solution to read query and populate chart for different intervals

[03Explorer]

I have some databases I want to run a query daily that populate a chart based on the results of the query. I want this to be automated enough that it appends current data to all previous data to make a trend chart. This output would be in a flat file or web based.

What is out there that I can use to do this? I don't have much for rights to make it a web server. That's why I am thinking of having it update a flat file for others to link to and review daily to see results.

Thanks

 

[NoCoolHandle]

Hard to say without knowing your data.

1. Reporting services
2. Access
3. Excel

all offer different levels of reporting/charting and can work with sql server data

 

[03Explorer]

Our data is on Multiple MS Sql servers. I could do Reporting Services, which has a lot of red tape. MS Access is too small structured for the volume. Excel is a manual intense product.

What would be a good resource for starting with Reporting Services? Books or web sites?

 

[NoCoolHandle]

What version of SQLserver are you using?

 

[03Explorer]

It is SQL Server 2005
(Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - 9.00.4035.00 (X64) Nov 24 2008 16:17:31 Copyright (c) 1988-2005 Microsoft Corporation Enterprise Edition (64-bit) on Windows NT 5.2 (Build 3790: Service Pack 2) )

 

[NoCoolHandle]

OK.. Reporting Services 2005 requires you have iis installed somewhere. (you can always use the free version - express and just point it at your SQL box also.)

For a primer on Reporting Services. YOu might find some good Webinars by going to microsoft's on demand webcasts.
check out

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/bi.aspx?tab=webcasts&id=42665

They also have online training (Free)

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/bi.aspx?tab=virtuallabs

(although most seem to be targeted at Analysis Services and Integration Services)

It isn't too difficult to get it to provide you with basic reports and graphs, but can be "programmed" to do some very cool things. Almost any property can be the result of an expression (calculation based on field values etc). This covers everyting from font to color and underlining.

The trickiest part can be installing and configuring it (the first time) but once you have it setup, it is a very powerfull tool.

2005 is easier to build reports for than 2008. 2008 is easier to install, but you need to spend more time understanding the security model.


Hopefully that helps


Rob

 

[03Explorer]

Rob,

Thanks for the great sense of directive... I will seek this out to find a way to make it work in our environment... I hope the red tape is not too much of a set back.

Rob W.