SQL Server Reporting Services vs. Microsoft Access Reports

Question

SQL Server Reporting Services vs. Microsoft Access Reports

Todd Butz

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January 31, 2005 at 3:39 pm

#109684

Hi there,
My employer currently uses Microsoft Access to create reports that are printed and mailed out to customers (renewal letters, anniversary statements, billing notices etc.).
Is it possible to use SQL Server Reporting Servings to accomplish the same task and what are the advantages and disadvantages of Reporting Services versus Microsoft Access.
Thanks,

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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Joe Salvatore SSCrazy Points: 2174 More actions · Answer 1

SQL Reporting Services can absolutly accomplish these tasks. In fact they have the ability to convert MS Access reports to SQL Reporting Services reports.

When you import a report into Report Designer, the import process converts the Microsoft Access report into a Reporting Services Report Definition Language (RDL) file. Because of differences between Access and Reporting Services, some items are modified slightly or are not supported so you should review SSRS books on line for details (see Supported Access Report Features and Importing Reports from Access).

Many of the advantages and disadvantages of SSRS versus Access center on centalized dedicated server versus client-server connected discussions. But from a design perspective you can accomplish the same look and feel of your reports using SSRS that you do with Access. Obviously there is that how do I do this Access design within SSQR stage; but beyond that, SSRS is a very useful reporting tool.

One thing to give serious consideration to is what data source is presently used for your information. If it is stored within Access then perhaps the only benefits to be gained from SSRS would be the ability to access the reports from the web without an Access web interface.

Hope this helps.

Todd Butz SSC-Addicted Points: 470 More actions · Answer 2

Thanks Joe for your response.

Your last thought was my primary reason for looking at SSRS was because we currently link to SQL server tables within Access and I thought it would be good to get away from this.

Joe Salvatore SSCrazy Points: 2174 More actions · Answer 3

Linking to SQL table via Access is not a "bad" idea and is much better then placing an Access database with data in a central network folder and permitting multi-user access. However, if the only reason you are doing this is to get reporting then you may want to rethink this strategy in light of what SSRS offers.

I would advise reviewing the topics from Books On Line that I mentioned in my previous post to ensure that you would fully understand what issues you would need to address prior to committing to performing the conversions.

If you have form backgrouds on these then you may consider taking a screenshot of the background and using that as your SSRS background in order to precisely layout the fields on a List region (afterwhich you could either delete the background image if using preprinted forms or reproduce the background image using graphic tools in SSRS).

Good luck!

Todd Butz SSC-Addicted Points: 470 More actions · Answer 4

Thanks for the advice.

I intend to spend some time reading BOL to get a really good understanding of how SSRS works and then if it's feasible I'll run it by my boss for consideration.

Thanks again.