Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Although the Windows service does provide functionality similar to the web service, it is more difficult to interact
with from a programming perspective. Thus, for programmers, the web service is the default way of interacting
with SSRS's administrative services.
In addition to the web and Windows service, report management is handled by stored procedures within
SSRS databases. These stored procedures are executed from the web and Windows service to perform all
database activities.
SSRS Web Applications
Each installation of Reporting Services includes two web applications, both of which are built using ASP.NET.
The first is the web service we just mentioned, and the second is an end-user application for viewing and
managing reports. This end-user application is known as Report Manager and is designed to interact with the
web service.
Most companies find that the Report Manager web application works well for their needs. Because of this,
these companies do not have a great need to create their own custom application. However, the web service
allows other developers to create custom windowed, console, and web applications that can interact with the
web service as well. This means that if you do not want to use Microsoft's ready-made web application—Report
Manager—you can create your own by programming it to interact with the web service.
The SSRS web service is not designed for humans to use directly, but it can be accessed directly if you so
desire. The web page that you see when you access the web service is quite basic when compared to the Report
Manager. Both of these are shown for comparison in Figure
16-4
. Notice that the web service contains text and
hyperlinks but little else. Clicking a hyperlink navigates you to either a subfolder containing reports or launches
a report for viewing. When you select a report for viewing, it will display the report in an HTML format.
The Report Manager web application provides a more user-friendly way of accessing reports, by using
interactive menus and icons. It also supplies administration options for users with administrative privileges.
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Although many features are accessible with any web browser, the Report Manager web application is
designed to work with Internet Explorer, because it provides native support for Windows authentication. Expect
to use Internet Explorer when performing administrative tasks using Report Manager.
Note
