SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a reporting software that allows you to produce formatted reports with tables in the form of data, graph, images, and charts. These reports are hosted on a server that can be executed any time using parameters defined by the users. It is part of Microsoft SQL Server Services suite.
Why SSRS?
Here, are prime reasons for using SSRS tool:
- SSRS is an enhanced tool compared to Crystal Reports
- Faster processing of reports on both relational and multidimensional data
- Allows better and more accurate Decision-making mechanism for the users
- Allows users to interact with information without involving IT professionals
- It provides a World Wide Web-based connection for deploying reports. Hence, reports can be accessed over the internet
- SSRS allows reports to be exported in different formats. You can deliver SSRS reports using emails
- SSRS provides a host of security features, which helps you to control, who can access which report
Features of SSRS
- Offers a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) application and pluggable architecture
- Retrieve data from managed, OLE ODBC, and DB connections
- Allows you to create adhoc reports and save them to the server
- Display data in a variety of formats which includes tabular, free-form, and charts
- Create custom controls by using report-processing extension
- Embed graphics, images to the reports. You can also integrate with external content using SharePoint
- You can store and manage custom reports
- Chart and Gauge control feature allows you to display KPI data
How SSRS Works?
- The report users are the peoples who work with the data as well as want some insights from data. They send a request to the SSRS server
- SSRS server finds the metadata of the report and sends a request for data to the data sources.
- Data returned by the data source is merged with the report definition into a report.
- When the report is generated, it is returned to the client.
