In SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft invested heavily in Reporting Services. Compared to previous versions, reports were easier for end users to produce and richer to look at. Shared datasets were introduced, as was the report part gallery, both of which reduced the effort required to create a report through re-use of existing objects. In addition, maps, gauges, spark-lines, data bars and KPIs were introduced to make Reporting Services a much more competitive and visually attractive reporting tool.
In this chapter, we will start by looking at the features that have been deprecated and then explore the landscape that includes Power View and SharePoint. You will find about the exciting new Data Alerts and how your users will benefit. Finally, there is good news for those of you who render reports into Excel or Word format, as there has been improvement here too. So without further ado, let's get started.