Report Builder 1.0 for SQL Server Reporting Services 2008 R2

Question

We are trying to implement Ad-Hoc Reporting using SSRS 2008 R2.
First of all, it is very unhelpful that all SSRS books are for either 2008 or 2012, even though SSRS has major changes in 2008 R2 compared to 2008.
Our instructional materials indicate that we should build Report Models to abstract out our databases into terms familiar to our business users.
The problem we are having is the difference in functionality between Report Builder 1.0 and Report Builder 3.0. Report Builder 3.0 is touted as having the modern, ribbon based interface that is supposed to make end-users feel more comfortable.  However,
all the documentation says that end users are supposed to use Report Builder 1.0 for Ad-Hoc Reporting.  And, it seems, that the reports generated by Report Builder 1.0 are not round-trip compatible with all the other reporting tools for SSRS 2008 R2.
The documentation we have illustrates that Report Builder 1.0 is nice for Ad-Hoc reporting, because is based on connecting directly to Report Models, and the end users can directly drag-and-drop entities and fields into their reports.
When we try working with Report Builder 3.0, it seems we must first connect to the Report Model as a Data Source and then build a Dataset query on the Report Model.  Only then are some entity attributes available to be dropped into the report. 
If the user decides another source column is needed, they have to go back, edit the query, save the query, and then drag the column from the Dataset to the report.  This does not seem end user friendly at all!
We are also concerned that if we train our users on the seemingly soon-to-be-obsolete Report Builder 1.0, and get them used to having direct Report Model access, that at some point we will have to move them to the Dataset-interrupted approach of Report Builder
2+.  Highlighting this perception of impending obsolescence of Report Builder 1.0 is that in our shop that is starting with SSRS 2008 R2, we cannot figure out how to get a copy of Report Builder 1.0 in the first place.
We just don't see our end users being savvy enough to handle the steps involved with creating Datasets on top of Report Model Data Sources.  So we would have to build the Datasets for them.  But in that case, what point is there in creating any
Report Models in the first place if DBAs are the ones to make Datasets?
As such, it is hard to envision a forward-looking SSRS implementation that has the end user ease-of-use Ad-Hoc reporting that the SSRS 2008 documentation presents.
What is it that Microsoft actually wants/expects SSRS implementers to do?
Dan Jameson
Manager SQL Server DBA
CureSearch for Children's Cancer
http://www.CureSearch.org

Answer 1

Hi Dan,
Report Builder 1.0
Simple template-based reports
Requires report model
Supports only SQL Server, Oracle, and Analysis Services as data sources
Supports RDL 2005
Bundled in SSRS
Report Builder 2.0 or later
Full-featured reports as the BIDS Report Designer
Doesn't require (but supports) report models
Supports any data source
Supports RDL 2008
Available as a separate web download
In your scenario, you want to use Report Builder 1.0 in SQL Server Reporting Services 2008 R2, I am afraid this cannot achieve. Report Builder 1.0 is available in the box in either SQL 2005 or SQL 2008. It is not available as a separate client apps and is
only available as a click once application.
Report Builder 1.0
Report Builder 3.0
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
Charlie Liao
If you have any feedback on our support, please click
here.
Charlie Liao
TechNet Community Support