You would like to create a report about the present project performance using the SQL Server Reporting Services. You want this report to reference a particular point in time to create a history of the project performance. Once the report is created you want to generate a series of these reports to identify trends, history, and track overall project performance. What type of report should you create?
A.
Linked report
B.
Report snapshot
C.
Report model
D.
Rendered report
Explanation:
A report snapshot is a report that contains layout information and query results that were retrieved at a specific point in time. A report snapshot is saved to a report server after getting processed on a schedule. When a report snapshot is selected for viewing, the report server retrieves the stored report from the report server database and shows the data and layout that were current for the report at the time the snapshot was created. By using a series of these reports the administrator can create a history of project performance from report-to-report. Answer option A is incorrect. A linked report is a report server item. It provides an access point to an existing report. It is similar to a program shortcut that is used to run a program or open a file. It is derived from an existing report and retains the original report definition. Answer option D is incorrect. A rendered report is a fully processed report. It contains both data and layout information in a format suitable for viewing. A report cannot be viewed until it is rendered into an output format. Report rendering is performed by the report server. Answer option C is incorrect. A report model is a business description of an underlying database. It is used for building ad hoc reports. A report model is an additional layer of information that is used to map database tables and views into concepts that are meaningful to business users. The information that business users want to report on should be reflected by a well-designed report model and organized in a meaningful way.