Report Builder 2.0 RC1
My favorite "toy" in SQL Server 2008 just got a brand new spanking release! Report Builder 2.0 just went RC1 after it didn't appear in the feature pack of SQL Server 2008 RTM. When I tried it out first, as a Report Designer Preview in CTP6, I loved it so much that I even decided to make a webcast out of it (both in Hebrew and in English). Later, I found out this would become the "next generation" of Report Builder. When I downloaded the feature pack that came with SQL Server 2008 RC0 I admit I was a bit disappointed, as they took out the link directing me to the Data Source definition, and I for one really liked that functionality. But it all seems to have been worth the wait. First of all, they have changed the first screen again and what you see will start you on your way to either a Tablix or a chart (though obviously you can add later one of the other):
And then you start your way on a wizard, going through from creating the Data Source:
Creating a query with joins and a start of a parameter with just a few clicks:
Creating groups with a simple drag and drop:
And formatting those groups is just as easy:
After a bit of styling, all that's left is to run the report:
If you remember, in Report Builder 2.0 CTP6 you didn't have a wizard to help you build a query and a parameter so easily. I think I may soon find myself becoming obsolete for quite a few of my users... And that's not all because you can also open and edit Data Sources and Reports saved on the Report Server.
So, if you're excited just as much as I am, I strongly recommend you download Report Builder 2.0 in its RC1 version. The final release of Report Builder 2.0 is scheduled for fall of this year, along with the updated feature pack for SQL Server 2008.