sql server
One major part of SQL Server 2008 R2 is ReportBuilder 3.0 which allows you an alternative report editor in addition to the Report Designer in Visual Studio 2008. Some new features include Sparklines, Data Bars and Indicators. I have been testing them out with the SQL Server 2008 R2 Nov CTP. Let’s take a look. Sparklines are “mini-charts” that can be included in Data Regions such as report tables and matrices. They don’t have titles, legends, axis lines or labels but otherwise they are just like small charts you want embedded in your report data. Since sparklines always show aggregated data, they must be included in a cell associated with a group. For instance, you could represent each sales rep’s sales over time against their aggregated total summary. You can choose the type of chart you want including line, histogram, pie etc. Data Bars typically show a single data point as a bar. This feature is very similar to the equivalent concept in Excel 2007 and beyond. It gives a visual representation of a value so you can immediately compare values without having to look a the actual numbers. Again, Data Bars can be embedded within your report data. Indicators are very similar to the Analysis Services feature called Key Performance Indicators (KPI) except for any type of data not just multi-dimensional cubes. It gives a numeric value a visualization like arrows or stars or traffic light colors. Again, the end-user can quickly see the status of a business critical value via a visual icon to quickly identify problem areas or areas of success. In testing, all these features worked well in ReportBuilder 3.0. In Report Designer 2008 R2, Sparklines and Data Bars worked fine, but the indicator feature caused an error stating “SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services does not support state indicators” at preview time. Don’t worry, this version is still a CTP so I will report it and the issue will be fixed in time for the official R2 release later this year. If that’s my worst bug, I will be very happy with this release. cheers Brian
