CHAPTER 3 INTRODUCTION TO REPORTING SERVICES DESIGN WITH SQL SERVER DATA TOOLSReport parameters can exist that are disassociated from a query or stored procedure. For example,
you could have a report parameter that controls a report’s behavior or layout properties. When you use a
report parameter in this way, it’s often linked to a report filter or used in an expression that controls a
property value of a report item. In Figure 3-11, you can see the report parameters that were created
automatically for us when we executed the Emp_Svc_Cost stored procedure. You’ll also see the Report
Parameters dialog of the individual parameters, such as ServiceMonth, which you open by either double-
clicking the parameter or right-clicking and selecting Parameter Properties. The report parameters, in
Visual Studio or BIDS, now appear consolidated in the Report Data box, whereas in previous versions
they were contained within their own report parameters property box. Report parameters are used
within a report, both for setting criteria for datasets and for controlling report design layout elements,
which you will do in detail in Chapter 6.
Figure 3-11. Report Parameters dialog box
Figure 3-11 also shows the Allow Multiple Values checkbox, a new SSRS feature for SQL Server 2005.
Multivalue parameters allow users to select all values or combinations of values to be used within the
report to limit the data that is displayed. When multiple values are chosen, they are passed to the query
or stored procedure as a string array. It is important to note that multivalue parameters require the
following special considerations when implementing in your reports: