Rating: Summary: Superb idea. The right price, the right size. Review: A 'rational' approach to out-of-control technical book values.I picked up this book mainly because my jaw dropped at the price. I was expecting a glossed-over shot at the subject matter, but this was no 'XYZ for Dummies' re-bake. I was surprised and thrilled at the quality and depth they were able to stuff into such an offering. Even the compact size is brilliant, I can fit it almost anywhere. Nice screen shots, tables, and tips. I can't wait for more titles.
Rating: Summary: Too quick out the door Review: Although the book is clear, it doesn't even come close to going deep enough. Rational rushed this one out the door to coincide with the Reporting Services launch. I see little value above saving one the difficulty of printing out the BOL.
Rating: Summary: From Know Nothing To Know how in nothing flat Review: As a SQL Server DBA I normally don't deal with reporting tools at all. Since this one is branded and bundled with Microsoft SQL Server I was naturally expected to pick this up and run with it. I needed a crash course. The Rational Guide to: SQL Server Reporting Services seemed like a natural fit. Quick, concise, and to the point it only took a couple of nights to read the book and a couple more to work through some basic exercises and get up to speed. Inside a week I had the basic skills and was able to show the value of this product. Anthony Mann continues to do what he does best, break what could be a very complicated subject into small digestible chunks to get you started and comfortable with the subject quickly. This book doesn't aim to be the end all be all well of knowledge, it is meant to get you started working with the product quickly so you can be as productive as you can be. If you haven't started working with SQL Server Reporting services, or find that you have just started and don't normally work with these kinds of tools, this book is absolutely for you.
Rating: Summary: A fantastic book to get started with Reporting Services Review: As Mann states the audience for this book is for the beginner and intermediate audience. Let's face it we are all beginners at this stage! In a step-by-step well thought out manner, Mann guides the reader through the set-up of SQL Server Reporting Services. He then guides the reader through the steps required to 'kick-start' his/her productivity with this new and exciting product. The sections that I found the most useful included the sections on "Report processing and management" in addition to the section on the "Deployment of reports". The book can be read in one sitting, and one can become productive in surprisingly short period of time. The author is to be commended for his efforts.
Rating: Summary: Great Book to get started Review: As the sole SQL Server DBA in a 1500 person company a lot of technology changes are left to me to get started. Tony's book helped tremendously to get me up to speed, which allowed me to teach others and we're now in the process of converting our Crystal reports to Reporting Services.
Thanks, Tony!
Rating: Summary: Just what I needed, no more, no less Review: Concise, yet thorough, introduction to SQL Server Reporting Services. Just right for getting me started and helping me determine how I want to approach an implementation.
Rating: Summary: Excellent introductory book Review: Excellent book when you are new to SQL Server reporting services. It covers all you need to create great reports. A small bit of time spent reading it will save you a considerable amount of time tinkering around with the new product. You will need other books to get the most out of the product, but this book is your best first stop.
Rating: Summary: Quick Guide Review: I had no clue about what reporting services are! After reading this book it gave me a quick overview of what it is all about. Then I bought another book to go into the details..
Rating: Summary: I'm so excited about this technology Review: I hadn't even heard about SQL reporting services until someone recommended this book to me. I had been considering (dreading)integrating Crystal server into my .net app and am so glad I found out in time. After reading this book and using the sample code included, I was able to start building the app the right way. I', half way done and the book as been extremely valuable. Definitely recommend.
Rating: Summary: Just what you need to know Review: I have found it to be easy reading and to the point. It is laid out well and I especially like the notes, tech tips and bonus information.
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