Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Bible

Chapter 55

Authoring Reports in Reporting Services

In This Chapter

Creating Reports

Connecting a Report to Data Using Data Sources

Using Report Builder

Exploring Data Visualizations

Understanding the Report Gallery and Report Parts

Practically all people with jobs consume data to perform them, usually via some sort of report. Looking at reports with this perspective, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) becomes the most important element of the Microsoft BI Stack. A properly designed reporting solution quickly points decision makers to the information they need to solve critical business problems, whereas a cumbersome solution leads to frustration and disuse. Much like the proverbial tree falling in the forest, what good is the data in your warehouse if no one uses it?

To this end, SSRS continues to add tools that stack the deck in favor of successful data delivery. Whether it is through a weekly detailed report pushed to users via an e-mail subscription; an executive dashboard used to apprise the CEO of the overall health of a company viewed through SharePoint; or a completely interactive, ad hoc Power View report used to “wow” the Board of Directors during the annual meeting, SSRS gives end users both the data they need and the ability to quickly get it.

What's New in SSRS 2012

The features offered in SSRS 2012 follow:

• A new ad hoc report authoring tool called Power View.
• Self-Service Report alerts.
• Office 2007 and 2010 rendering for Excel and Word.
• Better integration ...