Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services vs XLCubed comparison

Microsoft and Fluence Technologies are both solutions in the Reporting category. Microsoft is ranked #6 with an average rating of 7.6, while Fluence Technologies is ranked #29. Microsoft holds a 3.4% mindshare in RT, compared to Fluence Technologies’s 0.3% mindshare. Additionally, 84% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 50% of Fluence Technologies users who would recommend it.

Microsoft SQL Server Report...

Read 20 Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services reviews

2,819 Views
1,843 Comparison Views

84% willing to recommend

XLCubed

Read 2 XLCubed reviews

195 Views
139 Comparison Views

50% willing to recommend

Microsoft SQL Server Report...

XLCubed

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 4, 2025

XLCubed and Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services compete in the business intelligence and reporting category. XLCubed has an edge in pricing and support, while Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services offers more extensive features, commanding a robust position in data analysis and integration.

Features: XLCubed features an interactive Excel-based interface, seamless data connectivity, and agile reporting solutions. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services provides advanced data visualization, wide integration capabilities, and automated report generation. XLCubed suits Excel-savvy environments whereas Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is preferred for its comprehensive solution features.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: XLCubed offers easy deployment with minimal technical barriers, supported by personalized customer service. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services requires deeper technical knowledge but provides thorough documentation and extensive support.

Pricing and ROI: XLCubed comes with a competitive price and quick ROI due to low-cost setup and efficient deployment. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services may have higher initial costs but delivers value through its scalability and rich features, promising long-term ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services vs. XLCubed Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft SQL Servering Services vs. XLCubed

April 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Microsoft SQL Server Report...

Ranking in Reporting

6th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

XLCubed

Ranking in Reporting

29th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Reporting category, the mindshare of Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is 3.4%, down from 4.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of XLCubed is 0.3%, up from 0.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Reporting

Featured Reviews

Gnanavel-Chakkarapani

Junior Consultant at CMA CGM

Offers useful templates but needs to improve the connectivity offered

In Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, not much of the interface part is used. With Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, its users face issues with the interface after they use Excel or create Microsoft SSIS Packages. The tool's interface is an area of concern requiring improvement. There needs to be an improvement in the product's connectivity so that the tool can connect easily with other third-party databases. In the dashboard, drag and drop functionality needs to improve, especially when compared to other tools like IBM Cognos Analytics and Qlik Sense. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is useful only for standard reports. In IBM Cognos Analytics, query studio can be used by users to drag the data and simply download the reports, so the user doesn't need to have any technical knowledge like developers. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is to be improved to offer features like query Studio, which is provided in IBM Cognos Analytics.

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it_user1391316

Head of Finance Systems at NHS

Cost effective with great capability, performance, flexibility and visuals

In general, we're happy with the solution but we're always looking to see what else is out there. The thing we've struggled with is our partnership with Tagetik UK, the consultants, and the issue we had gaining access to consultants to develop the solution on our behalf. Thankfully we connected directly with XLCubed and now have a pretty close and good relationship with them so the earlier problem we had of actually getting resources to help us develop has now been solved. One of the things that we've been asking for and would like as an additional feature is a sort of benchmarking functionality. The ability to be able to benchmark, directly against the company digital corporate numbers. That said, there seems to be improved functionality within the latest release that could help us develop that further.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The initial setup is easy."

"We can create quality reports in real time."

"Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services has been functional whenever I needed to use it."

"With SQL Server Reporting Services, I can create reports and printable reports, known as paginated reports."

"In Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, the installation and configuration are easy."

"I mainly use the solution for the ease of reporting and for executive dashboards."

"Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is reliable for management dashboard and reporting purposes. It is helpful for user reporting and administrative tasks, such as monitoring progress. It is easy to use since it is lightweight and integrates well with the SQL Server database, making reporting straightforward. The visualization capabilities enhance our reporting needs with good pagination and KPI features. It integrates well with data servers and workbooks, allowing us to publish reports on mobile applications and tablets easily. Integrating other tools and platforms in our tech ecosystem is generally straightforward. However, if we need to perform something very specialized, we might have to use third-party tools rather than inbuilt options."

"It is scalable."

More Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services pros

"I am looking forward to testing their full graphics that are available, as they looked very interesting in the demo."

"Great capability, performance, flexibility, visuals, and the solution is also very cost effective."

Cons

"Technical support is in minor need of improvement so that they can solve problems in a more timely manner."

"The solution's interface is old."

"The product could be improved by reducing the time it takes to build and deploy reports."

"We have had issues with the refresh interval since we have too many reports scheduled. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is also expensive."

"Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services needs to improve performance."

"It would be really nice to have better integration between the solution and Power BI."

"The setup is difficult because you have to install different servers."

"In this solution, the cost should be reduced for the enterprise edition."

More Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services cons

"Would like the ability to be able to benchmark."

"There should be a better or an easier way to establish that connection to external sources."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing is high."

"The price is pretty good."

"The solution is free to use for developers."

"Value-wise, the solution's pricing is good for the price that we pay."

"The solution is cheaper than its alternatives."

"The solution is expensive."

"The product pricing is reasonable in terms of suitable features for business."

"The tool's licensing costs are expensive."

"I am still using the two-week trial, but at first sight, the price is reasonable."

"14,000 Pounds per year for licensing."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

13%

Government

12%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services?

I mainly use the solution for the ease of reporting and for executive dashboards.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services?

I don't recall the current pricing as it changes frequently.

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What needs improvement with Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services?

They could improve the scalability and stability of SQL Server Reporting Services. I haven't used it recently, so I can't provide detailed suggestions on improvements.

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Comparisons

TIBCO Jaspersoft vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 18% of the time

Tableau vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 16% of the time

IBM Cognos vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 14% of the time

Oracle OBIEE vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 12% of the time

SAP Crystal Reports vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 9% of the time

More Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services Competitors

Microsoft Power BI vs XLCubed

Compared 100% of the time

More XLCubed Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft SQL Servering Services

April 2025

Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services report

Download Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services product report

Buyer's Guide

Reporting

April 2025

Download XLCubed product report

Also Known As

SQL Server Reporting Services, Microsoft SSRS, SSRS, MS SQL Server Reporting Services

No data available

Overview

At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our mission is grounded in both the world in which we live and the future we strive to create. Today, we live in a mobile-first, cloud-first world, and the transformation we are driving across our businesses is designed to enable Microsoft and our customers to thrive in this world.

We do business in 170 countries and are made up of 114,000 passionate employees dedicated to fulfilling our mission of helping you and your organization achieve more.

Microsoft

Produce insightful, interactive reports on, company-wide metrics for any business audience. Now all in Excel.
Pixel-perfect financial reporting with the skill sets you already have. No IT required.
Meet XLCubed: The data-connected Excel add-in for all your reporting needs.

Fluence Technologies

Sample Customers

CMS Wire, The New York Times

Marshalls Ltd, BP Exploration and Production, Thorntons, Ted Baker, Bristol-Myers, Rank Group, ING Bank Genve, Cargill Value Investment, Chloride Power, Auchan, Erste, UEFA, Novartis, Porsche Informatik, Raiffeisen Bank International

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft SQL Servering Services vs. XLCubed

April 2025

Free Report: Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services vs. XLCubed

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