Chapter 1. Getting Started with Reporting

Every business needs reports and usually lots of different types of reports. In the Microsoft realm, there is not just one product that creates all of these reports. While having multiple tools gives you many advantages, it leads to confusion about which is the best tool to use for a specific task. There are numerous reporting tools, and we will talk about two of them: the oldest and most widely used—SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and the new kid on the block—Power View. We will explain both of these tools so that you can quickly use them and have clarity on the best use of each tool.