SSRS Reporting Models for Oracle????

Here's a nice little shortcut that will get your users off your back!

I wanted to create a Report Model so my users could write their own reports. The problem is that the only two data sources you can create a model against are SQL Server and Analysis Services. No Oracle in that list (obvious reasons, but it would have been nice)!!!!!

Here is the work around for Analysis Services savvy folks....

You can create a DSV in Analysis Services the points to Oracle. Use the ADO.Net provider for best results. Build your cube and dimensions, and deploy the cube. Now create a data source in the SQL Management Studio to SSAS and choose the cube you just created. Right click and choose "Generate Model". It's so simple is scary! And because it's Analysis Services, it is fast. Now if you are creating "green-bar" reports, there are better ways to do this. If you want a ton of flexibility, this is the way to go.

If you have no experience in Analysis Services, don't try this at home. The learning curve for AS 2005 is quite steep.

If the idea of a Microsoft BI stack on top of anything hasn't hit you yet, go ask Barnes & Noble, CompUSA, Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The UDM is what brings all of this together........

Scott