Introduction
Microsoft is transitioning all on-premises reporting to Power BI Report Server (PBIRS) starting with SQL Server 2025. This means no new versions of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) will be released. PBIRS will become the default on-premises reporting platform, supporting both paginated (RDL) and interactive (PBIX) reports, along with advanced features not available in SSRS.
PBIRS includes all SSRS capabilities plus enhancements like data modelling and interactive visuals. It will be available with all paid SQL Server editions, even without Software Assurance.
SSRS 2022 will continue to receive support and security updates until January 11, 2033, but Microsoft encourages customers to migrate to PBIRS. A migration guide is available, and users can explore PBIRS through free Developer or Evaluation editions. Tools and guidance are also provided for migrating to the Power BI service.
Alternatively, you may consider migrating your reporting infrastructure to the Power BI service, which offers cloud-based reporting and analytics capabilities.
What is Power BI Report Server?
PBIRS is an on-premises report server that allows users to display and manage reports and KPIs through a web portal. It supports Power BI reports (.pbix), paginated reports (.rdl), mobile reports, and KPIs, accessible via web browsers or mobile devices.
Feature Comparison
PBIRS is a superset of SSRS, offering all SSRS capabilities plus support for interactive Power BI reports, and more:
| Feature | SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) | Power BI Report Server (PBIRS) |
|---|---|---|
| Report authoring in RDL | ||
| Row-level security | ||
| Paginated reports | ||
| PBIX reports | ||
| Data modelling | ||
| Visual interactivity | ||
| Custom visuals | ||
| Lifecycle | Fixed | Modern |
Options for migrating
Migrate to Power BI Report Server
There is no direct upgrade path from SSRS to PBIRS. The approach you take will depend on the version of SSRS you’re currently using, as some versions include built-in tools that can assist with publishing reports to PBIRS. Additionally, the RDL Migration Tool is available to help streamline the process of converting and migrating RDLs from SSRS to PBIRS.
Migrate to Power BI service
Migrating to the Power BI service enables broader accessibility, cloud-based collaboration, and integration with Microsoft 365. This approach suits organisations looking to modernise their reporting infrastructure.
Useful information on migrating to Power BI Report Server
For those looking to migrate from SSRS to PBIRS, Microsoft provides comprehensive documentation and tools. The migration process can be straightforward, especially for those familiar with SSRS, as many concepts and functionalities carry over:
Swift Analytics can help
If you have any questions about the migration process or need assistance with PBIRS, please feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you navigate this transition smoothly and effectively.
