I have been working for Microsoft for the past two years. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is the fact that I work with US Education. I get to evangelize SQL Server and Business Intelligence to Colleges, Universities and Public Schools across the country. I build Proof of Concepts, assist in architectural design sessions, make hardware and software recommendations, help with implementations and so on and so on and so…. You get the picture. Well recently during one of my engagements I was told that I make too many assumptions about the skill level of my session attendees. For example, during the same session I did not detail the steps of creating a Data Source when building a SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) Report. During the break more than one attendee pointed out that several people in attendance could not create a Data Source. As a result, I decided to start a Blog Series that focused on several 100 to 200 level topics.

With that said, if you are an experienced WHATEVER in SQL Server you may want to avoid reading my posts for the next 4 – 6 months, because they are going to be very introductory. Most of the posts will include Step-By-Step instructions explaining how to do something with an embedded video demonstrating the steps. On-the-other-hand, if you are new to the topic of discussion you should follow along. The first series will introduce SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). I will explain in short posts how to build each element of an SSRS report. Throughout these posts I will use SQL Server 2012 service pack 1 and each post will build on the previous. I will ensure that the content that is created can be downloaded. I will be using the ContosoSchools Data Warehouse database. Click here to download the backup file.

I am not sure where this journey is going to us, but I am sure something GREAT will come of it.

Talk to you soon,

Patrick LeBlanc, Microsoft, Technical Solutions Professional SQL Server and Business Intelligence

Founder www.sqllunch.com