Connect SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to Azure Analysis Services

This article guides you through connecting to your Azure Analysis Services (AAS) tabular model using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Note: Ensure you have the latest version of SSMS installed. You can download it from the official Microsoft SQL Server Downloads page.

Prerequisites

An Azure Analysis Services instance is deployed and running.
You have an Azure Analysis Services tabular model deployed to your instance.
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) version 17.0 or later is installed.
Appropriate permissions to connect to the Azure Analysis Services instance (e.g., administrator, read permissions).

Steps to Connect

Launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Open SSMS from your Start menu.

Open the Connect dialog: In SSMS, click File > Connect Object Explorer..., or click the Connect button on the toolbar.

Configure connection details:

Server type: Select Analysis Services.
Server name: Enter the fully qualified server name of your Azure Analysis Services instance. You can find this in the Azure portal for your AAS resource. It typically looks like yourservername.asazure.windows.net.
Authentication: Choose your authentication method:
- Windows Authentication: If your Azure AD account has permissions on the AAS instance, you can use this option.
- Azure Active Directory - Universal with MFA: The recommended and most secure method. You'll be prompted to sign in with your Azure AD credentials and complete multi-factor authentication.
- Azure Active Directory - Password: Use this if you are connecting with an Azure AD account that has a password and MFA is not enabled or required for your specific scenario.
- Azure Active Directory - Integrated: Similar to Windows Authentication, leverages your Azure AD context.

Enter credentials (if prompted): If you chose an Azure AD authentication method, you will be prompted to sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Click Connect: Once all details are entered correctly, click the Connect button.

Verification

If the connection is successful, you will see your Azure Analysis Services server listed in the Object Explorer pane. You can expand the server node to see your deployed databases (models).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Firewall rules: Ensure that your Azure Analysis Services firewall is configured to allow connections from your IP address or your organization's network.
Permissions: Verify that your Azure AD account has the necessary permissions (e.g., Server Administrator role) on the Azure Analysis Services instance.
Server Name: Double-check that the server name is entered exactly as it appears in the Azure portal, including the .asazure.windows.net suffix.
SSMS Version: Older versions of SSMS might not support all Azure AD authentication methods or specific AAS features. Ensure you are on a recent version.

For more advanced connection scenarios or troubleshooting, please refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

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