What is SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)

Anupam Mishra

SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based report generating software system from Microsoft. It is part of suite of Microsoft SQL Server services, including SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services) and SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services). While SSAS enables users to construct special databases for fast analysis of very large amounts of data, and while SSIS enables users to integrate data from many sources outside Microsoft SQL Server, SSRS enables users to quickly and easily generate reports from Microsoft SQL Server databases.

The SSRS service provides a unique interface into Microsoft Visual Studio so that developers as well as SQL administrators can connect to SQL databases and use SSRS tools to format SQL reports in many complex ways. SSRS also provides a 'Report Builder' tool for less technical IT workers to format SQL reports of lesser complexity.

Administered via a Web interface, it can be used to prepare and deliver a variety of interactive and printed reports. SSRS competes with Crystal Reports and other business intelligence tools.