JSON File Connector for SSRS

JSON File Connector can be used to extract and output JSON data stored in local files or direct JSON String (variables or DB columns). JSON Connector also supports JSONPath to filter data from nested array/sub-documents. This Connector is optimized to work with very large files.

In this article you will learn how to quickly and efficiently integrate JSON File data in SSRS without coding. We will use high-performance JSON File Connector to easily connect to JSON File and then access the data inside SSRS.

Let's follow the steps below to see how we can accomplish that!

Download Documentation

JSON File Connector for SSRS is based on ZappySys JSON Driver which is part of ODBC PowerPack. It is a collection of high-performance ODBC drivers that enable you to integrate data in SQL Server, SSIS, a programming language, or any other ODBC-compatible application. ODBC PowerPack supports various file formats, sources and destinations, including REST/SOAP API, SFTP/FTP, storage services, and plain files, to mention a few.

Video Tutorial - Integrate JSON File data in SSRS

This video covers the following topics and more, so please watch carefully. After watching the video, follow the steps outlined in this article:

How to download and install the required PowerPack for JSON File integration in SSRS
How to configure the connection for JSON File
Features of the ZappySys JSON Driver (Authentication / Query Language / Examples / Driver UI)
How to use the JSON File in SSRS

Create Data Source in Data Gateway based on ZappySys JSON Driver

In this section we will create a data source for JSON File in Data Gateway. Let's follow these steps to accomplish that:

Download and install ODBC PowerPack.
Search for gateway in Windows Start Menu and open ZappySys Data Gateway Configuration:
Go to Users tab and follow these steps to add a Data Gateway user:
- Click Add button
- In Login field enter username, e.g., john
- Then enter a Password
- Check Is Administrator checkbox
- Click OK to save
Now we are ready to add a data source:
- Click Add button
- Give Datasource a name (have it handy for later)
- Then select Native - ZappySys JSON Driver
- Finally, click OK
JsonFileDSN

ZappySys JSON Driver

You can use pass single file or multiple file path using wildcard pattern in path and you can use select single file by clicking [...] path button or multiple file using wildcard pattern in path.

Note: If you want to operation with multiple files then use wild card pattern as below 
(when you use wild card pattern in source path then system will treat target path as folder regardless you end with slash)

C:\SSIS\Test\reponse.json (will read only single reponse.json file)
C:\SSIS\Test\j*.json (all files starting with file name)
C:\SSIS\Test\*.json (all files with .json Extension and located under folder subfolder)

Now enter JSONPath expression in Array Filter textbox to extract only specific part of JSON file as below ($.value[*] will get content of value attribute from JSON document. Value attribute is array of JSON documents so we have to use [*] to indicate we want all records of that array)

NOTE: Here, We are using our desired filter, but you need to select your desired filter based on your requirement.

Click on Test Connection button to view whether the Test Connection is SUCCESSFUL or Not.

$.value[*]
Once you configured a data source, you can preview data. Hit Preview tab, and use similar settings to preview data:
Click OK to finish creating the data source
That's it; we are done. In a few clicks we configured the call to JSON File using ZappySys JSON File Connector
Very important step. Now, after creating or modifying the data source make sure you:
- Click the Save button to persist your changes.
- Hit Yes, once asked if you want to restart the Data Gateway service.
This will ensure all changes are properly applied:

Skipping this step may result in the new settings not taking effect and, therefore you will not be able to connect to the data source.

Read data in SSRS from ZappySys Data Gateway

Open Visual Studio and create a new SSRS project.
Then add a new Shared Data Source (you can create a non-shared data source inside report too):
Continue with creating the Shared Data Source. Select Microsoft SQL Server as Type and hit Build button to proceed further:
Once a window opens, configure it similarly. Configure "JsonFileDSN" as database name. Finally, hit Test Connection and OK:

JsonFileDSN
Another window opens, and it should look similarly to this one below which ends the creation of a Data Source:

DataSource=localhost,5000;Initial Catalog=JsonFileDSN
Now it's time to create a Dataset. If you don't have a report created, in one of the wizard's steps it will look like this:

SELECT * FROM Tickets
Finally, once you complete the report, similar results will show up: