What Is SQL Reporting Services?
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based reporting platform that provides comprehensive reporting functionality for a variety of data sources. SSRS allows you to create, manage, and deliver a wide range of interactive and printed reports, as well as manage and secure these reports.
SSRS Is Not Included In Express or Developer Edition Or Web
Express Edition:
This is a free, entry-level edition of SQL Server that is designed for small, non-critical applications. It does not include SSRS.
Web Edition:
This edition of SQL Server is designed for web-facing applications and is optimized for internet use. It does not include SSRS.
Developer Edition:
This edition of SQL Server is a full-featured version of the product that is intended for developers to use for development and testing purposes. It does not include SSRS.
Install SQL Server Reporting Services
Obtain And Run the SSRS Installer
If you do not have Microsoft SQL Server installed you will need to do that first, as the SSRS installer prompts you to create a report server database
You can download the download installation media for SSRS below https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=104502
Here are the SQL Server reporting services install prompts
When You Are Asked For The Key SQL Server Key
You can obtain the key by running the Microsoft SQL Server from the Microsoft Download Center to obtain download compatible installation media.
Microsoft SQL Server SQL Reporting Services Setup
To configure Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, you can follow these steps:
Open the Reporting Services Configuration Manager: You can find it in the Microsoft SQL Server program group.
Connect to the report server: In the Configuration Manager, click on the "Connect" button and enter the report server name and database connection information.
Service Account Configuration Window
Accounts Explanation
Domain user accounts
A domain user account is recommended because it isolates the Report Server service from other applications. Running multiple applications under a shared account, such as Network Service.
If you use a domain user account, you have to change the password periodically if your organization enforces a password expiration policy.
local Windows user account
Avoid using a local Windows user account. Local accounts typically don't have sufficient permission to access resources on other computers. For more information about how using a local account limits report server functionality, see Considerations for Using Local Accounts on the Microsoft website.
Virtual Service Account
Virtual Service Account represents the Windows service. It is a built-in least-privilege account that has network log-on permissions. This account is recommended if you don't have a domain user account available or if you want to avoid any service disruptions that might occur as a result of password expiration policies. Network Service
If you select Network Service, try to minimize the number of other services that run under the same account. A security breach for any one application compromises the security of all other applications that run under the same account.
Report Server Database:
There are two options.
Create report server database:
The "Create Report Server Database" option in SQL Server Reporting Service Configuration Manager is used to create a new create report server database. for storing report data and configuration information. The Report Server database is an essential component of the SSRS architecture as it acts as a repository for reports, data sources, security settings, and other metadata. The Report Server database can connect either by SQL Server Account or
SQL Server authentication.
When you create a Report Server database, you specify the database server and the database name, and then the Configuration Manager creates connections to the SQL server instance of the database and configures it for use with SSRS. The process involves creating the necessary tables, stored procedures, and other database objects needed by SSRS. Once the database is created and configured, you can use it to store and manage reports and other data used by SSRS.
Use An Existing Database:
Use an existing database Databases The create new Report Server Database screen is where we select the databases ReportServer and ReportServerTempDB.
Configure The Web Service URL:
Specify the URL for the report server web service. You can use either the default URL or a custom URL.
Host name A TCP/IP network uses an IP address to uniquely identify a device on the network. There is a physical IP address for each network adapter card installed in a computer. If the IP address resolves to a host header, you can specify the host header.
If you are deploying the report server on a corporate network, you can use the network name of the computer. Port A TCP port is an endpoint on the device. The report server will listen for requests on a designated port. Virtual directory A port is often shared by multiple Web services or applications. For this reason, a report server URL always includes a virtual directory that corresponds to the application that gets the request. You must specify unique virtual directory names for each Reporting Services application that listens on the same IP address and port. SSL settings URLs in Reporting Services can be configured to use an existing TLS/SSL certificate that you previously installed on the computer. For more information, see Configure TLS Connections on a Native Mode Report Server.
Once you have completed your configuration you must select apply, you know your settings have been successfully applied then you see a buck of green checkboxes below the results.
Configure Email Settings (optional):
So let me start with this using a 365 account will not work unless you configure office 365. You can find setup instructions here. However, most network admins will simply backhand you if you suggest this to them.
Do not even think about setting up a simple SMTP Mail server on your network, this quickly turns into a resume-producing event when it goes bad and someone spams your entire company with a graphic e-mail. I have used MailGun with success and avoided link below.
Start the Reporting Services: After configuring the settings, start the Reporting Services by clicking on the "Start" button in the Configuration Manager.
Backup Encryption Key
To back up an encryption key for SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), you can use the following steps:
to the Open SQL Server Reporting Services Configuration Manager.
Click on the "Encryption Keys" tab.
Click "Backup" to open the Backup Encryption Key Wizard.
Enter a password to protect the backup file. This password will be required when you restore the encryption key.
Select the location where you want to save the backup file.
Click "Finish" to complete the backup process.
It's important to keep the backup file in a secure location, as it contains sensitive information and can be used to gain access to your reports and data sources.
Setup Issues
Open the Report Server Configuration Manager validate the user that you added to access the reporting database server. Then open Server Management Studio and verify that user has permission to the database. Verify you can connect SQL Server Instance with SQL Server Management Studio and that the service is started.
You Opened the Web Portal URL instead of the Web Service URL
