Managing Report Processing

Report execution refers to processing that takes place when a user or the report server accesses a report. During report execution, the report server processes a report in three stages: report processing, data processing, and rendering.

Report processing begins with a published report definition. A report definition contains one or more queries, layout information, and code references or expressions. Report and data processing combine a resulting dataset with layout information in the report definition to construct a report in an intermediate format that can be saved for fast retrieval, or directed to a rendering extension that processes it into a format that the user sees. After processing is complete, reports are compiled as a common language runtime assembly and executed on the report server. The report server can use the intermediate format in a variety of ways. Caching, snapshots, and report history are all features that use reports stored in intermediate format.

When a report is accessed, either through on-demand or push access, the report server either performs end-to-end processing, or returns a report saved in intermediate format that is subsequently rendered in a specific format. Report execution settings determine which outcome occurs. If a report server administrator specifies that a report be accessed from cache or as a snapshot, the intermediate format is retrieved from the report server database and then rendered for viewing. Otherwise, all stages of processing are performed.

The following diagram shows the progression of a report as it moves through different processing phases. Data and report processing are performed on a report definition, resulting in a report that is in the intermediate format. Reports that are in intermediate format are subsequently rendered to a specific viewing format.

Report processing diagram

In This Section

• Setting Report Execution Properties
  Describes ways of configuring a report to run on demand, from cache, or on a schedule as a report snapshot.

• Report Caching in Reporting Services
  Describes report caching behavior on a report server.

• Setting Time-out Values for Report Execution
  Provides information about setting time outs on query and report processing.

• Managing a Running Process
  Provides information about viewing and canceling a running process.

• Pausing Report and Subscription Processing
  Explains how to temporarily stop subscription processing to prevent a scheduled report operation.

• Verifying a Report Run
  Explains ways of determining when a report was executed.

• Processing Large Reports
  Provides recommendations on how to configure and distribute a large report.

See Also

Concepts

Monitoring Report Server Performance
Configuring Reporting Services Components
Administering Reporting Services
Report Manager
Starting and Stopping the Report Server Windows Service

Other Resources

Deploying Reporting Services
Managing and Working With Published Reports

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance