Power BI Report Server is an on-premises solution for hosting, managing, and sharing Power BI reports, paginated reports, and other business intelligence content. It provides organizations with the flexibility to keep their data and analytics infrastructure within their network while leveraging the powerful reporting capabilities of Power BI.
Power BI Report Server Features
Power BI Report Server offers a comprehensive set of features that help businesses manage and distribute reports securely. It combines the benefits of traditional SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) with modern Power BI capabilities.
1. On-Premises Report Hosting
Power BI Report Server allows organizations to host and manage reports on their own infrastructure, making it an ideal solution for businesses that prefer on-premises deployment due to security, compliance, or operational requirements.
Key Benefits:
- Full control over data and report storage
- Secure access within the company’s firewall
- Compliance with industry-specific regulations
2. Support for Multiple Report Types
Power BI Report Server supports a variety of report types to meet different business needs.
- Power BI Reports: Interactive and visually appealing reports created using Power BI Desktop.
- Paginated Reports: Traditional reports (also known as SSRS reports) designed for precise, pixel-perfect printing.
- Excel Reports: Integration with Excel for data analysis and visualization.
3. Web-Based Report Access and Management
Users can access, view, and manage reports through a modern web portal that is accessible from any browser within the organization’s network.
Key Features:
- Responsive web interface
- Role-based access control for different users
- Easy report scheduling and subscriptions
4. Data Connectivity and Integration
Power BI Report Server supports a wide range of data sources, allowing users to connect to on-premises and cloud-based databases.
Supported Data Sources:
- SQL Server
- Azure Analysis Services
- Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL
- Excel and CSV files
- Other third-party data connectors
5. Report Scheduling and Subscriptions
With Power BI Report Server, users can automate report delivery through scheduled subscriptions. This ensures that stakeholders receive up-to-date reports at predefined intervals.
Benefits:
- Automated email delivery of reports
- Multiple export formats (PDF, Excel, Word, etc.)
- Reduced manual reporting efforts
6. Security and Access Control
Power BI Report Server provides enterprise-grade security features to ensure data protection and controlled access.
Security Features:
- Windows authentication and role-based access
- Integration with Active Directory for user management
- Row-level security for data protection
- SSL encryption for secure report access
7. Custom Branding and White-Labeling
Organizations can customize the Power BI Report Server portal to match their corporate branding.
Customization Options:
- Custom logos and themes
- Personalized navigation menus
- Localized language support
8. Offline Report Viewing
Reports can be exported in various formats, allowing users to view them offline when needed.
Supported Export Formats:
- Excel
- Word
- CSV
- PowerPoint
9. Integration with Power BI Service
Although Power BI Report Server is an on-premises solution, it allows integration with the cloud-based Power BI service for hybrid reporting needs.
Hybrid Capabilities:
- Publish reports to Power BI Service
- Use Power BI Premium for extended features
- Hybrid cloud and on-premises reporting options
10. Regular Feature Updates
Microsoft continuously improves Power BI Report Server with new features and performance enhancements. Organizations can benefit from the latest advancements in business intelligence.
Recent Enhancements:
- Improved report rendering speed
- Enhanced data visualization options
- New security and compliance features
Conclusion
Power BI Report Server is a powerful solution for businesses that need on-premises BI reporting with flexibility, security, and advanced analytics. With its support for multiple report types, strong security features, and seamless data integration, it enables organizations to make data-driven decisions while maintaining full control over their data.
