What Is the Difference Between Microsoft SSRS, SSIS and SSAS?

by Janice Uwujaren

Microsoft complements its relational database engine, SQL Server, with several add-on services that manage
different aspects of enterprise business intelligence and information processing such as data integration, reporting
and analysis. While SQL Server can function independently of these services, they add value by enhancing SQL
Server’s capacity as a robust information platform for developing comprehensive business intelligence solutions.
Services include the SQL Server Integration Services, SQL Server Reporting Services and SQL Server Analysis
Services. These services are core products of the SQL Server 2008 R2 version, but they differ significantly in the
services they provide as part of the full server suite.

SQL Server 2008 R2 Services Availability in Editions

One key consideration and difference is that not all services come with the different editions of Microsoft SQL Server
2008 R2. The six SQL Server Editions for SQL Server 2008 R2 are Datacenter, Enterprise, Standard, Web,
Workgroup and Express. Integration Services is included in the Datacenter and Enterprise editions. Reporting
Services is included in all editions of SQL Server 2008 R2. However, full reporting services are limited in the
Standard, Web Workgroup and Express editions. Lastly, Analysis Services is available in the Datacenter, Enterprise
and Standard editions with advanced analytical functions in the Enterprise and Datacenter editions only. The
Standard edition does not include SQL Server PowerPivot for SharePoint that is part of the basic Analysis Services
package.

SQL Server Integration Services

The SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is the data-warehousing arm of the SQL Server 2008 R2 suite --
equipped with superior Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) capabilities. It provides the vehicle for moving data from
different data sources to another and changing the data, if necessary. The three components in the SSIS platform for
starting the data integration process are the Import and Export Wizard, SSIS Designer and SSIS API Programming.
The Import and Export Wizard simply transfers data from source to destination but does not include data
transformation capabilities. The SSIS Designer is an integrated component of the Business Intelligence Development
Studio used for the development and maintenance of integration services packages. SSIS API Programming module
allows you to code SSIS packages using any number of programming languages.

SQL Server Reporting Services

The SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a framework of reporting mechanisms such as the Report Builder,
Report Designer, Report Manager and Report Server that work together through a Web interface to enable the
development of concise interactive reporting solutions in print or Web format. Report Builder and Report Designer are
two SSRS components for generating reports. Report Builder is a simple solution for the information worker or
business user to create quick reports without the need to understand the core structure of the data. The Report
Designer is a tool for developers because it adds complexity to custom reports development. Using this tool requires
an understanding of the Business Intelligence Development Studio shell in Visual Studio and the underlying structure
of the data. According to Microsoft, the Report Server is the core process engine in SSRS that manages the
processing and delivery of reports using processors. The Report Manager is an administrative tool that controls
reporting services through a Web interface.

SQL Server Analysis Services

The SQL Server Analysis Services, or SSAS, is a multidimensional analysis tool that features Online Analytical
Processing, powerful data mining capabilities, and deeper dimensions to business information within a relational
database. Multidimensional analysis is an OLAP technique that produces the ability to analyze large quantities of
data by storing data in axes and cells instead of the traditional relational two-dimensional view in rows and columns.
SSAS places predictive analytic capabilities in the hands of information workers by creating an instant connection to
backend data using familiar applications such as Microsoft Excel and SharePoint for analysis, visual presentation and
collaboration.