Manual Steps to Migrate from SSRS to Bold Reports

Overview

Organizations using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) can migrate to Bold Reports to take advantage of enhanced reporting features, embedding capabilities, and centralized management of shared data sources and datasets.

This guide explains the manual steps to migrate SSRS reports to Bold Reports.

Prerequisites

• Access to existing SSRS report (.rdl) files.
• A valid Bold Reports license (Embedded or Report Server).
• Database connection strings and credentials.

Migration Steps

Step 1: Review Existing SSRS Reports

1. Download all SSRS report (.rdl) files that you plan to migrate.
2. Note that SSRS shared data sources cannot be reused directly. Create equivalent Shared Data Sources in the Bold Reports Report Server before uploading the reports.

Step 2: Install Bold Reports

1. Install Bold Reports Report Server based on your deployment requirements:

• On-Premises or Cloud

Step 3: Import SSRS Reports

1. Sign in to the Bold Reports Report Server.
2. Create categories that match the folder structure in SSRS.
3. Use the Upload Report option to upload your SSRS reports to the Bold Reports Report Server.

Step 4: Configure Shared Data Sources

1. In the Bold Reports Report Server, create Shared Data Sources that match your SSRS configuration.
2. Navigate to the Data Sources section.
3. Enter the required connection strings and credentials.
4. Link the shared data sources to the imported reports.

Step 5: Upload Datasets (Optional)

1. Bold Reports allows you to upload datasets for reuse across reports.
2. Navigate to the Datasets section and configure the datasets as required.

Step 6: Test Reports

1. Preview the reports in the Bold Reports Designer.
2. Verify the following:
   • Data source connectivity.
   • Report layout and formatting.
   • Export functionality (PDF, Excel, and Word).

Step 7: Train Users

Provide users with the following learning resources:

• Official documentation: Report Designer Guide
• Video tutorials: Create Stunning Reports Instantly Using Our Tutorial Videos
• Free course: Master Bold Reports: Enterprise Reporting & Data Visualization

Step 8: Migrate Users and Schedules

1. Import users using the Import Users from Database feature. For more information, see Import Users from an Existing Database.
2. Recreate report schedules manually in Bold Reports. For instructions, see Add a Schedule.

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