Reporting Services Deployment

Question

I need to create a repeatable process for deploying SQL Server Reporting Services reports. I am not in favor of using Visual Studio and or Business Development Studio to do

Answer 1

In our environment, we develop in VS with version control then deploy to DEV SSRS. Once the report is validated, we use ReportSync program to deploy reports from ReportServer DEV to ReportServer PROD. The RS.EXE scripts still have their place, but I have found ReportSync to be a much simpler and agile way to promote a report.

ReportSync:

ReportSync is an open source program free to download and use. It works great for downloading reports in bulk, and it can even push a report from one server to another server.

---

How to get download the program?

• Download the source code files from Github: Phires/ReportSynch, Run VS, Open the solution file (.SLN), compile the program, find the executable file (.EXE) from the C:\Temp\reportsync-master\bin\Release folder. Finally, saved the .EXE somewhere for you to use regularly

• How do I copy SSRS reports to a new server if I am not the owner of the reports --> ReportSync answer by nunespascal

How to deploy a report?

1. Run the executable and the interface will launch.
2. Use the SOURCE and DESTINATION dialogues to choose a single report, multiple reports, or an entire folder of reports. You can any target folder you would like. (HINT: You can even target the same server if you are wanting to duplicate a report on the same server.)
3. After making your selections press the Sync button
4. Go to the target server, and validate the change took effect by reviewing the Changed By Date.

This tool has been very convenient, but I have noticed some quirks. For example when I want to update just one report that already exists in the destination, here is what I have to select-- [Source:Report> Target:Folder> Sync]. WARNING: You might think you would select the target server report to update it, but I have tried this and the report does not get updated.

---

What else can ReportSync do?

• There is also an Export feature, which works marvelously for simply dumping all the RDL files to a folder for me to access. This is helpful in the event you need to migrate the server, add the files to to a VS Solution Project, or do anything else will all the files.

• In my testing this program does not migrate other content-- subscriptions, shared data sources, shared data sets. It is just applicable to the report files.

I know this post is old, but I came across it when researching RS.EXE scripts, so I thought I would provide an answer this question.