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How to: Create a Model Using Report Manager

You can generate models from an Analysis Services cube, a SQL Server database, or an Oracle database using Report Manager. Report models are generated from shared data sources that are published on the report server. If you do not already have a shared data source, you must create one.

The report model that you generate is based entirely on the schema of the shared data source. You cannot choose which parts of the data source are included in the model, nor can you edit the rules or metadata of a generated model. However, you can set properties on the model after it is generated and define role assignments that restrict access to all or part of the model.

Note

An Oracle-based model generated using Report Manager or MicrosoftOffice SharePoint Server 2007 will include database objects that are a part of the schema for the user account used to connect to the Oracle data source. The user account name is specified in the data source properties credentials.

To create a new data source for a report model using Report Manager

  1. In your Web browser, type the URL for your report server in the address bar.

  2. Click New Data Source.

  3. In the Name box, enter a name for the data source.

  4. Optionally, enter a brief description of the mode in the Description text box.

  5. Verify that the Enable this data source check box is selected.

  6. In the Connection type list, select the data source type to which you want to connect. The connection type must be one of the following: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server or Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services.

  7. In the Connection string box, enter the connection string that points to the database.

  8. Select the connection method that Report Builder users will need to use to connect to the database.

    • Windows Authentication: Select this option when you want the operating system to authenticate SQL Server users. This option allows SQL Server to use Windows security features, such as password encryption, to authenticate users. It is strongly recommended that you select this option.

    • SQL Server Authentication: Select this option when you want users to use a SQL Server login account that you created. Users must supply a valid SQL Server login name and password.

      Warning

      Whenever possible, use Windows Authentication.

  9. Click OK.

To create a report model using Report Manager

  1. In Report Manager, select the data source that you want to use for your model.

    The Properties page is displayed.

  2. Verify that you want to use the options specified for the data source.

  3. Click Generate Model.

    The General page is displayed for the data source.

  4. In the Name box, enter a name for the report model.

  5. In the Description box, enter a brief description of the model.

  6. To specify a new location to save the report model to, click Change Location.

    By default, the report model is saved to Report Manager Home.

  7. Click OK.

    The report model is created and saved to the location that you specified. You can assign permissions to this model by using Report Manager.