Getting Started with Azure Report Server

Azure Report Server is a powerful tool for creating and managing reports, and getting started with it is easier than you think. You can deploy it on-premises or in the cloud, giving you flexibility and scalability.

To begin, you'll need to create a new report server database, which will store all your reports and data. This database is the backbone of your report server, and it's essential to set it up correctly.

The report server database is created using SQL Server, and you can use either the Express or Standard edition. This gives you a choice of how much storage and processing power you need, depending on the size of your reports and user base.

Once you've created the database, you can start building your reports using the Report Builder tool. This tool is user-friendly and allows you to design and layout your reports with ease.

To create a report in Azure Report Server, you'll need to configure a new project. Type "Report" in the search box, then choose Report Server Project Wizard and click Next.

The first step in the report creation process is to add a data source. Enter the Name and click Edit to configure the connection information.

To connect to your Azure SQL Managed Instance, you'll need to provide the Server Name, Authentication type, User name, and Password. Make sure to test the connection to ensure it's successful.

Once you've added the data source, you can move on to the query string section. For a simple report like this one, you can enter a query like SELECT * FROM sys.databases.

Here are the key fields to configure in your data source:

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a report that lists the databases on your Azure SQL Managed Instance.

Administration is a breeze with Azure Report Server. You can use a set of graphical and scripting tools to administer the report server, and the tools you use depend on the deployment mode of your report server.

The web portal is a great option for remote administration, and it's only available for native mode report servers. This means you can access and manage your report server from anywhere, making it super convenient.

To get started with the web portal, you can use it for tasks like viewing and printing reports, organizing folders, and configuring role-based security. You can also use it to configure report execution properties, report history, and report parameters.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key tasks you can perform with the web portal:

Before adding a report, make sure you have the necessary permissions and access rights, as outlined in the "User Roles and Permissions" section.

Reports can be added to various types of documents, including invoices, purchase orders, and shipments, as explained in the "Document Types" section.

To avoid errors, review the report's configuration settings, such as the report frequency and data range, as detailed in the "Report Configuration" section.

Reports can be added to multiple documents at once, making it efficient for tasks like reconciliations, as described in the "Batch Processing" section.

The report's data will be based on the current document status, so ensure the document is in the correct status before adding the report, as outlined in the "Document Status" section.

Reports can be customized to fit specific needs, such as adding custom fields or modifying report templates, as explained in the "Report Customization" section.

Tools for Administration are a must-have for any SSRS user. You can use graphical and scripting tools to administer the report server, depending on the deployment mode.

The web portal is a great tool for remote administration, but it's only available for native mode report servers. This means you can't use it for shared mode report servers.

To use the web portal, you'll need to be connected over an HTTP connection. This allows you to access your report server from anywhere, making it a convenient option.

The web portal offers a range of features, including viewing, searching, printing, and subscribing to reports. You can also organize, create, and secure folder hierarchies, as well as configure role-based security.

Here are some of the key tasks you can perform using the web portal:

Pathinfo is a crucial piece of information in report server administration. It's the relative path name of the item in the native mode report server database, or the fully qualified URL of the item in a SharePoint catalog.

In native mode, the pathinfo is the relative path of the item in the report server database, beginning with a slash (/). This is how you'll see it in the native mode report server database.

For SharePoint integrated mode, the pathinfo is the fully qualified URL of the item in the SharePoint library, including the item extension.

Prefixes like rs: or rc: can be used in URL access parameters to target specific processes within the report server.

You can construct parameters in name/value pairs using the syntax param=value, separated by an ampersand (&). This is a common way to customize the report rendering or behavior.

Report parameters, on the other hand, don't use a parameter prefix and are case-sensitive. This means you need to be careful with the capitalization when entering report parameters.

If a prefix for a URL access parameter isn't included, the parameter is processed by the report server as a report parameter.

The report server processes parameters contained in URL requests to the report server. It's essential to understand how the report server handles these requests, as it depends on the parameters, parameter prefixes, and types of items included in the URL.

Report server URLs adhere to the URL formatting guidelines proposed by the joint World Wide Web Consortium W3C/IETF draft standard. This ensures compatibility with most internet browsers or applications that support standard URL addressing.

The report server's URL access concepts are built around the idea of sending commands to the SSRS report server. Understanding the different components of a URL access string is crucial for effectively sending these commands.

Here are some key concepts to keep in mind: