Microsoft's Reporting Services product is a vital part of the SQL Server 2005 business intelligence platform, but it works with virtually any data source. This hands-on guide explains how to transform data into insightful and interactive Web-based reports using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services. With coverage of everything from installation to administration, the book demonstrates how to use this powerful server-based reporting solution to improve business decision-making and facilitate company-wide -- even worldwide -- communication.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 50 Ratings

This review is to help readers find sample required Galactic database for download. - 2009-09-24
Reviewer Rating:
Galactic database for download location.

Googling the Internet and reading posted reviews indicates that many people having problem find download of the "Galactic" database. That database author is using in study exercises in this book. On page 116 author provide link to the site for database download. As of today the database is not there.

I would recommend you download the Galactic database and MS Word installation manual before buying this book and complete installation required.

I found the download googlling on keyword "Download McGraw-Hill". Then from the search page result you must select item -

<<<<<
McGraw-Hill Professional - 4:01pm
You can download Oracle Press related source code from the ....
>>>>>

That site provides list of many downloads available for McGraw-Hill. For this book you need item "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services".

The download is in Win.Zip format chapters for the book and the "Galactic" database zip file is included. The Galactic database is in "sql" script format. It will require special installation using SQL Server. For the Galactic database installation all needed files and MS Word installation manual is included.

At this point in time I'm giving that book preliminary 4 stars just for difficulties with required sample database download.

I second that! Exceptional Clarity and useful examples - 2009-08-04
Reviewer Rating:
I have a lot of SQL Server experience and am an MCP in Sql Server 2000. I have purchased and used 3 books on SSRS. A quick intro type book, this book, and a "pro" book for SSRS 2008. The quick intro was fine but for depth and "step by step" instructions on the common reporting requirements-sorting,grouping,parameterization, etc. this book is EXCELLENT.

The really great thing about it is that the step by step instructions for each reporting function for each example ACTUALLY WORK! Not every programming book you will buy will have that quality. For example, the "pro" SSRS 2008 book I purchased has numerous flaws in the examples that are frustrating and slow the learning pace to a crawl. Sure, when the reviewers complained about that book, that author responded that he will answer all questions if you email him. But who wants to wait days every time they try another example for a correction to the text???

This book actually WORKS! and because the examples work on the first try without errors, you will learn FAST.

good information - 2009-01-12
Reviewer Rating:
This helped me with a special project that I was working on. There is a lot information that I skipped over because I didn't have time to read the whole thing. I did find most of what I was looking for in order to complete my project.

Never Have I read a better Tech Book - EVER ! - 2008-12-08
Reviewer Rating:
You, Brian Larson are wonderful. I have not read a better tech book.

You cover everything, from Beginning SQL syntax all the way to Security and executing reports with custom ASP.NET apps and Web Services. I recommend this to everyone, when they ask me how to learn SQL Reporting.

- John Johnson

It Assumes You Are A Little Slow - 2008-12-03
Reviewer Rating:
I felt like this book thought I couldn't connect the dots. I guess what I should have looked for was more of a reference book. I had no experience with SQL reporting services, but I already knew my way around a SQL query, and although I am mostly a sysadmin by trade, I have dabbled in Microsoft developement products for many years. If you've never seen visual studio and/or you've never touched any kind of relational database or any kind of reporting tools in your life, maybe this would be a good book for you. If you just need the bullet points on how it works and someone to point you in the right direction on some of the more complex things SSRS can do, this book won't work for you.

Most of what I have learned about SSRS so far, I have learned from the Internet and Microsoft's included documentation.

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