02 Aug 2011
By Allen
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SSRS Adding “Image Not Available” as Alternate Image

SSRS Adding “Image Not Available” as Alternate Image

Microsoft SQL Server, SSRS, , , ,
I just had a requirement to build a report which had images stored in the database. SSRS handles that fine by just setting the image object to 'database' and then selecting the field. The challenge was adding an alternate image or text when there was no image stored in the database. SSRS makes it difficult because there is no method to dynamically change the image type on the image container itself, such as changing from 'database' to 'external' image on a web server. OPTIONS: Store the 'Not Available' image in the table and write a query which pulled only that…
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01 Jul 2011
By Allen
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Using SQL to Build MDX parameters

SSAS, SSRS, , , , , ,
I had a client report which needed a parameter list to default to the previous closed financial period date. The SSAS cube includes reporting periods into the future which have data entries even if the month has not been 'closed' by accounting department. Without a 'Month Closed' flag in the cube, the only way to build the parameter list was by querying the date dimension database table. When adding a date parameter to the report dataset, SSRS will automatically build a hidden dataset which pulls the list of available dates from the cube. For this example, I left that data…
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04 Apr 2011
By Allen
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Microsoft PowerPivot Resources

Microsoft SQL Server, PowerPivot
I enjoyed the weekend at SQL Saturday #63 in Dallas. It was my first SQL Saturday and I was quite impressed with the caliber of speakers. Some sessions were hit and miss, but most were well prepared and immediately useful. One area I wanted to learn more about was PowerPivot, but that presentation was stuck in Demo Hell. We've all been there in front of a crowd, so I empathize. Jamin Mace sent more resources to learn about PowerPivot. I just wanted to thank him and pass them along: Good Blog about PowerPivot with tutorials: http://powerpivotgeek.com/ Good DAX reference:  http://powerpivot-info.com/post/439-dax-cheat-sheet…
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18 Mar 2011
By Allen
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Learning the Microsoft BI Stack: SSRS

Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS
I've been learning and working with IBM Cognos since it arrived on my desk in 1999.  It was an ugly brown box labeled Cognos 5.5.  Since then I've studied and learned 6.x then 7.x and finally made the painful transition to 8.x. Now I'm studying both the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack (SSAS, SSIS and SSRS) along with learning the new Cognos 10. I just want to list two WROX titles which are the best I've found for getting up to speed quickly. For learning SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) go get the Professional series book 'Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting…
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