Report Snapshots
A report snapshot is a report that contains layout information and query results that were retrieved at a specific point in time. Unlike on-demand reports, which get up-to-date query results when you select the report, report snapshots are processed on a schedule and then saved to a report server. When you select a report snapshot for viewing, the report server retrieves the stored report from the report server database and shows the data and layout that were current for the report at the time the snapshot was created.
Report snapshots are not saved in a particular rendering format. Instead, report snapshots are rendered in a final viewing format (such as HTML) only when a user or an application requests it. Deferred rendering makes a snapshot portable. The report can be rendered in the correct format for the requesting device or Web browser.
Report snapshots serve three purposes:
- Report history. By creating a series of report snapshots, you can build a history of a report that shows how data changes over time.
- Consistency. Use report snapshots when you want to provide consistent results for multiple users who must work with identical sets of data. With volatile data, an on-demand report can produce different results from one minute to the next. A report snapshot, by contrast, allows you to make valid comparisons against other reports or analytical tools that contain data from the same point in time.
- Performance. By scheduling large reports to run during off-peak hours, you can reduce processing impact on the report server during core business hours.
For more information about creating report snapshots, see Setting Report Execution Properties.
See Also
Tasks
How to: Configure Report Execution Properties (Report Manager)
How to: Configure Report Execution Properties (Management Studio)
Concepts
Creating, Modifying, and Deleting Snapshots in Report History
Reporting Services Concepts