📢It's official...SSRS is dead...long live Power BI!

SSRS is not shipping with SQL Server 2025: What this means for you

Many of you will have heard me harp on about SQLBits. I am a big fan as it gives such huge access to industry experts, deep dive sessions, training, and yes...if you're that way inclined, networking! Well this year didn't disappoint starting with Microsoft's Keynote in which they announced the retiring of SSRS. With the release of SQL Server 2025, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) will no longer be shipped with the main SQL Server installer. For many in the social housing sector — particularly those using Civica Cx — this might be a big deal.

🚨 What’s Changing?

SSRS has been the default off the shelf operational reporting solution in Civica Cx environments for years. Microsoft’s move to decouple SSRS from SQL Server signals a shift in their reporting strategy: one that favours Power BI and the Power Platform more broadly.

Here’s what’s confirmed:

• SSRS will not ship with SQL Server 2025.

• Support is expected to continue until 2033 but basically just security updates.

• No major innovation is expected.

• Users are being actively encouraged to transition to Power BI Report Server and Power BI Paginated Reports.

• SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) has also got its cards marked. The plethora of ETL options in Azure cloud are many, with Azure Data Factory (ADF - 'SSIS in the Cloud') time is running out for SSIS, but right now, 'SSIS is still supported in SQL Server'.

📄 Microsoft’s official FAQ on SSRS Consolidation

🏘 Why This Matters for Us

Many housing associations we work with rely heavily on SSRS — especially for 'out of the box' Civica Cx reports, management information, regulatory reports, and internal dashboards. I’ve personally authored and delivered hundreds of SSRS reports, and trained many of your teams to do the same.

The reality now is this: SSRS is legacy. If your organisation is still dependent on it, the time to start thinking about migration is now. Don't leave it too late to become a headache.

For SSIS the end is nigh. How many of you have a bolt on SSIS Package to reformat or import a file because, heaven forbid, it didn't just do it like the salesperson said it would! 😁

🧭 What Should You Do?

1. Take Stock of Your SSRS Estate

Start by auditing your current SSRS reports. Which ones are still relevant? Which are outdated? You’ll need a clear picture of what’s worth migrating.

2. Learn About Power BI Paginated Reports

Paginated Reports in Power BI are Microsoft’s successor to SSRS. They're pixel-perfect, printable, and can connect to a wide range of data sources — just like SSRS. With simple reports and sources, it can be as easy as 'save-as' to move from SSRS to PowerBI.

📄 Start Here: Get started with Power BI Report Server

3. Consider a Corporate Data Warehouse

The real opportunity here though is bigger than migrating reports. It’s about re-architecting your data for the future.

We’ve been helping clients move from a sprawl of SSRS reports directly querying transactional systems to cleanly modelled fact-and-dimension data warehouses, typically built on SQL Server, and visualised with Power BI.

This shift delivers:

• Greater performance and scalability

• Huge potential to use your data 'better'

• Better data governance

• Clearer, self-service analytics

• A foundation for AI-powered insights

4. Train and Upskill

Your reporting teams need new skills — Power Query, Power BI Desktop, Power BI Report Builder, and some data engineering and modelling thrown in for good measure. Get in touch if you're not sure where to start.

💡 Our Recommendation: Get Ahead of the Curve

This is not just about replacing a report writing tool though — it’s a chance to modernise your entire data estate. While SSRS slowly sunsets, organisations should see this as a kick up the proverbial to get moving. Be best positioned to meet increasing demands for transparency, performance reporting, and strategic insights. Create your own corporate warehouse in Fabric and Power BI now, and don't just benefit from moving off SSRS, but also lesson the burden when it comes time to change your underlying HMS as well.

📞 We Can Help

This is what we do.

✅ Power BI implementation

✅ Corporate data warehouse design

✅ Power BI report, dashboard, and DAX development (Desktop + paginated)

✅ Staff training & skills transition

✅ Integration with Civica Cx, and corporate systems

The sooner you start, the smoother your transition will be. Feel free to reach out and we can have a chat about how to move forward.

The future of reporting is here (actually its been here a while!) don’t get left behind.