Introducing the Tablix Data Region in Reporting Services 2008 - Page 3

November 25, 2009

Ascertain Connectivity of the Shared Data Source

Let’s ensure we have a working data source. Many of us will be running “side-by-side” installations of MSSQL Server 2005 and MSSQL Server 2008. This means that our installation of the latter will need to be referenced as a server / instance combination, versus a server name alone. (The default for the AdventureWorks 2008 Sample Reports solution’s connection is localhost, which will not work correctly in such a side-by-side installation, as the MSSQL Server 2005 instance will have assumed the identity of the local PC by default.)

From within the open AdventureWorks 2008 Sample Reports solution, within the SQL Server Business Intelligence Development Studio, take the following steps:

The Shared Data Source Properties dialog opens, showing default settings.

The Connection Properties dialog opens, and appears with default settings similar to those shown in Illustration 8.

We note that the default Server name is “localhost.” While this might prove an adequate setting for a PC with only MSSQL Server 2008 installed (default instance), in many of our environments, the requirement is for the server / instance combination that correctly identifies the correct MSSQL Server 2008 instance. (Clicking the Test Connection button at this point will provide confirmation as to whether we need to make this change).

A message box appears, indicating that the Test connection succeeded, assuming that our changes (or lack of same, as circumstances might dictate) are appropriate. The message box appears as shown in Illustration 10.

The Shared Data Source dialog appears, with our modified settings, similar to those depicted in Illustration 11.

In Part 2 of this article we will continue our introduction to the tablix data region by opening the Territory Sales Drilldown 2008 sample report. We will then be positioned to examine the properties and settings, as well as the operation, of a tablix data region that is employed in a fully functional report.

Conclusion

In this, Part 1 of an introduction to the Reporting Services 2008 tablix data region, we began a discussion of the tablix and its general uses and characteristics. We stated that this overview would serve to prepare us for other articles where we employ the tablix data region in reporting from an Analysis Services data source, and demonstrate properties (and creative ways to manipulate them within our reports) and methods that we can leverage to format and deliver information to meet the business needs of our clients and employees.

In introducing the tablix data region, we briefly discussed preparation for our practice session, specifically touching upon how to obtain and install the samples for Reporting Services 2008. We then opened the sample Report Server solution, AdventureWorks 2008 Sample Reports, and ascertained connectivity of its shared MSSQL Server 2008 data source. Throughout this first half of the article, we discussed basic features of the tablix data region, and looked forward to Part 2, where we will further discuss the basic features of the tablix data region, and examine the supporting properties and settings within an existing sample report.

About the MSSQL Server Reporting Services Series ...

This article is a member of the series MSSQL Server Reporting Services. The column is designed to introduce MSSQL Server Reporting Services (“Reporting Services”), presenting an overview of its features, with tips and techniques for real-world use. For more information on the series in general, please see my initial Database Journal article, A New Paradigm for Enterprise Reporting.

» See All Articles by Columnist William E. Pearson, III