Microsoft Shifts Reporting Strategy: SSRS Ends with SQL Server 2025
Microsoft has announced a pivotal change in its data reporting roadmap: SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) will not be updated for SQL Server 2025. Instead, Power BI Report Server will become the default reporting solution for all paid editions of SQL Server.
What’s Changing?
- SSRS 2022 is the final version: No new SSRS release for SQL Server 2025. However, SSRS 2022 will remain supported until January 11, 2033.
- Power BI Report Server takes over: Previously limited to customers with SQL Server Enterprise Core + Software Assurance (SA), it’s now available to any paid edition of SQL Server 2025, with or without SA.
- Simplified licensing: Customers can use their SQL Server 2025 product key to install both SQL Server and Power BI Report Server.
SSRS in SQL Server Standard: What You Should Know
Historically, SSRS has been included in all paid editions of SQL Server, including:
|
Edition |
SSRS Availability |
Notes |
|
Standard |
✅ Included |
Core SSRS features available |
|
Enterprise |
✅ Included |
Advanced features like scale-out and data-driven subscriptions |
|
Developer |
✅ Included |
Full feature set for non-production use |
|
Web |
✅ Included |
Limited deployment scenarios |
While Standard edition users had access to SSRS, some enterprise-grade features—like data-driven subscriptions and scale-out deployments—were exclusive to the Enterprise edition.
Why This Matters
This transition reflects Microsoft’s push toward modern, visual, and cloud-integrated reporting. Power BI Report Server offers:
- Rich, interactive dashboards
- Seamless integration with Power BI Desktop
- Enhanced governance and scalability for enterprise environments
What Should You Do?
- Assess your current reporting tools: If you’re still using SSRS, now’s the time to explore Power BI Report Server.
- Plan your upgrade path: SQL Server 2025 opens new doors for reporting flexibility.
- Stay informed: Microsoft has published an official announcement (Enhancing reporting and analytics with SQL Server 2025 tools and services – Microsoft SQL Server Blog) and a detailed FAQ to guide (Reporting Services Consolidation FAQ – SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) | Microsoft Learn) customers through the transition.
Contact us at The SAM Club if you would like to know if you are currently licensed for SQL Server 2025 or your licensing options.
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