Microsoft SSRS vs Superset: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this Markdown code, we will discuss the key differences between Microsoft SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) and Superset, which are both popular tools used for data visualization and reporting in the business intelligence domain.

1. Deployment and Hosting Options: One key difference between Microsoft SSRS and Superset is the deployment and hosting options. Microsoft SSRS is typically installed on-premises and requires a dedicated server to host the reports. On the other hand, Superset is a web-based tool that can be deployed on a server and accessed through a web browser, making it more flexible for cloud-based deployments or running on a shared hosting environment.

2. Data Sources and Connectivity: Microsoft SSRS primarily integrates with Microsoft SQL Server and other Microsoft data sources seamlessly. It provides native connectivity options, such as ODBC and OLE DB, to connect to various data sources. Superset, on the other hand, supports a wide range of data sources and connectors, including SQL databases, Druid, Hive, Impala, MongoDB, and more, making it more versatile when working with diverse data sources.

3. Visualization Capabilities: Another significant difference lies in the visualization capabilities offered by these tools. Microsoft SSRS has a limited set of pre-built visualization options, including basic charts, tables, and matrices. While it is possible to extend the visualizations using custom code, it requires additional development effort. In contrast, Superset provides an extensive collection of visualizations out-of-the-box, including interactive charts, maps, Sankey diagrams, and more, empowering users with a broader range of options for data exploration and analysis.

4. Collaboration and Sharing: Microsoft SSRS has built-in features for collaboration and sharing, enabling users to create subscriptions, schedule report delivery via email, and manage permissions for different users or user groups. With Superset, collaboration and sharing are built-in within the tool, allowing multiple users to work on the same dashboard concurrently, share insights through interactive dashboards, and even embed them in external websites or applications effortlessly.

5. Customization and Extensibility: Microsoft SSRS offers a powerful report development environment with advanced customization capabilities through the use of expressions, parameters, and formatting options. It also provides the ability to embed custom code, enabling developers to create complex reports. Superset is designed to be highly customizable, allowing users to create custom visualizations using Python or JavaScript, define custom SQL queries, and modify the look and feel of the dashboards using CSS.

6. Licensing and Cost: Microsoft SSRS is a part of the Microsoft SQL Server suite and typically requires the appropriate SQL Server license. It is offered in multiple editions, each varying in features and licenses. On the other hand, Superset is an open-source tool released under the Apache license, making it free to download, use, and modify. However, it is important to consider the associated costs of hosting and maintaining the Superset infrastructure.

In Summary, Microsoft SSRS and Superset differ in deployment options, data source connectivity, visualization capabilities, collaboration and sharing features, customization options, and licensing models.