Q: What is SSRS?
Q: Explain SSRS Architecture?
Reporting services architecture comprises of integrated components.
Q: What are the Reporting Services components?
Reporting services components assist in development. These processing components include some tools that are used to create, manage and view reports.
Q: SQL Server Reporting Services vs. Crystal Reports.
Crystal reports are processed by IIS while SSRS have a report server. Caching in Crystal reports is available through cache server. On the other hand, caching in SSRS is available from Report history snapshots. Crystal reports have standards and user defined field labels. SSRS allows only user defined field labels.
Q: How does the report manager work in SSRS?
Report manager is a web application. In SSRS it is accessed by a URL. The interface of this Report manager depends on the permissions of the user. This means to access any functionality or perform any task, the user must be assigned a role. A user with a role of full permissions can entire all the features and menus of the report. To configure the report manager, a URL needs to be defined.
Q: How can I add Reporting Services reports to my application?
Visual Studio / SSDT / BI Data Tools (Standard and Enterprise editions) contains a set of freely redistributable Report Viewer controls that make it easy to embed Reporting Services functionality into custom applications. Two versions of the Report Viewer exist, one for rich Windows client applications and one for ASP.NET applications.
Q: What are different types of roles provided by SSRS?
Q: Name and Describe few console utilities for SSRS?
Q: What are the three different parts of RDL file explain them?
In visual studio RDL files has three parts.
Q: Which language rdl files made of?
RDL files are written in XML.
Q: Can you edit the .rdl code associated with a linked report?
No, because a linked report has no .rdl code of its own. It refers to the .rdl code of the base report
Q: What is report rendering?
Exporting a report data with design o different type of file types is knows as Report rending. SQL Server Reporting Services supports multiple rendering extensions like Word, Excel, CSV, PDF, HTML etc.
Q: What are the different types of data sources in SSRS?
SSRS use different data source. Some of them are listed below.
Q: What is the name of reporting services configuration file and what’s it’s used for?
Q: What are Advantages of SSRS or why we should use SSRS?
The SQL Server Reporting Services or SSRS has some Advantages
Q: What are the limitations/drawbacks of SSRS 2008 R2?
The SSRS 2008 R2 has some limitations. Some limitations are given below:
Q: What are the different rendering extensions of SSRS?
SSRS allow many ways of rendering the reports:
Q: How to fine-tune Reports?
To tune-up the Reporting Services, follow the below mentioned ways: -
Q: What are the new features are introduced in SQL Server 2012 reporting services?
Q: Is SSRS support other database except MS SQL Server?
Yes. SSRS can be building based on relational or multidimensional data source like Oracle, OLEDB. ODBC etc
Q. What is Tabular Report in SSRS?
Tabular report is the simplest of the SSRS Report. It lets you just simply display the data using table.
Q: What is a Matrix in SSRS?
A matrix is a data region linked to a report set. Matrix allows us to create crosstab reports with the report variables displaying on rows and columns. It allows us to drag and drop fields into it.
Q: What is Query parameter in SSRS?
Query parameter is mentioned in the query of the data-source that is to be included in the SQL script’s WHERE clause of the SQL that can accept parameters. Query parameters begin with the symbol @.The name should not contain spaces and cannot begin with numeral. For clarity, we use only letters.
Q: What are Sub Reports and how to create them?
A sub report is like any other reports which can be called in main report and can be generate through main report. Parameters can be passed from main report to sub report and basis of that report can be generated.
Q: What is the chart in report?
Chart reports are for graphical representation. You can get pie charts, columns charts and various other options. 3D charts are also available in reporting services.
Q. What is RowNumber function?
RowNumber returns a sequential number to every row within the specified scope.
Q: How to add the custom code in Report?
To add the custom codes in report, go to report tab on top then properties and there you will find the options for custom code.
Q: In case you have filters in your report, when will they be applied in Cached Report instance?
Filters are applied when a report is rendered, Filters will not create a new cached instance on the Report Server.
Q: What are data regions?
Data regions are report items that display repeated rows of summarized information from data-sets.
Q: You want to generate a report that is formatted as a chart. Can you use the Report Wizard to create such a report?
No, the Report Wizard lets you create only Tabular and Matrix reports. You must create the chart report directly by using the Report Designer.
Q: Describe different Processing Modes offered by SSRS?
Q: What is ReportServer and ReportServerTempDB ?
Q: What is encryption key?
Encryption keys are used by the report server so that items such as connection strings are maintained securely. These keys are required in case you want to perform restoration of report server databases
Q: How to backup encryption key?
Encryption Keys backup, use SQL Server Reporting Services Configuration tool to backup symmetric keys.
Q: What are the key configuration files for SQL Server Reporting Services?
Mostly all Configuration files located at Install Directory:
\Microsoft SQL Server\\Reporting Services\ReportServer and ReportManager
Q: What is Report Builder?
Report Builder is a business-user, ad-hoc report design client that allows users to design reports based on the business terms (Report Builder model) they are familiar with, but without needing to understand database schemas or how to write SQL or MDX queries. Report Builder works with both SQL Server and Analysis Services data sources.
Q: In which SQL Server version report builder introduced?
Report builder introduced in SQL Server 2005. While creating or deploying report model project on report server you can get error or it might not get created. For this you need to check whether the service pack 22 is installed or not.
Q: How does Report Builder support Analysis Services cubes?
Report Builder supports relational SQL and Analysis Services data sources in SQL Server. To create a model for Analysis Services cube, go to Report Manager or Management Studio, create a data source for your Analysis Services database, and then select the Generate Model option to create the model.
Q: How do users use Report Builder with SQL Server data sources?
While models that provide access to SQL Server Analysis Services are automatically generated on the report server, the Report Builder Model Designer can be used to generate or modify the models that are built on top of SQL Server relational databases. These model-building projects are a new type of project within a Visual Studio–based development shell.
Q: How do I get Report Builder to generate a parameter that can be set by users viewing the report?
In the filter dialog box, click the name of the criteria that you would like to prompt the user for when viewing the report. For example, for the criteria Order Year=2000, click Order Year. Select the Prompt option in the drop-down list.
Q: What are the tools available in market as an Alternative to SQL Server Reporting Services?
Q: How to deploy the Report?
We can deploy SSRS report in three ways.
Q: What are the new features of SQL Server 2008 R2 reporting service?
The SQL Server 2008 R2 has introduced a lot of new features. Some of them are given below:
Q: How to backup SQL Server Reporting Services?
There are mainly three things, which should be backed up as part of reporting services backup
Q: What is the web service used for reporting services?
Reporting Service Web Service used in SSRS. By accessing this web service you can access all report server component and also get the report deployed on report server.
Q: What is a cache in SSRS?
Report server can lay up a copy of processed report in a memory and return the copy when a user opens the report. This server memory is known as cache and the process is called caching.
Q: Can you always create a cache of a report?
No, you can create a cache of a report only when certain requirements, such as having credentials stored in the Report Server, are met.
Q: What is Parameterized Reports in SSRS?
A parameterized report uses input values to complete report or data processing. With a parameterized report, you can vary the output of a report based on values that are set when the report runs. Parameterized reports are frequently used for drill-through reports, linked reports, and sub-reports, connecting and filtering reports with related data.
Q: What is Linked Report?
A Linked report is a report server item that provides an access point to an existing report.
Q: What is Cached Report?
A cached report is a saved copy of a processed report. Cached reports are used to improve performance by reducing the number of processing requests to the report processor and by reducing the time required to retrieve large reports. They have a mandatory expiration period, usually in minutes.
Q: What are Click-through Reports?
A click-through report is a report that displays related data from a report model when you click the interactive data contained within your model-based report. These reports are generated by the report server based on the information contained within the report model. The person who created the model determines which fields are interactive and which fields are returned when a click-through report is opened. These field settings cannot be changed in the report authoring tools. Click-through reports are auto-generated. However, you can create an alternative customized report to the model for interactive data items that is displayed instead. The custom report is a standard Reporting Services report.
Q: What are Drill-down Reports?
Drill-down reports initially hide complexity and enable the user to toggle conditionally hidden report items to control how much detail data they want to see. Drill-down reports must retrieve all possible data that can be shown in the report.
For reports with large amounts of data, consider drill-through reports instead.
Q: What are Drill-through Reports?
Drill-through reports are standard reports that are accessed through a hyperlink on a text box in the original report. Drill-through reports work with a main report and are the target of a drillthrough action for a report item such as placeholder text or a chart. The main report displays summary information, for example in a matrix or chart. Actions defined in the matrix or chart provide drill-through links to reports that display greater details based on the aggregate in the main report. Drill-through reports can be filtered by parameters, but they do not have to be. Drillthrough reports differ from sub-reports in that the report does not display within the original report, but opens separately. They differ from click-through reports in that they are not auto-generated from the data source, but are instead custom reports that are saved on the report server. They differ from drill-down reports in that they retrieve the report data only for the specified parameters or for the dataset query.
Q: What is Subreport?
A subreport is a report that displays another report inside the body of a main report. Conceptually, a subreport is similar to a frame in a Web page. It is used to embed a report within a report. Any report can be used as a subreport. The subreport can use different data sources than the main report. The report that the subreport displays is stored on a report server, usually in the same folder as the parent report. You can set up the parent report to pass parameters to the subreport.
Although a subreport can be repeated within data regions using a parameter to filter data in each instance of the subreport, subreports are typically used with a main report as a briefing book or as a container for a collection of related reports.
For reports with many instances of subreports, consider using drillthrough reports instead.
Q: What is Data Set in report?
Data set is a set of data which we want to show in report. Data source is the source of data from where we are getting this data (database server name, database name, connection string).
- SSRS or SQL
Server Reporting Service is a server-based report generation software
systems from Microsoft and is part of Microsoft BI.
- It is used to
prepare and deliver rich variety of reports (Tabular / Matrix / Graphical/Interactive) from
various data sources with rich data visualization (Charts, Maps, spark lines)
- It is
administered through a web based interface.
- Various
rendering formats in SSRS include Excel, PDF, word, MHTML etc
Q: Explain SSRS Architecture?
Reporting services architecture comprises of integrated components.
Q: Explain Reporting Life
Cycle?
Reporting Services has mainly three phases:
Reporting Services has mainly three phases:
- Development
of Reports (Developer) – First of all a report needs to be design which is
primarily done by report developer
- Management
of Reports (DBA) – Once the Report is being developed, DBA need to ensure
- Security – Only authorized user should access the
report
- Execution – How the report will be executed to
optimize data sources performance
- Scheduling of reports – so that report are executed on
scheduled timings
- Report
Delivery (DBA + Developer) – Once the report is being
developed and executed now the report should be reached to final
recipients (business users) who are going to understand / analyze report
data. If any changes, we again go back to development stage.
Q: What are the Reporting Services components?
Reporting services components assist in development. These processing components include some tools that are used to create, manage and view reports.
- Report Designer is used to create the reports.
- Report Sever is used to execute and distribute
reports.
- Report Manager is used to manage the report
server.
Q: SQL Server Reporting Services vs. Crystal Reports.
Crystal reports are processed by IIS while SSRS have a report server. Caching in Crystal reports is available through cache server. On the other hand, caching in SSRS is available from Report history snapshots. Crystal reports have standards and user defined field labels. SSRS allows only user defined field labels.
Q: How does the report manager work in SSRS?
Report manager is a web application. In SSRS it is accessed by a URL. The interface of this Report manager depends on the permissions of the user. This means to access any functionality or perform any task, the user must be assigned a role. A user with a role of full permissions can entire all the features and menus of the report. To configure the report manager, a URL needs to be defined.
Q: How can I add Reporting Services reports to my application?
Visual Studio / SSDT / BI Data Tools (Standard and Enterprise editions) contains a set of freely redistributable Report Viewer controls that make it easy to embed Reporting Services functionality into custom applications. Two versions of the Report Viewer exist, one for rich Windows client applications and one for ASP.NET applications.
Q: What are different types of roles provided by SSRS?
Predefined role
|
Description
|
Content
Manager Role
|
Includes
all item-level tasks. Users who are assigned to this role have full
permission to manage report server content, including the ability to grant
permissions to other users, and to define the folder structure for storing
reports and other items.
|
Publisher
Role
|
Users
who are assigned to this role can add items to a report server, including the
ability to create and manage folders that contain those items.
|
Browser
Role
|
Users
who are assigned to this role can run reports, subscribe to reports, and
navigate through the folder structure.
|
Report
Builder Role
|
Users
who are assigned to this role can create and edit reports in Report Builder.
|
My
Reports Role
|
Users
who are assigned to this role can manage a personal workspace for storing and
using reports and other items.
|
System
Administrator Role
|
Users
who are assigned to this role can enable features and set defaults, set
site-wide security, create role definitions in Management Studio, and manage
jobs.
|
System
User Role
|
Users
who are assigned to this role can view basic information about the report
server such as the schedule information in a shared schedule.
|
Q: Name and Describe few console utilities for SSRS?
- RSConfig.exe: Configuration of connection
properties between the Report Server to the repository database.
- RSKeyMgmt.exe: Management of encryption keys via
command-line
- RS.exe: Utility used for deploying the
report on report server
Q: What are the three different parts of RDL file explain them?
In visual studio RDL files has three parts.
- Data: It contains the dataset on which
we write the query. Data set is connected with data source.
- Design: In design you can design report.
Can create tables and matrix reports. Drag columns values from source.
- Preview: to check the preview after the
report run.
Q: Which language rdl files made of?
RDL files are written in XML.
Q: Can you edit the .rdl code associated with a linked report?
No, because a linked report has no .rdl code of its own. It refers to the .rdl code of the base report
Q: What is report rendering?
Exporting a report data with design o different type of file types is knows as Report rending. SQL Server Reporting Services supports multiple rendering extensions like Word, Excel, CSV, PDF, HTML etc.
Q: What are the different types of data sources in SSRS?
SSRS use different data source. Some of them are listed below.
- Microsoft SQL Server
- OLEDB
- Oracle
- ODBC
- SQL Server Analysis Service
- Report Server Model
- SAP Net weaver BI
- Hyperion
- Teradata
- XML
Q: What is the name of reporting services configuration file and what’s it’s used for?
·
The SSRS
configuration file is RsReportServer.config.
·
It
stores settings that are used by Report Manager, the Report Server Web service,
and background processing.
Q: What are Advantages of SSRS or why we should use SSRS?
The SQL Server Reporting Services or SSRS has some Advantages
- It is faster,
cheaper and easy to learn
- Efficient access
to various data sources
- Role-based
security exists and can be applied to reports and folders as well
- Uses its own
web-service and don’t depend on IIS
- Once parameters
are defined, the UI for these parameters is automatically generated
- Supports various
delivery extensions like Excel, Pdf, MHTML etc.
- Subscription
based reports are automatically sent by mail to the users
Q: What are the limitations/drawbacks of SSRS 2008 R2?
The SSRS 2008 R2 has some limitations. Some limitations are given below:
- There is no
direct print button. In order to print need to export excel, PDF or others
format
- It is very hard
to debug expression or custom code
- It’s does not
use page number or total pages in report body
- Don’t support
rounding rectangle
- There is no way
to pass values from sub-reports to main report
- It is not
possible to insert a sub-report into the page header or page footer
- Page header creates
extra spaces in the next pages
- Issues in exported
excel files like merged columns, extra columns, loss of data etc
Q: What are the different rendering extensions of SSRS?
SSRS allow many ways of rendering the reports:
- HTML (MHTML)
- Excel
- Acrobat
- Tiff (image)
- XML
- CSV
Q: What is a report snapshot?
Snapshot means an instance of a report for future reference which means a copy of report will be saved on a report server for future reference.
Q: What are Data Driven Subscriptions?
Reporting Services provides data-driven subscriptions so that you can customize the distribution of a report based on dynamic subscriber data. Data-driven subscriptions are intended for the following kinds of scenarios: Distributing reports to a large recipient pool whose membership may change from one distribution to the next. For example distribute a monthly report to all current customers. Distributing reports to a specific group of recipients based on predefined criteria. For example send a sales performance report to the top ten sales managers in an organization.
Q: When to Use Null Data driven Subscription?
The null delivery provider used for preloading the cache. When you specify the Null Delivery Provider as the method of delivery in the subscription, the report server targets the report server database as the delivery destination and uses a specialized rendering extension called the null rendering extension. In contrast with other delivery extensions, the Null Delivery Provider does not have delivery settings that you can configure through a subscription definition.
Snapshot means an instance of a report for future reference which means a copy of report will be saved on a report server for future reference.
Q: What are Data Driven Subscriptions?
Reporting Services provides data-driven subscriptions so that you can customize the distribution of a report based on dynamic subscriber data. Data-driven subscriptions are intended for the following kinds of scenarios: Distributing reports to a large recipient pool whose membership may change from one distribution to the next. For example distribute a monthly report to all current customers. Distributing reports to a specific group of recipients based on predefined criteria. For example send a sales performance report to the top ten sales managers in an organization.
Q: When to Use Null Data driven Subscription?
The null delivery provider used for preloading the cache. When you specify the Null Delivery Provider as the method of delivery in the subscription, the report server targets the report server database as the delivery destination and uses a specialized rendering extension called the null rendering extension. In contrast with other delivery extensions, the Null Delivery Provider does not have delivery settings that you can configure through a subscription definition.
You
cannot specify multiple delivery extensions within a single subscription
Q: How to fine-tune Reports?
To tune-up the Reporting Services, follow the below mentioned ways: -
1. Ensure that the
data retrieval is optimized
2. During data
retrieval, we can only bring required data, avoid unnecessary calculations and
temp tables, using NOLOCKs to avoid locking issues
3. Ensure that the
report is delivering only required images, minimize the complexity of the
calculations and minimize the data points in a graph or chart
4. Include only absolutely
needed groupings and sorting in the report
Q: User wants only to display only PDF as export option in report Manager. How to achieve this?
You need to edit RsReportServer.Config file to limit the exporting extensions to only PDF.
You can find the file under:
%Program Files%\Microsoft SQL Server\MSRS10.\Reporting Services\ReportServer\
Q: Can you import Microsoft Excel data to SSRS?
Reporting Services does not import data. But it can query the data existing in an excel file. You'll get the best performance with the built-in native .NET providers but you should be able to connect to any ODBC or OLE-DB data source, whether it comes from Microsoft or a third-party company.
Q: Difference between Logical Page Breaks and Physical Page Breaks in SSRS.
Q: User wants only to display only PDF as export option in report Manager. How to achieve this?
You need to edit RsReportServer.Config file to limit the exporting extensions to only PDF.
You can find the file under:
%Program Files%\Microsoft SQL Server\MSRS10.\Reporting Services\ReportServer\
Q: Can you import Microsoft Excel data to SSRS?
Reporting Services does not import data. But it can query the data existing in an excel file. You'll get the best performance with the built-in native .NET providers but you should be able to connect to any ODBC or OLE-DB data source, whether it comes from Microsoft or a third-party company.
Q: Difference between Logical Page Breaks and Physical Page Breaks in SSRS.
·
Logical page breaks
are page breaks that you insert before or after report items or groups.
·
Page breaks help to
determine how the content is fitted to a report page for optimal viewing when
rendering or exporting the report.
·
Space is preserved
between the report item with the logical page break and its peer report items.
·
Logical page breaks
that are inserted before a report item push the report item down to the next
page. The report item is rendered at the top of the next page.
·
Logical page breaks
defined on items in table or matrix cells are not kept. This does not apply to
items in lists.
Q: Name few Endpoints exposed by SSRS 2012?
- Management Endpoints
- Execution Endpoint
- SharePoint Proxy Endpoints
Q: What are the new features are introduced in SQL Server 2012 reporting services?
- SQL Server Data tool
- Introduction of Power View (Project
Crescent)- interactive data exploration
- Introduction to Data Alerts, data
alerts are a data-driven alerting solution that informs you about changes
in report data that are of interest to you, and at a relevant time
- New rendering extensions supports
MS Office 2010
- SSRS 2012 is fully integrated with
SharePoint
Q: Is SSRS support other database except MS SQL Server?
Yes. SSRS can be building based on relational or multidimensional data source like Oracle, OLEDB. ODBC etc
Q. What is Tabular Report in SSRS?
Tabular report is the simplest of the SSRS Report. It lets you just simply display the data using table.
Q: What is a Matrix in SSRS?
A matrix is a data region linked to a report set. Matrix allows us to create crosstab reports with the report variables displaying on rows and columns. It allows us to drag and drop fields into it.
Q: What is Query parameter in SSRS?
Query parameter is mentioned in the query of the data-source that is to be included in the SQL script’s WHERE clause of the SQL that can accept parameters. Query parameters begin with the symbol @.The name should not contain spaces and cannot begin with numeral. For clarity, we use only letters.
Q: What are Sub Reports and how to create them?
A sub report is like any other reports which can be called in main report and can be generate through main report. Parameters can be passed from main report to sub report and basis of that report can be generated.
Q: What is the chart in report?
Chart reports are for graphical representation. You can get pie charts, columns charts and various other options. 3D charts are also available in reporting services.
Q. What is RowNumber function?
RowNumber returns a sequential number to every row within the specified scope.
Q: How to add the custom code in Report?
To add the custom codes in report, go to report tab on top then properties and there you will find the options for custom code.
Q: In case you have filters in your report, when will they be applied in Cached Report instance?
Filters are applied when a report is rendered, Filters will not create a new cached instance on the Report Server.
Q: What are data regions?
Data regions are report items that display repeated rows of summarized information from data-sets.
Q: You want to generate a report that is formatted as a chart. Can you use the Report Wizard to create such a report?
No, the Report Wizard lets you create only Tabular and Matrix reports. You must create the chart report directly by using the Report Designer.
Q: Describe different Processing Modes offered by SSRS?
- Local Processing
Mode: Processes
reports in the client application.
- Remote
Processing Mode: Renders server
reports that are processed on a SQL Server Reporting Services report
server.
Q: What is ReportServer and ReportServerTempDB ?
·
Reporting
Services uses two SQL Server databases for storage by default.
·
ReportServer
is a main database, which store all internal configuration and report meta-data
·
ReportServerTempdb
is used to store temporary data, session information, and cached reports.
Q: What is encryption key?
Encryption keys are used by the report server so that items such as connection strings are maintained securely. These keys are required in case you want to perform restoration of report server databases
Q: How to backup encryption key?
Encryption Keys backup, use SQL Server Reporting Services Configuration tool to backup symmetric keys.
Q: What are the key configuration files for SQL Server Reporting Services?
Mostly all Configuration files located at Install Directory:
\Microsoft SQL Server\\Reporting Services\ReportServer and ReportManager
- RSReportServer.config stores configuration settings for
feature areas of the Report Server service: ReportManager, the Report
Server Web service, and background processing.
- RSSrvPolicy.config stores code access security
policies for the server extensions.
- RSMgrPolicy.config stores code access security
policies for Report Manager
- ReportingServicesService.exe.config stores configuration settings
that specify the trace levels and logging options for the Report Server
service.
- RSReportDesigner.config contains settings for Report
Designer and this file is located in the..\Program Files\Visual Studio
9.0\Common7\IDE\PrivateAssemblies
- RSPreviewPolicy.config stores server extensions used
during report preview and this file is located in ..\Program Files
\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools \ReportDesigner
Q: What is Report Builder?
Report Builder is a business-user, ad-hoc report design client that allows users to design reports based on the business terms (Report Builder model) they are familiar with, but without needing to understand database schemas or how to write SQL or MDX queries. Report Builder works with both SQL Server and Analysis Services data sources.
Q: In which SQL Server version report builder introduced?
Report builder introduced in SQL Server 2005. While creating or deploying report model project on report server you can get error or it might not get created. For this you need to check whether the service pack 22 is installed or not.
Q: How does Report Builder support Analysis Services cubes?
Report Builder supports relational SQL and Analysis Services data sources in SQL Server. To create a model for Analysis Services cube, go to Report Manager or Management Studio, create a data source for your Analysis Services database, and then select the Generate Model option to create the model.
Q: How do users use Report Builder with SQL Server data sources?
While models that provide access to SQL Server Analysis Services are automatically generated on the report server, the Report Builder Model Designer can be used to generate or modify the models that are built on top of SQL Server relational databases. These model-building projects are a new type of project within a Visual Studio–based development shell.
Q: How do I get Report Builder to generate a parameter that can be set by users viewing the report?
In the filter dialog box, click the name of the criteria that you would like to prompt the user for when viewing the report. For example, for the criteria Order Year=2000, click Order Year. Select the Prompt option in the drop-down list.
Q: Can we run Reporting Services with SQL Server express
edition, which is a free version of SQL Server?
Yes we can. SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services support Reporting Services. These is the free version.
Q: What are the limitations in SSRS on SQL Server express edition?
Microsoft offers reporting services free as part of SQL Server Express with Advance Services edition. But it has the following limitations:
Yes we can. SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services support Reporting Services. These is the free version.
Q: What are the limitations in SSRS on SQL Server express edition?
Microsoft offers reporting services free as part of SQL Server Express with Advance Services edition. But it has the following limitations:
- Management Studio cannot be used
to administer report server
- Report Models will not be
available
- Report Builder is not available
- Caching, History and Delivery of
Report is not available.
- SQL Server agent is not available
- No scheduling is possible
- Remote server database is not
available for Report Data Source (Local SQL Server is a only option,)
- We cannot store the report server
database on a remote server (it has to be local only)
- Reports can be rendered only in
Excel, PDF, Image formats only
- Reporting Services will not be
able to use more than 1 GB of RAM
- No Subscriptions (Standard and
Data Driven) can be made
- Can not be integrated with Share
Point
- Can not implement Role based
security
- Only named instances is supported
- Scale-out Report Servers will not
be available
Q: What are the tools available in market as an Alternative to SQL Server Reporting Services?
- Non-Open Source:
- Actuate
- Hyperion (BRIO)
- SIEBEL-CRM
- BusinessObjects
- Oracle Express OLAP
- Qlikview
- Cognos
- Informatica Power Analyzer
- Proclarity
- IntelliView
- Dundas Chart for .NET
- MS-Excel
- SAS
- MicroStrategies
- Pentaho
- Open Source:
- Jasper Reports
- JFreeReport
- BIRT (Business Intelligence
Reporting Tools)
- OpenReport
- DataVision
- Pentaho
Q: How to deploy the Report?
We can deploy SSRS report in three ways.
- Using Visual Studio: In visual studio we can directly
deploy the report through Solution explorer by providing the report server
URL in project properties at Target Server URL. As our choice this will
deploy entire project or single report as.
- Using Report Server: We can directly go to the report
server and deploy the report by browsing the report from the disk location
of server.
- Creating the Utility: SQL server provides the
facilities to Create a customize utility to deploy the report.
Q: What are the new features of SQL Server 2008 R2 reporting service?
The SQL Server 2008 R2 has introduced a lot of new features. Some of them are given below:
- New Report Types – Table, Matrix,
List, Chart, and Sub report
- Some New Tools is added to report
designer Toolbox
- Report Data Panel – built in page
numbers
- Report Builder 3.0
Q: How to backup SQL Server Reporting Services?
There are mainly three things, which should be backed up as part of reporting services backup
- Report Server Databases, which can be backed up by SQL
server backup and restore method.
- SQL Server Reporting Services
Configuration, SQL Server
Reporting Services Configuration is saved in config files, which can be
copied as part of backup.
- Encryption
Keys backup, use SQL Server
Reporting Services Configuration tool to backup symmetric keys.
Q: What is the web service used for reporting services?
Reporting Service Web Service used in SSRS. By accessing this web service you can access all report server component and also get the report deployed on report server.
Q: What is a cache in SSRS?
Report server can lay up a copy of processed report in a memory and return the copy when a user opens the report. This server memory is known as cache and the process is called caching.
Q: Can you always create a cache of a report?
No, you can create a cache of a report only when certain requirements, such as having credentials stored in the Report Server, are met.
Q: What are the different types of reports in SSRS?
The types of reports in SSRS are given below:
The types of reports in SSRS are given below:
- Parameterized reports
- Linked reports
- Snapshot reports
- Cached reports
- Ad hoc reports
- Clickthrough reports
- Drilldown reports
- Drillthrough reports
- Subreports
Q: What is Parameterized Reports in SSRS?
A parameterized report uses input values to complete report or data processing. With a parameterized report, you can vary the output of a report based on values that are set when the report runs. Parameterized reports are frequently used for drill-through reports, linked reports, and sub-reports, connecting and filtering reports with related data.
Q: What is Linked Report?
A Linked report is a report server item that provides an access point to an existing report.
Conceptually, it is
similar to a program shortcut that you use to run a program or open a file.
A linked report is derived from an existing report and retains the original's report definition. A linked report always inherits report layout and data source properties of the original report. All other properties and settings can be different from those of the original report, including security, parameters, location, subscriptions, and schedules.
You can create a linked report on the report server when you want to create additional versions of an existing report. For example, you could use a single regional sales report to create region-specific reports for all of your sales territories.
Although linked reports are typically based on parameterized reports, a parameterized report is not required. You can create linked reports whenever you want to deploy an existing report with different settings
Q: What is Snapshot Report?
A report snapshot is a report that contains layout information and query results that were retrieved at a specific point in time. Unlike on-demand reports, which get up-to-date query results when you select the report, report snapshots are processed on a schedule and then saved to a report server. When you select a report snapshot for viewing, the report server retrieves the stored report from the report server database and shows the data and layout that were current for the report at the time the snapshot was created.
Report snapshots are not saved in a particular rendering format. Instead, report snapshots are rendered in a final viewing format (such as HTML) only when a user or an application requests it. Deferred rendering makes a snapshot portable. The report can be rendered in the correct format for the requesting device or Web browser.
Report snapshots serve three purposes:
A linked report is derived from an existing report and retains the original's report definition. A linked report always inherits report layout and data source properties of the original report. All other properties and settings can be different from those of the original report, including security, parameters, location, subscriptions, and schedules.
You can create a linked report on the report server when you want to create additional versions of an existing report. For example, you could use a single regional sales report to create region-specific reports for all of your sales territories.
Although linked reports are typically based on parameterized reports, a parameterized report is not required. You can create linked reports whenever you want to deploy an existing report with different settings
Q: What is Snapshot Report?
A report snapshot is a report that contains layout information and query results that were retrieved at a specific point in time. Unlike on-demand reports, which get up-to-date query results when you select the report, report snapshots are processed on a schedule and then saved to a report server. When you select a report snapshot for viewing, the report server retrieves the stored report from the report server database and shows the data and layout that were current for the report at the time the snapshot was created.
Report snapshots are not saved in a particular rendering format. Instead, report snapshots are rendered in a final viewing format (such as HTML) only when a user or an application requests it. Deferred rendering makes a snapshot portable. The report can be rendered in the correct format for the requesting device or Web browser.
Report snapshots serve three purposes:
- Report history: By creating a series of report
snapshots, you can build a history of a report that shows how data changes
over time.
- Consistency: Use report snapshots when you
want to provide consistent results for multiple users who must work with
identical sets of data. With volatile data, an on-demand report can
produce different results from one minute to the next. A report snapshot,
by contrast, allows you to make valid comparisons against other reports or
analytical tools that contain data from the same point in time.
- Performance: By scheduling large reports to
run during off-peak hours, you can reduce processing impact on the report
server during core business hours.
Q: What is Cached Report?
A cached report is a saved copy of a processed report. Cached reports are used to improve performance by reducing the number of processing requests to the report processor and by reducing the time required to retrieve large reports. They have a mandatory expiration period, usually in minutes.
Q: What are Click-through Reports?
A click-through report is a report that displays related data from a report model when you click the interactive data contained within your model-based report. These reports are generated by the report server based on the information contained within the report model. The person who created the model determines which fields are interactive and which fields are returned when a click-through report is opened. These field settings cannot be changed in the report authoring tools. Click-through reports are auto-generated. However, you can create an alternative customized report to the model for interactive data items that is displayed instead. The custom report is a standard Reporting Services report.
Q: What are Drill-down Reports?
Drill-down reports initially hide complexity and enable the user to toggle conditionally hidden report items to control how much detail data they want to see. Drill-down reports must retrieve all possible data that can be shown in the report.
For reports with large amounts of data, consider drill-through reports instead.
Q: What are Drill-through Reports?
Drill-through reports are standard reports that are accessed through a hyperlink on a text box in the original report. Drill-through reports work with a main report and are the target of a drillthrough action for a report item such as placeholder text or a chart. The main report displays summary information, for example in a matrix or chart. Actions defined in the matrix or chart provide drill-through links to reports that display greater details based on the aggregate in the main report. Drill-through reports can be filtered by parameters, but they do not have to be. Drillthrough reports differ from sub-reports in that the report does not display within the original report, but opens separately. They differ from click-through reports in that they are not auto-generated from the data source, but are instead custom reports that are saved on the report server. They differ from drill-down reports in that they retrieve the report data only for the specified parameters or for the dataset query.
Q: What is Subreport?
A subreport is a report that displays another report inside the body of a main report. Conceptually, a subreport is similar to a frame in a Web page. It is used to embed a report within a report. Any report can be used as a subreport. The subreport can use different data sources than the main report. The report that the subreport displays is stored on a report server, usually in the same folder as the parent report. You can set up the parent report to pass parameters to the subreport.
Although a subreport can be repeated within data regions using a parameter to filter data in each instance of the subreport, subreports are typically used with a main report as a briefing book or as a container for a collection of related reports.
For reports with many instances of subreports, consider using drillthrough reports instead.
Q: What is Data Set in report?
Data set is a set of data which we want to show in report. Data source is the source of data from where we are getting this data (database server name, database name, connection string).
Q: Are there issues when exporting SSRS reports into Microsoft
Excel? When my users are trying to export a SSRS report into Microsoft Excel,
one or two columns in the report appear to merge together. Why might this be?
Exporting from SSRS is not always perfect, even if you stay within the Microsoft range of products. If you have extra resources, you could splurge for an add-on that offers much better control over exporting to Excel, such as OfficeWriter. From my experience, though, it is usually headers or footers that cause exporting issues. If any of these headers or footers overlap with data columns in your report, you will find that the exported version of the report has merged cells. Also, check columns next to each other to make sure that there is no overlap, as well.
Q: What is report subscription?
Subscriptions are standing requests to deliver report data to requested recipients. Once the report is being subscribed and subscriber will get updates from report server on scheduled interval.
Q: Can you use a stored procedure to provide data to an SSRS report?
Yes, you can use a stored procedure. However, your stored procedure should return only a single result set. If it returns multiple result sets, only the first one is used for the report dataset.
Q: How to send a SSRS report from SSIS?
Often there is a requirement to be able to send a SSRS report in Excel, PDF or another format to different users from a SSIS package once it has finished performing a data load.
Exporting from SSRS is not always perfect, even if you stay within the Microsoft range of products. If you have extra resources, you could splurge for an add-on that offers much better control over exporting to Excel, such as OfficeWriter. From my experience, though, it is usually headers or footers that cause exporting issues. If any of these headers or footers overlap with data columns in your report, you will find that the exported version of the report has merged cells. Also, check columns next to each other to make sure that there is no overlap, as well.
Q: What is report subscription?
Subscriptions are standing requests to deliver report data to requested recipients. Once the report is being subscribed and subscriber will get updates from report server on scheduled interval.
Q: Can you use a stored procedure to provide data to an SSRS report?
Yes, you can use a stored procedure. However, your stored procedure should return only a single result set. If it returns multiple result sets, only the first one is used for the report dataset.
Q: How to send a SSRS report from SSIS?
Often there is a requirement to be able to send a SSRS report in Excel, PDF or another format to different users from a SSIS package once it has finished performing a data load.
In order to
do this, first you need to create a subscription to the report. You can create
a SSRS report subscription from Report Manager. At the report subscription you
can mention the report format and the email address of the recipient.
When you
create a schedule for the SSRS report, a SQL Server Agent Job will be created.
From the
SSIS, by using sp_start_job and passing the relevant job name you can execute
the SSRS report subscription.
Q: You want to use BIDS to deploy a report to a different server than the one you chose in the Report Wizard. How can you change the server URL?
You can right-click the project in Solution Explorer and then change the Target-Server URL property.
Q: Can we deploy SSRS reports on our personal website?
Your reports can only be deployed on a reporting services site. Your only option for viewing them from other sites is an HTTP link. Some tools, like SharePoint offer controls allowing you to view reports in the context of the other websites, but the report is still deployed to and hosted from reporting services.
Q: You want to use BIDS to deploy a report to a different server than the one you chose in the Report Wizard. How can you change the server URL?
You can right-click the project in Solution Explorer and then change the Target-Server URL property.
Q: Can we deploy SSRS reports on our personal website?
Your reports can only be deployed on a reporting services site. Your only option for viewing them from other sites is an HTTP link. Some tools, like SharePoint offer controls allowing you to view reports in the context of the other websites, but the report is still deployed to and hosted from reporting services.
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