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SQL Server 2017 VS ReportServer

Compare SQL Server 2017 VS ReportServer and see what are their differences

SQL Server 2017 logo SQL Server 2017

Jul 1, 2017 - Learn about tools and services for mobile and paginated Reporting Services reports and Power BI reports on premises.

ReportServer logo ReportServer

In Reporting Services, URLs are used to access the Report Server Web service and the web portal. Before you can use either application, you must configure at least one URL each for the Web service and the web portal.
  • SQL Server 2017 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-20
  • ReportServer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-15

SQL Server 2017 features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Support
    SQL Server 2017 offers cross-platform support, enabling it to run on Windows, Linux, and Docker containers, providing flexibility and integration into various environments.
  • Graph Database Capabilities
    Introduces graph database capabilities, allowing the modeling of complex data relationships easily and efficiently, expanding its use cases.
  • Advanced Analytics
    Integrates with Microsoft R and Python services, facilitating advanced analytics and machine learning directly within the database, which helps organizations to perform sophisticated data analysis.
  • Adaptive Query Processing
    Includes adaptive query processing features to optimize query performance automatically, improving application speed and efficiency.
  • Enhanced Security
    SQL Server 2017 continues to enhance security with features like Always Encrypted, Dynamic Data Masking, and Row-Level Security to protect sensitive data.

Possible disadvantages of SQL Server 2017

  • Cost
    Licensing and support costs for SQL Server can be relatively high, particularly for enterprise editions, which may not be cost-effective for smaller organizations.
  • Complexity
    SQL Server 2017 includes a vast array of features and configurations that can introduce complexity, requiring substantial expertise to manage and optimize.
  • Resource Intensive
    Requires significant system resources for optimal performance, which may necessitate additional investment in hardware to operate efficiently at scale.
  • Limited NoSQL Functionality
    While SQL Server 2017 introduces some NoSQL features through its support for JSON and graph databases, it still lags behind dedicated NoSQL databases in terms of flexibility and scalability for unstructured data.
  • Version-Specific Features
    Some advanced features are only available in the latest versions or specific editions, which may necessitate upgrades or specific licensing to access the full capabilities, leading to additional expenses.

ReportServer features and specs

  • Open Source
    ReportServer is an open-source reporting platform, allowing users to access the source code and modify it to tailor the software to their specific needs without any licensing fees.
  • Multi-Tenancy Support
    The platform supports multi-tenancy, enabling organizations to serve multiple clients from a single instance of the software while keeping data secure and segregated.
  • Flexible Reporting
    ReportServer provides a flexible reporting environment that supports a variety of report types, including pixel-perfect report creation, ad hoc analysis, and dynamic lists.
  • Integration with Various Data Sources
    It offers robust integration capabilities, allowing users to connect to a wide range of data sources, including SQL databases, Excel files, and web services.
  • Role-Based Access Control
    The platform includes comprehensive role-based access control features, providing granular permission settings to assure security and appropriate data access.
  • Community Support
    Being open-source, it has an active community providing support and sharing insights and plugins that can enhance the system's functionality.

Possible disadvantages of ReportServer

  • Complex Setup Process
    The initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-consuming, requiring technical expertise, especially for organizations with specific customization needs.
  • Limited Documentation
    While some documentation is available, it's often perceived as limited or lacking detail, making it challenging for new users to get up to speed quickly.
  • User Interface
    The user interface may be seen as less intuitive and user-friendly compared to some of the modern, commercial reporting tools available on the market.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, particularly with larger datasets or complex report designs that can slow down the system.
  • Professional Support Cost
    While the community version is free, professional support services and additional features require a paid enterprise subscription, which could be costly for some organizations.

SQL Server 2017 videos

SQL Server 2017 – Everything you need to know

More videos:

  • Review - SQL Server 2017 Features

ReportServer videos

ReportServer - Simply Business Intelligence

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SQL Server 2017 and ReportServer)
Data Dashboard
100 100%
0% 0
Business Intelligence
31 31%
69% 69
Data Visualization
100 100%
0% 0
Office & Productivity
0 0%
100% 100

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SQL Server 2017 and ReportServer, you can also consider the following products

JasperReports - JasperReports Server is a stand-alone and embeddable reporting server.

Telerik Reporting - Deliver Reports to Any Application. Add reports to any business application. View reports on mobile devices and in web, desktop and cloud apps. Export reports to any format.

Pentaho - Pentaho is a Business Intelligence software company that offers Pentaho Business Analytics, a suite...

TeamMate+ - Wolters Kluwer audit solutions provide you visibility across the three lines of defense, consistency throughout your workflow, and efficiency for greater risk management.

Crystal Reports - Save up to 25% when you buy or upgrade. Discover SAP Crystal Reports to take control of complex data and monitor business performance to achieve results.

ManageEngine ADAudit Plus - ManageEngine ADAudit Plus is a real-time windows active directory auditing tool.