Reporting Services and Linked Servers

  • Greetings all,

    I'm just starting to evaluate Reporting Services.

    I'd like to have one SQL Server/RS installation and then create linked server to all my other SQL Servers such that I can create reports in RS on all the data across my organization.

    Is this a valid strategy?

  • No, it isn't.

    RS allows you to connect to those servers directly and in most cases I would suggest you do. Linked servers usually incur a performance penalty especially on joins.

    CEWII

  • Elliott W (4/21/2010)


    RS allows you to connect to those servers directly and in most cases I would suggest you do. Linked servers usually incur a performance penalty especially on joins.

    CEWII

    OK so no linked servers. It sounds like there is a RS specific way to connect to other servers? What is this method called?

  • A report uses data sources. And all the reports don't have to have a single one. As far as 2 datasources on a report, I can't remember.

    For cases when data needs to span multiple sources it is VERY common for that data to either be copied on a schedule or replicated to a central repository that the report is run against. I have used linked servers often and have been pulling back from using them in most cases. Especially in cases where I would have to look at a LOT of data, which would be pretty typical for reports. There is a reason for using linked servers and this isn't one of them..

    CEWII

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