J Livingston SQL (8/8/2012)
GSquared (8/8/2012)
If execs are looking for ad hoc reporting tools, it's hard to go wrong with pivot tables. PowerPivot and Excel have been mentioned already. I haven't used PowerPivot, but Excel pivot tables reading from SSAS are a great way to let execs, etc., "build their own reports". I've seen problems with the kind of people who want to know why the TV on their desk has a typewritter plugged into it, but anyone beyond that stage can learn Excel pivot tables pretty rapidly, in my experience.We have been providing excel pivot tables from SSAS for years now.....sadly the majority of middle management execs who really need the slice/dice/summarise/drillthro that is easily available in excel...cannot for some reason (in spite of numerous training sessions / hand holding ) "get their heads around multi dimensions".
Quite often Support ends up reformatting a pivot table to provide a "new" view...which the exec then refreshes and maybe, just maybe knows how to alter the sales month.
We have even reverted in some cases to providing static pdf reports.
Accountants on the other hand....love pivot tables.
...perhaps this explains the strapline in my signature:-D
This is because tools like SSRS are not user friendly, they are made for people who like the technical stuff, like devs. If you want managers and business professionals to be able to generate reports and use BI effectively, let them use a tool they know how to use. [Full disclosure: I work for windward]
Windward's Autotag lets you create/edit templates in microsoft word, excel, and powerpoint. Drag and drop wizards make it easy, and you can import from far more sources than SSRS.
You can see our comparison between the two here:http://www.windward.net/reporting-comparisons/ssrs-comparison/
edit: formatting