shared across multiple reports.
  • Power BI Integration: Seamlessly integrate SSRS paginated reports into Power BI workspaces.

Common Use Cases

SSRS is a versatile tool used in various scenarios:

  • Financial reporting (e.g., P&L statements, balance sheets)
  • Sales and marketing analysis
  • Operational dashboards
  • Inventory and supply chain reports
  • Customer service metrics
  • Data export for external applications

Getting Started with SSRS

Tip: To begin using SSRS, you'll typically need to install SQL Server with the Reporting Services feature enabled or install Reporting Services separately. You'll then use SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) to design your reports.

The process generally involves:

  1. Installing SQL Server Reporting Services.
  2. Configuring the Report Server.
  3. Installing SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).
  4. Creating a new Report Server Project in SSDT.
  5. Defining Data Sources and Datasets.
  6. Designing the Report Layout using Report Designer.
  7. Deploying reports to the Report Server.
  8. Accessing reports via the Report Server Web Portal.

For detailed installation and configuration steps, please refer to the official installation guides.

Next Steps

Explore the following resources to deepen your understanding and proficiency with SQL Server Reporting Services: