Using Report Models as Predefined Datasets
Reporting Services provides a data processing extension that supports retrieving data from a Reporting Services report model data source. Using this data processing extension, you create a query to retrieve data from the underlying data source by dragging the report model entities and fields that you want in your report to the Data view..
Before you can use a report server model as a data source, a model must be created and saved to a report server. Entities and fields you add to the Data view become the fields in the Report Data window. When you switch to Design view, you can organize and format the contents of your report just like any other Report Designer report. For example, you can create a report that contains conditional formatting, includes multiple datasets, and contains multiple data regions using different queries within a single report.
From Report Designer, you can create new reports from a report model or you can modify existing reports built using Report Builder and saved as files to your computer. You can add these Report Builder reports to a Report Server project, and redefine the data sources for the report. For more information about creating reports based on models, see How to: Use a Report Model as a Data Source.
Note
Some additions you make to a report in Report Designer are not supported in Report Builder. Report Builder uses predefined templates and limited design elements. If you are editing a report built with Report Builder and plan to continue to use Report Builder, be aware that not all report elements that you can create with Report Designer are supported by Report Builder.
Before attempting to access the Report Model query designer, you must successfully create a report model and deploy it to the report server. For more information, see Working with Models. For more information about the Report Model query designer, see Report Model Query Designer User Interface or Working with Report Model Query Designer.