SSRS Training?

[dgillz]

I'm an old pro with Crystal Reports but new to SQL Server Reporting Services.

I am evaluating several classes and would like feedback from those that have taken classes.

Same with books. What are your favorite books on the subject?

Any feedback appreciated.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz

"What version of URGENT!!! are you using?

 

[xlbo]

Books - Hitchhikers Guide

Courses - been on the basic MS sponsored course and it was ok - but it basically covered the topics in the book above but in less detail. IMHO - get the book and have a play. Courses for this type of thing tend not to be too useful as they have to be too generic...

Rgds, Geoff

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours but they all live in the same box.

Please read FAQ222-2244 before you ask a question

 

[bburnell]

We currently use AppDev training for SSIS and SRS. I would also suggest the numerous web meetings Microsoft has on their site. The move from CR to SRS is not as big as it seems, but I do find SRS very lacking from CR. I hope the 2008 version fixes that. Microsoft has a good base to work off of, but it is still way behind CR in total functionality and ease of use (in my opinion). I also find the support way behind from what I used to get with CR. For example, look at the traffic on this forum as compared to any of the 4 CR forums. It's pathetic.

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Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[paulkeys]

My book of choice was the wrox press one

 

[dgillz]

bburnell,

Why did you make the move to SRS?

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz

"What version of URGENT!!! are you using?

 

[bburnell]

I was told by my boss that I had too. Also, the word on the street is that as of the next version of Visual Studio, Crystal Reports will no longer be included. I have faith MS will catch up, but how long will it take them?

Another pro for SRS is that the "Enterprise Server" already comes with SQL so you don't have to buy a separate software package (like CE) for it.

I always wondered why MS didn't just buy out CR until I saw that SAP own Business Objects.

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Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[dgillz]

SAP just recently bought out Business Objects.

I agree pricing wise that MS has an edge and will eventually dominate this slice of the pie as well.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz

"What version of URGENT!!! are you using?

 

[bburnell]

I always thought that had MS been smart, they would've bought out CR and made it their own. It already integrates with Visual Studio so well. All I get from MS is how "broken" and "bugged" CR is. I told them they obviously don't use it then. They didn't like me much for a while.

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Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[xlbo]

CR was bought by Business Objects who have been subsequently been bought / partnered by SAP

CR has been BOBJ property for quite a while now - that is why MS havn't bought them

Rgds, Geoff

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours but they all live in the same box.

Please read FAQ222-2244 before you ask a question

 

[bburnell]

I know that now and that was probably true when I asked them about it, but that's not what they told me. MS told me it was because of how "buggy" and "unstable" it was (like SRS isn't that way?) Thanks for the info Geoff!
Brett

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Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[bessebo]

I took a class on SSRS at New Horizons Learning Center in Nashua, NH. They just used the APPDEV training materials. I thought it was worthwhile. It really helps if you've been trying to develop some reports before you take the class. For charting I recommend Dundas charts. There is much more functionality than what comes with the base Reporting Services.

Regards,
Bessebo

 

[bburnell]

We bought AppDev instead of going back to NH. It was much cheaper to buy them for 3 people than to send 3 people to NH. How can NH justify charging $$$ to use someone else's copyrighted work? Do they have a deal with AppDev I wonder?

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Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA