Connect to Azure Analysis Services Server

This article explains how to connect to your Azure Analysis Services server from various client applications. Connecting to your server is the first step in querying and visualizing your tabular data models.

Note: Ensure you have the necessary permissions (e.g., Administrator, Data Reader, or Database Reader role) to connect to the Analysis Services server and its databases.

Connecting with Business Intelligence Tools

The most common way to connect to Azure Analysis Services is through business intelligence tools like Power BI, Excel, and Visual Studio. These tools provide dedicated connection dialogs that simplify the process.

Connecting with Power BI Desktop

Power BI Desktop offers a seamless connection experience:

Open Power BI Desktop.
Click Get Data on the Home ribbon.
Select Azure Analysis Services from the list of data sources.
In the server name field, enter your Azure Analysis Services server name. The format is your_server_name.windows.net.
Choose the connection mode (DirectQuery or Import). DirectQuery is generally recommended for large datasets.
Click OK.
You may be prompted for authentication. Select your authentication method (e.g., Microsoft account) and provide your credentials.
Once authenticated, you will see a list of databases on your server. Select the database you want to connect to and click Load or Transform Data.

Tip: For optimal performance with Power BI, consider using DirectQuery mode and designing efficient DAX measures.

Connecting with Microsoft Excel

Excel can connect to Azure Analysis Services using the Power Pivot add-in or directly through Get & Transform Data:

Open Microsoft Excel.
Go to the Data tab.
Click Get Data > From Azure > From Azure Analysis Services.
Enter your server name (e.g., your_server_name.windows.net).
Click OK.
Choose your authentication method and credentials.
Select the database and table(s) you want to import.

Connecting with Visual Studio (SQL Server Data Tools)

If you are developing your Analysis Services model using Visual Studio, you'll connect to the deployed server to manage and deploy changes:

Open your Analysis Services project in Visual Studio.
In the Solution Explorer, right-click on the Data Sources folder and select Add New Data Source.
In the Table Adapter Configuration Wizard, select New Connection.
Under "Source type", select Microsoft Azure Analysis Services.
Enter your server name in the format your_server_name.windows.net.
Click Test Connection to verify.
Provide authentication details if prompted.
Click OK to create the data source.

Connecting with Scripting and Programmatic Tools

You can also connect to Azure Analysis Services using programming languages and scripting tools for automation and custom applications.

Connecting with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SSMS allows you to manage your Azure Analysis Services server, execute MDX/DAX queries, and perform administrative tasks:

Open SQL Server Management Studio.
In the Connect to Server dialog, set the Server type to Analysis Services.
In the Server name field, enter your Azure Analysis Services server name (e.g., your_server_name.windows.net).
Choose your authentication method (Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication if configured).
Click Connect.
Once connected, you can expand the server node to see databases, views, and execute queries in a new query window.

Warning: Ensure SSMS is updated to a recent version that supports Azure Analysis Services connections.

Connecting with Analysis Services Client Libraries (AMO, TOM, ADOMD.NET)

For programmatic access, you can use the .NET client libraries:

AMO (Analysis Management Objects): For administrative tasks, managing the server and databases.
TOM (Tabular Object Model): A modern, object-oriented API for managing tabular models.
ADOMD.NET: For querying data using MDX and DAX.

Example of connecting using ADOMD.NET to execute a DAX query:

                    
using System;
using System.Data;
using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.AdomdClient;

// ...

string connectionString = "Provider=MSOLAP;Data Source=your_server_name.windows.net;Initial Catalog=your_database_name;Integrated Security=SSPI;";

using (AdomdConnection connection = new AdomdConnection(connectionString))
{
    connection.Open();

    string daxQuery = "EVALUATE SUMMARIZECOLUMNS('Product'[Color], 'Sales'[Quantity])";

    using (AdomdCommand command = new AdomdCommand(daxQuery, connection))
    {
        using (AdomdDataReader reader = command.ExecuteReader())
        {
            while (reader.Read())
            {
                Console.WriteLine($"{reader.GetString(0)}, {reader.GetInt32(1)}");
            }
        }
    }
}
                    
                

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Firewall Rules: Ensure that your Azure Analysis Services server's firewall is configured to allow connections from your IP address or virtual network.
Authentication: Double-check your credentials and ensure your user account has the correct role assignments on the Analysis Services server.
Server Name: Verify that you are using the correct fully qualified server name (e.g., your_server_name.windows.net).
Client Version: Make sure your client tools (Power BI, Excel, SSMS) are up-to-date.

For more detailed troubleshooting, refer to the Azure Analysis Services troubleshooting guide.