Over the past few weeks, I've been delving deeper into Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services (SSRS). In case you are not aware, there are downloads available that allow you to work with SSRS in a local mode, for example on a laptop/desktop. This is great for either learning, or building SSRS reports.
Here are the two main components that you'll need to install.
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services Service Pack 2
Brief Description
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services is a free, easy-to use version of SQL Server Express that includes more features and makes it easier than ever to start developing powerful data-driven applications for web or local desktop development.
Overview
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services (SQL Server Express) is a free, easy-to-use version of SQL Server Express that includes a graphical management tool and powerful features for reporting and advanced text-based searches. SQL Server Express provides powerful and reliable data management tools and rich features, data protection, and fast performance. It is ideal for embedded application clients, light Web applications, and local data stores.
SQL Server Express with Advanced Services has all of the features in SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, plus you can:
- Easily manage and administer SQL Server Express with an easy-to-use graphical management tool -- SQL Server 2005 Management Studio Express (SSMSE).
- Issue full-text queries against plain character-based data in SQL Server tables. Full-text queries can include words and phrases, or multiple forms of a word or phrase.
- Run SQL Server Reporting Services reports on local relational data.
Free to download, free to deploy, and free to redistribute as an embedded part of an application, SQL Server Express with Advanced Services is the fast and easy way to develop and manage data-driven applications with powerful built-in reporting and full-text search functionality.
For more information about SQL Server Express, including other editions and downloadable components now available, see the SQL Server Express page on MSDN.
For a list of new features and improvements that are included in SQL Server 2005 SP2, review the What's New document.
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Toolkit
Brief Description
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Toolkit provides additional tools and resources for SQL Server 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services.
SQLEXPR_TOOLKIT.EXE