Since the emergence of the relational data model, various means have been tried to get meaningful data, i.e. information, out of the database. The IT professional who has braved the gamut of normalization, foreign keys, and outer joins lives in a different world to the user, albeit highly numerate themselves, who just wants to see a grid of figures on the screen. Hence the popularity of the spreadsheet.
But what if there was a way to bridge the gap between the database and the spreadsheet? Enter OfficeWriter, a tool that extends the functionality of familiar software like Excel and Word to acquire and arrange data from SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
OfficeWriter for SSRS comes in two parts: the Designer and the Renderer. The Designer allows users to create reports in Excel or Word, while the Renderer sits on the Reporting Services server. Reports created using OfficeWriter are saved in the SSRS XML-based RDL format and can be viewed in Report Manager along with other SSRS reports.
With OfficeWriter, users can easily place and format fields in a familiar spreadsheet grid or word-processor layout. The tool provides a toolbar with buttons for opening reports, selecting queries, inserting fields, creating formulas, saving and publishing reports, and more.
Reports can also be designed and displayed in Word, offering a more flexible approach to form design. This is particularly useful for creating customer-based reports with different groups of repetitive data that require varying numbers and widths of columns.
One of the standout features of OfficeWriter is its ability to handle both Word and Excel versions of a report within a single RDL file. This means that users can open the file in either application and have access to the features appropriate to that application.
Building queries in OfficeWriter is made easy with the use of Ms Query. Users can choose their database connection, pull in tables, and build SQL queries. Parameters can also be set up, allowing for editable criteria at runtime.
Installation of OfficeWriter may require some configuration, particularly if there are existing SQL Server instances on the machine. However, once installed, the tool provides a seamless integration with SSRS.
OfficeWriter is licensed on a per CPU basis, eliminating per seat costs. Microsoft Office is not required on the server, as reports can be displayed using Word Viewer or Excel Viewer. However, an Office license is needed to create new reports.
In conclusion, OfficeWriter is a powerful tool that bridges the gap between the database and the spreadsheet. It provides an easy way for spreadsheet users to access and manipulate low-level data, while also freeing up IT professionals to focus on more advanced information delivery techniques. With its ability to create reports in both Excel and Word, OfficeWriter offers flexibility and convenience for users of all backgrounds.
For more information about OfficeWriter, visit the SoftArtisans website.