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FOLLOWING are some of the different servers with which we can use SQL Server Reporting SERVICES (SSRS):-

• Oracle
• ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) and OLEDB (OBJECT LINKING and Embedding Database)
• Hyperion
• Teradata
• Flat XML files

Following are some examples of open-source software which are an alternative to SQL Server Reporting Services:-

• JASPER Reports
• JFree Report
• BIRT (Business INTELLIGENCE Reporting TOOL)
• OpenReport
• DataVision

To reduce the overhead of REPORTING SERVICES Sources, CACHED reports and SNAPSHOT reports can be employed.

When building an SSRS report, users can utilise the multi-value PARAMETER to enter and PASS several queries for the parameter. Any report parameters that we employ to filter out data and GET meaningful information for the current scenario. You have the option of entering static values or obtaining values from databases in the multi-value parameter.

The SQL queries should be saved in a database SERVER's stored procedure. Because storing SQL queries in text FORMAT is no longer regarded as good practice, it should be avoided. SQL would be in an accumulating format if queries were stored in Store Procedures to a DATA server, while still GIVING all of the benefits of USING a Stored Procedure.

To obtain a sequence number for all the records in your SSRS report, USE the row number function. You may ACHIEVE this by ADDING a new BLANK column to your Tablix and then pivoting to expressions and writing expressions in the cell.

When ADDING a query to your REPORT USING the bit-type column, go to parameter properties and change the data type to boolean. Otherwise, a text BOX will appear for the parameter value.

The number of pages in a paginated report and how the report components are organised on these pages are referred to as pagination. The renderer extension you choose to view and send the report affects the pagination in Reporting Services. When you run a report on the report server, the HTML renderer is USED. Pagination in HTML is governed by a SET of principles. When you export the same report to PDF, for example, the PDF renderer is utilised and a different set of rules is used; as a result, the pagination of the report varies. Pagination rules are important to CREATE an easy-to-read report for your users that is optimised for the renderer you PLAN to use to deliver your report.

Following are some of the rendering EXTENSIONS available in SQL SERVER Reporting SERVICES (SSRS) :-

• Excel
• XML
• Word
• PDF
• CSV
• HTML

Following are the different types of reports in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS):-

• Parameterised Reports: A parameterized report completes report or data processing by using input values. You can change the output of a report using a parameterized report by changing the values that are set when the report runs. DRILLTHROUGH reports, linked reports, and subreports are all common USES for parameterized reports, which connect and filter reports with related data.
• Linked Reports: A linked report is an item on the report server that provides a link to an existing report. It's akin to a programme shortcut that you use to start a programme or open a file in terms of concept. A linked report is created from an existing report and preserves the report definition from the original. The report style and data source attributes of a linked report are always inherited from the original report. All additional attributes and options, including security, parameters, location, subscriptions, and scheduling, can differ from those in the original report. 
  When you need to make extra copies of an existing report, you can use the report server to build a linked report. For example, you might build region-specific reports for all of your sales regions using a single regional sales report.
  Although parameterized reports are commonly used to create connected reports, they are not essential. When you want to deploy an existing report with different settings, you can construct linked reports.
• Snapshot Reports: A report snapshot is a report that provides layout information and query results from a single point in time. Report snapshots are processed on a schedule and then saved to a report server, unlike on-demand reports, which obtain up-to-date query results as you select the report. The report server gets the stored report from the report server database and DISPLAYS the data and layout that were current for the report at the time the snapshot was created when you select a report snapshot for viewing.
  Snapshots of reports are not saved in a specific rendering format. Instead, when a user or an application asks for it, report snapshots are rendered in a final viewing format (such as HTML). A snapshot is portable thanks to deferred rendering. The report can be displayed in the appropriate format for the requesting device or browser.
• Cached Reports: A cached report is a copy of a processed report that has been saved. Cached reports increase speed by lowering the number of processing requests sent to the report processor and the time it takes to obtain large reports. They must expire after a certain amount of time, which is commonly measured in minutes.
• Clickthrough Reports: When you click the interactive data contained inside your model-based report, a clickthrough report displays relevant data from a report model. The report server generates these reports using the information given in the report model. When a clickthrough report is opened, the person who designed the model selects which fields are interactive and which fields are returned. The report creation tools do not allow you to update certain field settings.
  Clickthrough reports are generated automatically. You can, however, construct a customised report for interactive data items that is displayed instead of the model. The custom report is a Reporting Services standard report.
• Drilldown Reports: Drilldown reports hide complexity at first, allowing the user to select how much detailed data they want to see by toggling conditionally hidden report components. Drilldown reports are required to retrieve all data that can be displayed in the report. Consider drillthrough reports for reports with a lot of data.
• Drillthrough Reports: Drillthrough reports are regular reports that can be viewed by clicking on a hyperlink in the original report's TEXT box. Drillthrough reports are used in conjunction with main reports and are the target of a drillthrough action for a report item like placeholder text or a chart. The main report provides summary data in a matrix or graphic, for example. Drillthrough links to reports based on the AGGREGATE in the main report are provided by actions defined in the matrix or chart. Drillthrough reports can but do not have to, be filtered by parameters. Drillthrough reports are distinct from subreports in that they do not appear within the original report, but instead open as a new window.
  They differ from clickthrough reports in that they are custom reports that are saved on the report server rather than being generated automatically from the data source. They differ from drilldown reports in that they only retrieve report data for the parameters or dataset query supplied.
• Subreports: A subreport is a report that presents a different report within the main report's body. A subreport is akin to a frame in a Web page in terms of concept. It's used to put a report inside another report. A subreport can be created from any report. Different data sources can be used in the subreport than in the main report. The report that the subreport displays is normally kept in the same folder as the parent report on a report server. The parent report can be configured to transmit parameters to the subreport. Although a subreport can be repeated inside data regions by using a parameter to filter data in each instance, subreports are usually used in conjunction with the main report as a briefing book or as a container for a series of related reports.
  Consider using drillthrough reports instead of subreports for reports with a lot of them.

Following are the benefits of paginated reports in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS):-

• Reports provide a unified perspective of data to aid in business decision-making. For this, we should use a single set of data sources to get a single set of FACTS.
• We can view reports for our own use or share reports with our team or organisation by PUBLISHING them to a report server or SHAREPOINT site.
• Once we have defined a report, we can use it in a variety of ways. We can export the report to a variety of file formats, or send it to subscribers as an e-mail attachment or a shared file. Multiple linked reports can be created with different parameter settings applied to the same report definition.
• Using data regions, we may visualise our data in a variety of interconnected ways. We can display data in TABLES, matrices, expand/collapse groups, charts, gauges, indicators or KPIS (Key Performance Index), and maps, and nest charts in tables.
• We can manage report data sources separately from the report definition. We can, for example, go from a test to a production data source without affecting the report.
• To create reusable data visualisations, we can employ report sections, shared data sources, shared queries, and subreports.
• We can define expressions that allow us to tailor the way report data is filtered, aggregated, and sorted.
• We can create a free-form layout for our reports. The arrangement of a report is not limited to data. We can arrange the facts on the page so that it fosters comprehension, insight as well as action.
• To allow report readers to engage with the report, we can enable drillthrough actions, expand/collapse toggles, sort buttons, Tooltips, and report parameters. We use report parameters in conjunction with custom expressions to provide report readers control over how data is filtered, aggregated, and sorted.

PAGINATED reports in SQL SERVER Reporting Services are XML-based report DEFINITIONS that comprise report data and layout elements. Report definitions have the .rdl file extension on a client file system. A paginated report can be REFERRED to as a report item on the report server or SharePoint site after it is published. Paginated reports are a feature of Reporting Services' server-based reporting TECHNOLOGY. SQL Server Mobile Report Publisher can also be used to create mobile reports.

We specify a report definition file (.rdl) in XML format when we GENERATE a report. This file contains all of the information REQUIRED by the report processor to merge report data and layout. When we view a report, it GOES through the stages listed below:

• Compile: Evaluate report definition expressions and STORE the produced intermediate format on the report server.
• Process: Execute dataset queries and mix intermediate format with data and layout to create a finished product.
• Render: Send the paged report to a RENDERER extension to assess how much information fits on each page.
• Export (optional): We can save the report in various different formats such as a doc file or a pdf.

 A reporting lifecycle is a set of procedures that every organization uses to create a report. There are three stages to the reporting lifecycle. They are as follows:

• Authoring: The report's layout and data source are determined by the authors. The report definition language is the syntax used to DEFINE the report. Report builder, for example, is one of the tools used for authoring.
• Management: The second phase of the reporting lifecycle is management. It entails handling publicly available reports, which are currently available through web services. You must establish role-based security MODELS for the reports that are currently available through the web interface. It's used to determine who has access to the report and who can view it. Controlling the execution, i.e. when the report should have received the data, is a crucial duty in the management phase. In addition, the entire report should be updated in real-time. Any data source that uses data must be updated on a regular basis. Working with static data is simple. When working with dynamic data, it's important to specify when the updates will take place. It could be a day, an hour, or a week.
• Delivery: We determine when the reports will be given to the CLIENT in the Delivery phase. It could be on an as-needed basis or ACCORDING to a set timetable. You can ALSO include an automatic subscription option that will generate and send reports to the client on a regular basis.

Following are the different types of data regions in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) :-

• Table: A table is a data region that displays data in a row-by-row format. The NUMBER of columns in a table is fixed; you decide how many columns you want when you build your report. Table rows are dynamic, meaning they expand downwards to fit the data. Tables can be divided into groups, which organise data based on selected fields or expressions.
• Matrix: A crosstab is another name for a matrix. In a matrix data region, both dynamic rows and columns can be present. Dynamic and static columns and rows are both possible in a matrix. Columns and rows can be used to group data and can contain other columns and rows.
• List: A list is a type of data region that displays data in a freeform format. You can use text boxes, photos, and other data areas to create a form by arranging report items in a list.
• Chart: A chart is a visual REPRESENTATION of data. BAR, pie, and line charts are examples of charts, although there are much more available.
• Gauge: A gauge shows data in the form of a range with an indicator pointing to a specific value within that range. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics are DISPLAYED using gauges. Linear and circular gauges are examples of gauges.
• Map: You can use a map to present data against a geographic backdrop. Spatial data from a SQL Server query, or Microsoft Bing map tiles can all be used as map data. Sets of coordinates define polygons that represent shapes or areas, lines that represent routes or journeys, and points that are represented by markers in spatial data. You can correlate aggregate data with map items to change their colour and size automatically. For instance, you can change the marker type for a store depending on the volume of sales or the colour for a road depending on the speed limit.

In a report, a DATA region is an object that displays data from a report dataset. In a table, matrix, or list, report data can be displayed as numbers and text; VISUALLY in a chart or gauge; or against a geographic backdrop in a map. The tablix data region, which expands as NEEDED to display all of the data from the dataset, is the basis for all tables, matrices, and lists. Multiple rows and column groupings, as well as static and dynamic rows and COLUMNS, are supported by a tablix data region. In a number of chart forms, a chart presents numerous series and category groups. For a dataset, a gauge shows a SINGLE value or an aggregated value. A map shows spatial data as map elements that can look different depending on the aggregated data from a dataset.

The architecture of SQL SERVER Reporting SERVICES (SSRS) consists of the FOLLOWING components:-

• Report Builder: It's a client-side ad-hoc report publishing tool that runs on the user's computer. It has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
• Report Designer: The Report Designer tool aids in the creation of a variety of reports. It's a publishing tool for Visual Studio or Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS).
• Report Manager: Report Manager is a web-based tool that comes with Reporting Services and is responsible for all areas of report management.
• Report Server: It is a server that stores metadata information using the SQL Server database engine.
• Report Server Database: It keeps TRACK of metadata, report definitions, resources, security settings, and delivery information, among other things.
• Data Sources: Data is retrieved from data sources such as relational and multidimensional data sources via reporting services.

Working of SQL Server Reporting Services: Any data source, such as Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, and so on, can be used. Any of these data sources can be linked to Microsoft SQL Server. The data retrieval and rendering processes begin after the data sources are connected to the SQL Server. The process of filtering and evaluating data in order to meet the requirements is known as rendering. Processing of reports: Rendering is followed by report processing. The process of publishing, filtering, and amending EXISTING reports is known as report processing. Web service interfaces in XML: When you publish a report, it is automatically published to the website via the XML web service interface. SQL Server includes security, scheduling, and delivery.

Following are the advantages of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS):-

• It is both quick and less expensive.
• It provides access to information stored in both MS SQL Server and Oracle DATABASES for efficient reporting.
• There is no need for high-priced specialised training to use SQL Server Reporting Services.
• Visual Studio.NET is integrated with the default report designer in SSRS. This allows us to create an application as well as reports in the same place.
• Security is controlled by a role-based approach that may be applied to folders and reports.
• Users receive subscription-based reports automatically.
• Reports on relational and cube data can be produced more quickly.
• It provides real-time data pertaining to the business, allowing for better decision-making.

Following are the disadvantages of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS):-

• There is no option to print. If you wish to print something, you must first export it to PDF, Excel, Word, or another format.
• If the report has PARAMETERS, users must need to pass the values for parameters even if they do not wish the data in the report to be filtered.
• Making changes to custom code and debug expressions is tough.
• It is not possible to include a page number or the TOTAL number of PAGES in the report body.
• There is no way to send values from sub-reports to the main report.
• Every new page has an EXTRA space created by the page header.

 Following are the features of SQL Server Reporting SERVICES (SSRS):-

• It provides a pluggable ARCHITECTURE and a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) application.
• Data can be retrieved from OLE (Object Linking and Embedding Database, ODBC (Open Database Connecting) , and database connections.
• It allows us to produce and save ad hoc reports to the server.
• Data can be shown in a variety of ways, including tabular, free-form, and chart styles.
• Using the report-processing extension, we can create custom controls.
• We can incorporate graphics and PHOTOS into the reporting. SharePoint can also be used to integrate with external material.
• Custom reports can be SAVED and managed.
• We can use the chart and gauge control tool to display KPI (Key PERFORMANCE Index) data.

The virtual access to the data that we have is KNOWN as data visualisation. A well-designed data MIGHT take the form of a graph, charts, or a report, and visual representation of data is the simplest and most powerful way to describe data.

Every day, we generate approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data, which is a massive amount of data. We need to be able to see what this data implies, so it must be converted into a visual format. Data visualisation is preferable over reading since our eyes perceive information BETTER. The basic goal of data visualisation is to help people comprehend data better than they can by reading it. Humans are better at interpreting data or information using charts and graphs than they are at analysing data using spreadsheets. Data visualisation is a simple and rapid technique to explain common notions. The following are some of the reasons why data visualisation is beneficial:

• It assists you in identifying areas that require additional attention or improvement.
• It ALSO aids in the identification of the factors that affect CUSTOMER behaviour.
• It can also be used to estimate sales volume.