This chapter describes the key features of SQL Server Reporting Services 2012. All SQL server software components used in the preparation of this book as well as bringing in sample data to these servers are also described. Step-by-step instructions are provided for most of the installation related items in this book. One of the key features of this version of SQL Server Reporting Services is the tight integration with SharePoint Server, and therefore guided instructions are provided to install SharePoint Server 2010 on the same machine. The configurations of Reporting Services for the SQL Server Reporting Services 2012 installed in Native mode, as well as installing Reporting Services in SharePoint Integrated mode are described. This is a mandatory chapter to work with the rest of the book.
In the next chapter, which is also mandatory, we will be looking at what Visual Studio provides for authoring and deploying reports. We will be working with Visual Studio 2012 and SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).