SSRS Linked Reports for Security Delegation

By Tom Nonmacher

Microsoft SQL Server 2022 has introduced a wide range of features that enhance data management, analytics, and reporting. Among these features, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) stands out for its ability to create, manage, and deliver reports. One of the advanced functionalities of SSRS is the Linked Reports, a feature that allows the delegation of security. In this blog post, we will explore how to use SSRS Linked Reports for security delegation.

Linked Reports in SSRS are essentially pointers to an existing report. They inherit the design of the original report, but can be customized with different default parameters, subscriptions, and security settings. This allows administrators to delegate access to specific reports, without granting wider access to the underlying data sources. For instance, a Linked Report could be created for a department head, with default parameters set to only display data relevant to their department. This ensures that sensitive data is not exposed to unauthorized users.

Creating an SSRS Linked Report involves two key steps: creating the Linked Report itself, and configuring its security settings. To create a Linked Report, you navigate to the original report in the SSRS web portal, select "Manage", and then choose "Create Linked Report". You can then name the Linked Report and specify default parameters. Once the Linked Report is created, you can configure its security settings by selecting "Security" under "Manage".

-- Creating a Linked Report in SSRS

USE [ReportServer]

GO

EXEC CreateLinkedReport

    @LinkName = N'Department Report',

    @Path = N'/Reports/Original Report',

    @ParentPath = N'/Reports',

    @Description = N'Report for Department Head',

    @Parameter = N'DepartmentID=1',

    @SecurityDescriptor = NULL

GO

Security in SSRS Linked Reports is handled using Role-Based Security. Each user or group is assigned a role, and each role has a specific set of tasks they can perform. For instance, the "Browser" role can view folders, reports, and subscribe to reports. The "Content Manager" role, on the other hand, can manage content in the report server. It's critical to assign the correct roles to users and groups to ensure that they have the appropriate level of access.

In the era of cloud-based data management and analytics, Linked Reports can also be utilized with Azure SQL and Microsoft Fabric. Azure SQL, a fully-managed cloud database service, can serve as the data source for your SSRS reports. Microsoft Fabric, a microservices platform, can be used to distribute your reports across a network of servers, improving performance and scalability. Combined with Delta Lake, an open-source storage layer that provides ACID transactions, these technologies enable robust, scalable, and secure reporting solutions.

In conclusion, SSRS Linked Reports provide a powerful tool for security delegation in your reporting solutions. They allow you to customize access to specific reports, ensuring that users see only the data they need. When utilized in conjunction with Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric, and Delta Lake, they form part of a robust, scalable, and secure reporting infrastructure. As we move into an era of AI-driven data management and analytics, technologies like OpenAI and Databricks will further enhance the capabilities of SSRS and Linked Reports. Stay tuned to SQLSupport.org for more updates and insights on these exciting developments.

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