About Report Builder and Report Manager

Report Builder is a small report design tool that is installed on your report server as part of Microsoft SQL Server. This helps you create reports by using a familiar Microsoft Office–style interface. You can build simple statements or complex, data‑driven reports by using built‑in wizards or by writing your own queries. When you work with report templates, Report Builder connects to the correct shared data source automatically. When you create a new report, you need to add a data source before you can build datasets or visuals.

Roles of Report Builder and Report Manager

Report Builder is where you have access to Templates and Report Parts provided by Report Manager (created from existing stock reports), tools to create custom reports varying from simple to complex and preview the reports.

Report Manager is where you upload the custom reports, configure UI controls, update an RDL, and ultimately, custom report users run the reports.

About Microsoft SQL Server and Report Builder Versions

SQL Server 2008 R2 supports Report Builder 3.0, which allows for creation of reusable and editable reports, including the creation and use of Report Parts.