SQL Server Reporting Services vs Crystal Reports

Struggling to choose between SQL Server Reporting Services and Crystal Reports? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

SQL Server Reporting Services is a Business & Commerce solution with tags like reporting, analytics, dashboards, data-visualization.

It boasts features such as Interactive reporting, Scheduling, Report subscriptions, Report parts, KPIs, Pixel-perfect reports, Variety of data sources and pros including Tight integration with SQL Server and other Microsoft technologies, Wide range of report types and visualizations, Scalable and enterprise-ready, Flexible deployment options (on-premises or cloud), Robust security and permissions management.

On the other hand, Crystal Reports is a Business & Commerce product tagged with reporting, business-intelligence, data-visualization.

Its standout features include Report design and generation, Connectivity to various data sources, Formatting and visualization options, Ad hoc reporting, Scheduled report distribution, and it shines with pros like Powerful and flexible report designer, Supports connections to many data sources, Interactive and visually appealing reports, Can be embedded into other apps.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

SQL Server Reporting Services

SQL Server Reporting Services

SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based reporting platform from Microsoft that allows users to create and deliver pixel-perfect reports from a variety of data sources. Key features include interactive reporting, scheduling, report subscriptions, report parts, and KPIs.

Categories:
reporting analytics dashboards data-visualization

SQL Server Reporting Services Features

  1. Interactive reporting
  2. Scheduling
  3. Report subscriptions
  4. Report parts
  5. KPIs
  6. Pixel-perfect reports
  7. Variety of data sources

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Tight integration with SQL Server and other Microsoft technologies

Wide range of report types and visualizations

Scalable and enterprise-ready

Flexible deployment options (on-premises or cloud)

Robust security and permissions management

Cons

Steep learning curve for non-technical users

Limited customization options for report layouts

Dependency on SQL Server infrastructure

Licensing can be complex and expensive for large organizations


Crystal Reports

Crystal Reports

Crystal Reports is a business intelligence application used to design and generate reports from a wide range of data sources. It allows users to analyze data and create rich, interactive reports with graphs, charts, and visualizations.

Categories:
reporting business-intelligence data-visualization

Crystal Reports Features

  1. Report design and generation
  2. Connectivity to various data sources
  3. Formatting and visualization options
  4. Ad hoc reporting
  5. Scheduled report distribution

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Powerful and flexible report designer

Supports connections to many data sources

Interactive and visually appealing reports

Can be embedded into other apps

Cons

Steep learning curve

Requires database knowledge to build advanced reports

Limited free runtime viewer