Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services vs Plotly comparison

Microsoft and Plotly are both solutions in the Reporting category. Microsoft is ranked #6 with an average rating of 7.6, while Plotly is ranked #18 with an average rating of 7.7. Microsoft holds a 3.3% mindshare in RT, compared to Plotly’s 1.1% mindshare. Additionally, 84% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Plotly users who would recommend it.

Microsoft SQL Server Report...

Read 20 Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services reviews

2,977 Views
1,988 Comparison Views

84% willing to recommend

Plotly

Read 3 Plotly reviews

702 Views
625 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Microsoft SQL Server Report...

Plotly

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 4, 2025

Plotly and Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services are products competing in data visualization and reporting. Plotly stands out in terms of interactive graphics and user-friendliness, while Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is strong in its integration with Microsoft products and comprehensive reporting features.

Features: Plotly is known for its customizable dashboards, collaboration tools, and interactive graphics, providing a dynamic visualization experience. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services offers strong parameterization options, seamless integration with SQL Server, and extensive reporting capabilities. Plotly is favored for its contemporary design and flexibility, while Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services benefits from an enterprise-focused feature set.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services typically integrates easily into existing Microsoft infrastructures, making deployment smooth for current users, and its customer service is well-rated in enterprise contexts. Plotly's cloud-based nature allows for quicker deployment and efficient online support, catering well to teams needing rapid implementation. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services might need more configuration time initially, but it offers robust long-term support.

Pricing and ROI: Plotly's subscription pricing is cost-effective for smaller teams, delivering quick ROI with low setup costs. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services requires a higher initial investment, but it provides significant returns due to its capabilities in large, enterprise environments. Plotly's pricing model is attractive due to its flexibility, while Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services presents value through its extensive features.

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

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft SQL Servering Services vs. Plotly

January 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

8.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Plotly

Ranking in Reporting

18th

Average Rating

7.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2025, in the Reporting category, the mindshare of Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is 3.3%, down from 4.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Plotly is 1.1%, down from 1.4% 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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CharlesBrewer

Managing Director at NaMax Limited

Helps to visually present datasets

In my experience, I primarily work with R when using Plotly. However, I understand that the integration of Plotly with Python is also excellent. I'm working with a sales and marketing consultancy that has operated for 20-30 years. They are transitioning to incorporating machine learning, AI, and statistical analysis into their traditional methods. The consultancy primarily works with B2B companies, recognizing that B2B firms with a limited pool of potential customers tend to be less engaged in social media than B2C companies. The focus is on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram while acknowledging that TikTok is not considered valuable for their analysis. The consultancy actively uses large language models to analyze various aspects, such as social media engagement, and assess how companies present themselves. In statistical and analytical terms, we aim to create impactful analyses for our clients. The approach involves comparing the target company with four to six similar companies, keeping the identity of these competitors confidential. Our goal is to assist clients in understanding their position in the market and provide tailored insights using modern tools. The focus is on identifying areas of weakness and highlighting strengths to refine sales and marketing efforts. To make this process effective, we utilize Plotly, as they offer impactful presentations. Building databases of company data and conducting analyses on various aspects like websites, social media, and other marketing presentations, we present comparative analyses of how a particular company stacks up against its competitors. I rate the overall product a seven out of ten.

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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

"It is scalable."

"The SQL Server Reporting Services makes it very easy to get the data whenever we need it."

"I like Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services' automated reporting feature."

"The tool's valuable features are its drill-down feature, graphs, and charts."

"We get good support from Microsoft."

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

"The initial setup is easy."

"The solution's features are all just wrapped up in one nice easy package. I don't need a lot of toolsets to get everything I need done."

More Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services pros

"The level of interactivity that the product provides is valuable to me."

"When reviewing and interpreting data, I typically examine it in a tabular form to understand its structure. However, when explaining or presenting the findings to others, I often use visualization tools such as Plotly. These tools allow me to create visual representations of datasets."

"It is a scalable solution. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine to ten out of ten."

Cons

"They could improve the scalability and stability of SQL Server Reporting Services."

"I would like the solution to add the scheduling feature for reports."

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

"The complex tuning for report performance is complicated. There is a lack of native support for source code control. We often need to use separate tools like VS Code or other software to manage version control and changes in the database. It would be beneficial if source code management were integrated directly into SSRS, thus eliminating the need to rely on external tools. While CLI-based operations are exemplary, the trend is towards GUI for a better user experience. Integrating both visualization and source code management within SSRS would simplify the process for users."

"The solution's interface is old."

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

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

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

More Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services cons

"The tool needs to improve its pie charts. Regarding Plotly, I find the online documentation somewhat challenging to navigate, especially when dealing with many parameters. Searching through thousands of parameters can be a tedious and less straightforward process. While the documentation is available online and serves its purpose, I often encounter difficulties in finding the information."

"The solution cannot be deployed on the website and shared with others through its own platform."

"I believe that the prices of the tool's paid services could be on the premium side, so the pricing model can be considered for improvement."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The tool's licensing costs are expensive."

"The solution is cheaper than its alternatives."

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

"The solution is expensive."

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

"The solution is free to use for developers."

"The price is pretty good."

"The pricing is high."

"I only use the free tier of the product."

"It is an open-source tool. My company hasn't explored Plotly's premium services yet, but I believe the prices could be on the premium side."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

15%

Government

12%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

19%

Manufacturing Company

12%

University

Computer Software Company

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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What do you like most about Plotly?

It is a scalable solution. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine to ten out of ten.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Plotly?

It is an open-source tool. My company hasn't explored Plotly's premium services yet, but I believe the prices are on the premium side. I rate the product price as five or six on a scale of one to t...

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What needs improvement with Plotly?

I believe that the price of the tool's paid services is on the premium side, so the pricing model can be considered for improvement.

See all answers

Comparisons

TIBCO Jaspersoft vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 22% of the time

Tableau vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 17% of the time

IBM Cognos vs Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

Compared 13% 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 8% of the time

More Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services Competitors

Microsoft Power BI vs Plotly

Compared 44% of the time

Tableau vs Plotly

Compared 43% of the time

TIBCO Spotfire vs Plotly

Compared 13% of the time

More Plotly Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft SQL Servering Services

February 2025

Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services report

Download Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services product report

Buyer's Guide

Reporting

March 2025

Download Plotly 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

Plotly creates leading open source tools for composing, editing, and sharing interactive data visualization via the Web.

Our collaboration servers (available in cloud or on premises) allow data scientists to showcase their work, make graphs without coding, and collaborate with business analysts, designers, executives, and clients.

Plotly

Sample Customers

CMS Wire, The New York Times

Google, Goji, VIT, Smpl Bio, U.S. Air Force, C12 Energy, New York University

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft SQL Servering Services vs. Plotly

January 2025

Free Report: Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services vs. Plotly

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services vs. Plotly and other solutions. Updated: January 2025.

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