Shared Data Sources and Report-Specific Data Sources

Article
12/03/2008

Reporting Services provides two ways to define connections to the data sources used in reports, report models, and data-driven subscriptions. Both approaches have a similar composition, so you can switch between report-specific data source connections and shared data source items if one approach offers functionality that you want to use. The difference between the two approaches is in how the connection data is stored and managed.

Report-Specific Data Sources

A report-specific data source embeds the description of a data source connection in the report definition. Embedded data source connection information can be used only by the report that contains the information. The connection information is internal to the report or subscription (for example, if you view the XML syntax of the report, you can see the connection information in the XML). To define and manage report-specific data sources, use the Data Source Properties page of a report. For more information, see Setting Data Source Properties in Reporting Services.

Shared Data Sources

A shared data source is a stand-alone item that describes a data source connection. Shared data sources are required by report models and optional for reports and data-driven subscriptions. You can create a shared data source item to provide connection information to multiple reports. You can create and manage a shared data source separately from the reports and data-driven subscriptions that use it.

A shared data source is reusable across many reports and subscriptions. You can move a shared data source to different folder locations, name a shared data source, and set security to determine its availability. The following icon indicates a shared data source item in the folder hierarchy:

shared data source icon

Shared data source icon

Shared data sources are useful when you have data sources that you use often. Examples of shared data sources that may be useful include the following:

A connection to a production server that supports business operations
A connection to a frequently-used test server
A connection to an employee database to support data-driven subscriptions

Using a shared data source makes it easier to adjust for changes to the data source. If you move or rename the database or change the database login, you can update the connection string once to effect a corresponding change in all the reports and subscriptions that use the data. You can also disable a shared data source item to prevent report processing.

Shared Data Sources and Report-Specific Data Sources

Report-Specific Data Sources

Shared Data Sources

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