We are trying to implement Ad-Hoc Reporting using SSRS 2008 R2.
First of all, it is very unhelpful that all SSRS books are for either 2008 or 2012, even though SSRS has major changes in 2008 R2 compared to 2008.
Our instructional materials indicate that we should build Report Models to abstract out our databases into terms familiar to our business users.
The problem we are having is the difference in functionality between Report Builder 1.0 and Report Builder 3.0. Report Builder 3.0 is touted as having the modern, ribbon based interface that is supposed to make end-users feel more comfortable. However, all the documentation says that end users are supposed to use Report Builder 1.0 for Ad-Hoc Reporting. And, it seems, that the reports generated by Report Builder 1.0 are not round-trip compatible with all the other reporting tools for SSRS 2008 R2.
The documentation we have illustrates that Report Builder 1.0 is nice for Ad-Hoc reporting, because is based on connecting directly to Report Models, and the end users can directly drag-and-drop entities and fields into their reports.
When we try working with Report Builder 3.0, it seems we must first connect to the Report Model as a Data Source and then build a Dataset query on the Report Model. Only then are some entity attributes available to be dropped into the report. If the user decides another source column is needed, they have to go back, edit the query, save the query, and then drag the column from the Dataset to the report. This does not seem end user friendly at all!
We are also concerned that if we train our users on the seemingly soon-to-be-obsolete Report Builder 1.0, and get them used to having direct Report Model access, that at some point we will have to move them to the Dataset-interrupted approach of Report Builder 2+. Highlighting this perception of impending obsolescence of Report Builder 1.0 is that in our shop that is starting with SSRS 2008 R2, we cannot figure out how to get a copy of Report Builder 1.0 in the first place.
We just don't see our end users being savvy enough to handle the steps involved with creating Datasets on top of Report Model Data Sources. So we would have to build the Datasets for them. But in that case, what point is there in creating any Report Models in the first place if DBAs are the ones to make Datasets?
As such, it is hard to envision a forward-looking SSRS implementation that has the end user ease-of-use Ad-Hoc reporting that the SSRS 2008 documentation presents.
What is it that Microsoft actually wants/expects SSRS implementers to do?
Dan Jameson
Manager SQL Server DBA
CureSearch for Children's Cancer
http://www.CureSearch.org
