Introduction to SQL Server Analysis Services Devin Knight (@knight_devin) www.devinknightsql.com dknight@pragmaticworks.com

About Me BI Consultant and Trainer with Pragmatic Works Author of 4 SQL Server books MCP, MCITP Certified Has spoke at past events like PASS, Code Camps, User Groups and SQL Saturdays

Agenda Understand the different flavors of SSAS Developing for Multidimensional Developing for Tabular Deciding which Analysis Services is for you

Favors of Analysis Services

PowerPivot Development Self service BI Cube without a data warehouse Mashing of loosely related data

Demo Create a basic PowerPivot workbook

Tabular Development xVelocity Engine Similar to PowerPivot but for a Server Can Create New or Import from PowerPivot

Demo Import a PowerPivot workbook into Tabular

Multidimensional Development OLAP Storage Engine Dimensional Model Measure Groups Dimensions

Demo Date Source Data Source View Cube Design

Dimension Design Attributes Hierarchies Country Country State Marital City Gender Gender State Customer Customer Customer City Gender Marital Age Customer State Gender Customer City Country Marital Attributes Hierarchies

Attribute Relationships Storage Speed Security Member Properties

Demo Hierarchies Attribute Relationships Keys

Which Analysis Services is for you?

BISM Multidimensional Multidimensional vs Tabular BISM Multidimensional OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) Data Compression X3 Best with Dimensional Model Query Language – MDX BISM Tabular xVelocity Engine Data Compression X10 Any Data Sources Query Language – DAX

Things to Consider Scalability Presentation Options Security Model Compatibility Data Source Flexibility Ease of Query Language Time to Develop

Decision Matrix