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For years, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) has been a core tool for organizations that rely on SQL Server for their data infrastructure. Known for its ability to deliver paginated, pixel-perfect reports, SSRS works well for operational and regulatory reporting, especially in environments where accuracy and formatting are necessary. 

However, the analytics landscape is changing rapidly. With the increasing demand for interactive dashboards, self-service analytics, and cloud-native reporting, Microsoft is officially moving in a new direction. That direction centers on Power BI and, more specifically, Power BI Report Server (PBIRS). 

What Is SSRS? 

SSRS is a server-based reporting platform built by Microsoft for delivering structured, paginated reports. It allows developers and IT teams to create reports using SQL queries or stored procedures and format them using Report Definition Language (RDL). Users typically access these reports from a web portal or distributed through subscriptions in formats like PDF and Excel. 

SSRS is well-suited for use cases like: 

• Financial statements 
• Invoices and billing reports 
• Fixed-layout reports with precise formatting 

However, SSRS is heavily IT-managed, with limited interactivity and little self-service capability for end users. 

What Is Power BI? 

Power BI is Microsoft’s modern business intelligence platform, designed for interactive reporting and data exploration. With Power BI, users can build dashboards, perform ad hoc analysis, and share insights in real time—whether on the web, through mobile apps, or embedded in tools like Microsoft Teams and Excel. 

Key Power BI advantages include: 

• Interactive dashboards and drill-through capabilities 
• AI-powered insights and visualizations 
• Seamless integration with Azure, Microsoft 365, and hundreds of data sources 
• Robust self-service capabilities for non-technical users 

Power BI also offers Power BI Report Server (PBIRS), an on-premises solution for organizations that are not ready to fully move to the cloud. PBIRS supports both paginated reports (like SSRS) and interactive Power BI reports, making it a bridge between traditional and modern reporting needs. 

What’s Changing in SQL Server 2025? 

In a significant update outlined by Microsoft (source), SSRS will no longer be included with SQL Server 2025. While SSRS 2022 will continue to receive security updates through January 11, 2033, no new versions of SSRS will be released. 

Instead, Microsoft is consolidating its reporting roadmap around Power BI Report Server (PBIRS), which will continue to be available for customers with paid editions of SQL Server. PBIRS includes all SSRS capabilities—such as support for RDL and paginated reports—while adding interactive Power BI report rendering, web-based visuals, and enhanced user experiences. 

This marks a major shift in Microsoft's analytics and reporting strategy. It signals that SSRS is entering maintenance mode, and future innovations will happen within the Power BI ecosystem. 

Why Transition to Power BI Now? 

For organizations still dependent on SSRS, this is a critical moment to start planning. Here is why: 

• No Future SSRS Releases – SSRS 2022 is the last version. Future updates will be security-related only. 
• Broader Capabilities in PBIRS – PBIRS supports both SSRS-style and modern Power BI reports, providing flexibility and a single platform for all reporting needs. 
• User Empowerment – Power BI offers self-service reporting, enabling business users to explore and visualize data without relying on IT. 
• Cloud-Ready Options – Power BI seamlessly integrates with cloud data sources and services, preparing organizations for future scalability. 
• Ongoing Innovation – Power BI updates monthly, with new features, connectors, and performance improvements added regularly. 

Final Thoughts 

If your organization invests heavily in SSRS, now is the time to assess your reporting landscape. Power BI not only modernizes your reporting capabilities but also prepares your business for future innovations in analytics, automation, and AI. 

The transition does not have to be immediate or disruptive. Tools like Power BI Report Builder support paginated reports in the Power BI ecosystem, allowing a hybrid approach where SSRS-style reports coexist with interactive dashboards. 

Now is the time to embrace the tools that will drive analytics into the next decade.