Key Difference Between Power BI and SSRS
Power bi can report and analyze data from several sources. Power bi is easy to use, which enables business analysts and power users work efficiently. Power bi helps analyze huge, complex data. It is commonly used to model and structure unstructured data.
SQL Server Reporting Services is a vast, expandable reporting platform. It features integrated processing components and programmable interfaces. Design, test, and deploy the report with it. This platform is mostly server-based. Power bi features more graphical components than SSRS, making it more efficient and easy to use. SSRS requires more manual analysis and report generation.
The report will be generated by Power bi using cloud data. SSRS analyzes and creates relational storage data, which your computer can access, but it is only valid where your data is. Power bi is the latest and easiest report-publishing technology, while SSRS is old.
Power BI vs SSRS Comparison Table
Microsoft’s Power BI and SSRS reporting and business intelligence solutions are compared in this table:
| Feature | Power BI | SSRS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Business Intelligence and analytics tool with a focus on interactive data visualization | Reporting tool primarily designed for paginated reports and operational reporting |
| Deployment | Available as Power BI Desktop for individual use and Power BI Service for cloud-based sharing and collaboration | Typically deployed on-premises as part of the SQL Server stack, or as part of Power BI Report Server |
| Data Sources | Connects to a wide range of data sources, including databases, cloud services, and flat files | Connects to various data sources, including databases, data warehouses, and Analysis Services |
| Data Modeling | Offers robust data modeling capabilities, including relationships, calculated columns, and measures | Allows data modeling, but not as extensive as Power BI; primarily designed for structured reporting |
| Visualization | Emphasizes interactive and visual dashboards with a wide range of customizable visuals | Focuses on traditional paginated reports with charts, tables, and other static elements |
| Report Types | Supports interactive reports, dashboards, and ad-hoc data exploration | Primarily designed for paginated reports, but can include interactive elements |
| Development Interface | Employs a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for report creation and dashboard design | Utilizes a design environment for creating pixel-perfect paginated reports |
| Mobile Support | Provides responsive and optimized views for mobile devices through the Power BI mobile app | Offers mobile support, but may require additional design considerations for responsive reports |
| Customization | Allows extensive customization through DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) and Power Query | Allows customization through expressions and embedded code in reports |
| Integration with Excel | Tightly integrated with Excel, allowing seamless data connectivity and sharing | Integrates with Excel for data analysis and visualization but not as tightly as Power BI |
| Embedding in Applications | Provides APIs for embedding Power BI reports and dashboards in custom applications | Offers embedding capabilities through the use of SSRS reports in custom applications |
| Data Refresh | Supports scheduled data refresh for cloud-based Power BI Service | Supports scheduled data refresh for on-premises SSRS and Power BI Report Server |
| Security | Utilizes row-level security and integrates with Azure Active Directory for authentication | Integrates with SQL Server security features, providing role-based security for data and reports |
| Licensing | Offers various licensing options, including Power BI Desktop for free, and subscription-based Power BI Pro and Power BI Premium | Included as part of the SQL Server licensing, with no separate licensing for SSRS |
| Community and Support | Has a large and active community with extensive online resources and forums | Benefits from a strong SQL Server community; documentation and community support available |
| Cost Model | Follows a subscription-based pricing model for Power BI Pro and Power BI Premium | Included as part of SQL Server licensing; no separate cost for SSRS, but may require SQL Server licensing |