SSDT-BI SQL Version Compatability

Question

I'm working on upgrading some SSIS packages from SQL Server 2008 R2 to 2012 and am getting somewhat confused by the SSDT-BI tools.

I have downloaded "Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools - Business Intelligence for Visual Studio 2013" from here, which according to this supports "SQL Server 2014, SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2".

When upgrading a package I don't see an option to upgrade "up to 2012" only. In other words, how can I stop the packages being upgraded too far? Or are 2012/14 pretty much cross compatible?

Also, are there other similar implications for SSRS, SSAS solutions?

If I need a different version to ONLY upgrade to 2012, which would I need?

Answer 1

I would stop using VS2013 for SSIS 2012. It builds SSIS 2014 packages that can't be deployed to SSIS 2012. Instead install SSDT-BI for VS2012.

Another option is installing SSDT preview for VS2015. It is a currently a release candidate for SQL 2016 but is able to support downlevel versions back to SSIS 2012. So the story will be much less confusing soon (or now if you are willing to use beta software).