Introduction
SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based report generating software system provided by Microsoft. It is a part of a suite of Microsoft SQL Server services, including SSAS (SQL Server Analysis Services) and SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services). This means that it comes with a SQL Server License. It can be used to prepare and deliver a variety of interactive and printable reports with less effort. It represents the RDL (Report Definition Language) component to graphic icons in a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Instead of writing code, the user can drag-and-drop graphic icons into an SSRS report format.
This article will describe the simple steps to configure the Report Server.
First, you need to install SQL Server Reporting Services. There are two methods to install it.
Install it from SQL Server installation file while installing SQL Server:
Another method is Download SQL Server Reporting Services separately and install it.
After installation of SQL server reporting services, type Reporting server configuration manager in the windows search box and open it. Then follow the given steps below.
Steps to Setup Report Server Configuration Manager
Click on Connect and insert a Server Name and Select Report Server Instance as shown below, then click on Connect.
Then, click on Service Account. Now you have to sign up for a Report Server Service Account. Here, you have two options, use a built-in account, or use another account. If you choose a built-in account, you will get a Network Service as well as Virtual Service Account in the selection options. If you have a domain user, then you can choose to use another account option and provide a Domain\User Account and Password.
In my case, I have selected a built-in account -> Virtual Service Account. Which we can get by default selection
After that, click on Webservice URL. A Report Server virtual directory will be created by default. If you have your own Report Server Web Service Site then you can use its IP Address, TCP Port, HTTPS Certificate, and HTTPS Ports for your web service URL. For me, I am choosing default values for Report Server Web Service Site identification.
Click on Apply.
Click on Database then click on Change Database.
After that following screen will appear. Select create a new report server database if you are creating a report server database for the first time. However, you can select choose an existing report server database if you have already installed a report service. Then click Next.
Database Server
Insert your Server name then select Authentication Type as SQL Server Account, Username, Password, and click Next.
Database
Choose Report Server Database as report server and click Next.
Credential
Select Authentication Type as SQL Server Credentials, insert username and password, then click Next.
Summary
The following Summary will come, then click on Next.
It saves the setup and completes after a few seconds. Then click on finish.
Click on the Web portal URL. A virtual directory and URL will be created by default.
Finally, type this web portal URL in the browser. SQL Server Reporting Service will open in the browser.
Conclusion
In this way, the Report Server is set up successfully and now is ready to use. You can create a new report or upload any existing RDL (report file) and view the report using SQL server reporting services.